Acts 19:2-7 He said to them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said to him… Inquire we — I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST AND WHETHER WE MAY AND MUST RECEIVE HIM. 1. By the "Holy Ghost" is meant the "Spirit of God"; that is, of the Father, as proceeding from Him, although sometimes also styled the "Spirit of Christ," or, "of the Son"; Christ and His Father being one, and the Spirit of the Father being also the Spirit of the Son, in a way to us unsearchable. 2. This being observed, it will easily appear that to receive the Spirit of God is to receive His Divine influence, imparting those graces or gifts which are necessary to our salvation. Now, the manner in which this is done is, in many respects, incomprehensible (John 3:8). We must, therefore, receive the Holy Spirit as our lungs receive the air, and we breathe and live. 3. But are we authorised to expect any such thing? Certainly we are (Joel 2:28, 29; Isaiah 59:21; Matthew 3:11; John 7:37, 38; John 14:16, 17; Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38, 39). II. IN WHAT SENSE WE ARE TO RECEIVE HIM AND FOR WHAT PURPOSES. The context shows that the apostle spoke partly in reference to the miraculous gifts of the Spirit (ver. 6). These were given of old to confirm the law, to establish the gospel. They do not seem to be necessary where the Christian religion is already received and are not infallible signs of grace (Matthew 7:22; 1 Corinthians 13:1). But we may and must receive the Spirit in His ordinary graces; to renew our fallen nature (Titus 3:5); to enable us to bring forth holy dispositions, words, and actions (Ephesians 5:9; Galatians 5:22, 23). To be more particular. We must receive Him — 1. As a Spirit of truth; to enlighten our minds, and save us from ignorance, error, folly, and delusion (John 14:17). 2. As a Spirit of life (Romans 8:2; 1 Corinthians 15:45; John 14:19; Ephesians 2:1, 5, 6). 3. As a Spirit of grace (John 3:5, 6; Titus 3:5, 6). 4. As a Spirit of adoption (Galatians 4:4; Romans 8:15, 16). 5. As a Spirit of power; encouraging and strengthening us (Ephesians 3:16), which is necessary — (1) For our spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10). (2) For duty. (3) For suffering (2 Timothy 2:1; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 1:19). 6. As a Comforter (John 14:16). 7. As a Spirit of holiness or sanctification (1. Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). III. IN WHAT SENSE, AND HOW FAR, A MAN MAY BELIEVE, AND YET NOT HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AND HOW LITTLE SUCH A FAITH WILL AVAIL HIM. Without having received the Spirit in the forementioned respects, we may believe — The Being and attributes of God (Hebrews 11:6), inferring them by reasoning from the works of creation (Romans 1:20). The truth of the Scripture, and the excellency of its doctrines and precepts; and the promises and threatenings. But without the Holy Spirit our faith cannot be a saving faith (Romans 8:9). IV. APPLY THE QUESTION AND GIVE DIRECTIONS BOTH TO THOSE THAT HAVE AND TO THOSE THAT HAVE NOT RECEIVED HIM. 1. To those that have not received the Spirit, I would say, Reflect seriously and continually on the necessity and excellency of this gift — pray much for it (Luke 11:5-13). Shun whatever is contrary to the mind of the Spirit, or would prevent your receiving Him. He works by "the word of truth"; therefore, hear, read, meditate upon, and exercise faith therein. Through His aid deny yourself, and "mortify the deeds of the body" (Romans 8:13). Come to Jesus and exercise faith in Him for this blessing (John 7:37, 38; John 4:10; Galatians 3:13, 14). 2. Let me exhort those who have received this Spirit to guard not only against doing despite to Him, or quenching His influences, but against grieving Him, lest He withdraw from you. To use carefully all those means of grace whereby His grace may be continued and increased. (Joseph Benson.) Parallel Verses KJV: He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. |
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