Commentary on Acts 1:5

“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

Introduction

The verse Acts 1:5 serves as a pivotal point in the narrative of the early Church, marking the transition from the ministry of John the Baptist to the fulfilled promise of the Holy Spirit. This commentary draws from multiple esteemed public domain scholars to elaborate upon the theological significance, contextual background, and practical implications of this passage.

The Context of Acts 1:5

In the context of the Book of Acts, this verse occurs after the resurrection of Jesus Christ and prior to His ascension. The apostles were gathered, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus. Matthew Henry emphasizes that the mention of John indicates the necessity of preparation before the greater outpouring of the Spirit (Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible). John’s baptism was one of preparation, whereas the baptism of the Holy Spirit signifies empowerment for ministry.

John’s Baptism

John the Baptist is significant within the Gospels for his role in baptizing people for repentance. In Luke 3:16, John says he baptizes with water, but there comes One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Albert Barnes elaborates that John's baptism was indicative of repentance and a preparatory step toward the greater work that the Christ would establish (Barnes, Albert. Notes on the New Testament).

Transition to the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:5 poignantly marks a transition. The role of the Holy Spirit is introduced here as a critical component of a believer's life, especially for the apostles who were to be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. Adam Clarke expresses that this distinction between water and Spirit serves to illustrate the profound change in divine operation wrought by Christ's resurrection (Clarke, Adam. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible). The baptism of the Holy Spirit represents a holistic empowerment that includes sanctification, guidance, and anointing for divine service.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit which highlights God’s continuing presence with His people. The phrase “not many days hence” points to the urgent expectation of this promise. Matthew Henry connects this expectation to the celebration of Pentecost, when the promised Spirit would descend upon the apostles in a dramatic and transformative way (Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible). This anticipation is a source of great hope and faith for believers.

Theological Implications

• Empowerment for Mission: The Holy Spirit equips the believers to perform their mission, as outlined in Acts 1:8, where they are to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
• Fulfillment of the Prophecy: This baptism signifies a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Spirit’s outpouring (e.g., Joel 2:28-29).
• The New Covenant: The Holy Spirit's coming ushers in a new era, moving from a covenant marked by law to one characterized by Spirit-empowered living.

Practical Applications

The implications of Acts 1:5 extend deeply into the lives of modern believers:

• Spiritual Empowerment: Believers are encouraged to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment in their daily walk with Christ.
• Community and Fellowship: The early Church’s reliance on the Holy Spirit demonstrates the importance of community in discerning God's will and mission.
• Expectant Faith: The anticipation of God's promises provides a model for modern believers to cultivate an expectant faith as they wait on the Lord.

Conclusion

Acts 1:5 is not merely a historical footnote but a crucial declaration of God's plan through the Holy Spirit. The transition from John’s baptism to the baptism of the Holy Spirit fulfills scriptural prophecy and shapes the ministry of the early Church. For pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, this passage serves as a reminder of the necessity of the Holy Spirit in empowering the Church's mission, offering hope and encouragement to continue in active faith.