Estimated Read Time: 10 min.

Supporting Text: Acts 1:4–5, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1–11, Acts 4:23–31, Acts 8:14–21, Acts 8:19, Acts 9:10–18, Acts 10:44–48, Acts 19:1–6, Luke 11:13, 1 Cor. 12:7–11, 1 Cor. 12:30, 1 Cor. 14:5, 1 Cor. 14:18.

If you read Acts 2:1–11, you will find that there is much in this text that occurred only once in Scripture. For instance, the sound of a rushing wind and the appearance of fire resting upon believers never occur again when people are filled with the Holy Spirit. There are, however, other accounts in the book of Acts that share similarities with the initial Acts 2 experience, particularly the speaking in other tongues (Acts 2, Acts 10, and Acts 19). Yet there are also a couple of occasions involving an initial filling of the Spirit where tongues are not explicitly mentioned (Acts 8 and Acts 9).

In this article, I will discuss the Pentecostal doctrine that the initial physical evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues. I will first present this view and then examine the arguments commonly raised against it.

I want to be transparent. I come from a Pentecostal background. I grew up hearing and learning from many great Pentecostal preachers, and I have both heard and personally delivered messages concerning the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. I still maintain a sincere appreciation for many aspects of Pentecostal theology.

The traditional Pentecostal viewpoint possesses a strong biblical argument. In a moment, I will walk through that argument and the primary passages used to support it. However, after studying the whole counsel of Scripture, I no longer hold the position that every believer who is filled with the Spirit will necessarily speak in other tongues.

I still maintain a very high view of tongues. It is a biblical and valuable gift that I continue to operate in today. Additionally, in a future article, I will take the time to discuss the topic of tongues in greater detail so that you may have a fuller understanding of its purpose and operation.

One more thing before we proceed. While I believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a foundational doctrine, the question of what constitutes the evidence of that baptism is a secondary issue. Whether you believe that tongues are the evidence or whether you hold another view, all Christians are united by Jesus Christ. We are family, and we should be able to discuss these matters with grace, humility, and love.

Traditional Pentecostal teaching regarding the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is often summarized as follows:

"The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct work of grace following salvation, and the initial physical evidence of receiving this baptism is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance."

The primary support for this position comes from Acts chapters 2, 10, and 19. In each of these accounts, those who receive the Holy Spirit are also recorded as speaking in tongues.

Therefore, of the five primary accounts in Acts that appear to describe an initial filling of the Holy Spirit, three explicitly mention speaking in tongues. This forms the foundation of the Pentecostal argument.

The question then becomes: What do we do with the other two accounts found in Acts chapters 8 and 9?

Acts 8 gives us the account of Simon the Sorcerer witnessing others receive the Holy Spirit. Upon seeing this phenomenon, Simon asks Peter for this power so that he too might lay hands on people and see them receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:19).

Peter immediately rebukes him, but it should be noted that Simon saw something observable. There was a visible or audible manifestation accompanying the reception of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, some argue that the experience may have been similar to Acts 2, where people spoke in tongues.

Some have also pointed to Acts 8:21, noting that in the Textus Receptus the word translated "matter" is logos, which can refer to speech or utterance. This has been used to suggest that speaking may have been involved. However, this argument is weakened by the fact that earlier manuscripts use the Greek word meris, meaning "part" or "portion." Therefore, the textual evidence for that argument is not particularly strong.

Acts 9 records Paul's reception of the Holy Spirit. In this account, tongues are not mentioned at all. The gifts that appear to be operating are prophecy through Ananias and the healing of Paul's blindness.

However, we later learn from 1 Corinthians 14:18 that Paul spoke in tongues extensively:

"I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you."

Paul clearly spoke in tongues. The question is whether he received this gift at the moment recorded in Acts 9 or at some later point. Since Acts does not explicitly mention tongues, we cannot say with certainty.

As you can see, there are biblical arguments supporting the Pentecostal position, but there are also scriptural observations that raise questions about it.

Acts 9 records Paul's reception of the Holy Spirit. In this account, tongues are not mentioned at all. The gifts that appear to be operating are prophecy through Ananias and the healing of Paul's blindness.

However, we later learn from 1 Corinthians 14:18 that Paul spoke in tongues extensively:

"I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you."

Paul clearly spoke in tongues. The question is whether he received this gift at the moment recorded in Acts 9 or at some later point. Since Acts does not explicitly mention tongues, we cannot say with certainty.

As you can see, there are biblical arguments supporting the Pentecostal position, but there are also scriptural observations that raise questions about it.

1 Corinthians 12:30 - Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Paul is clearly employing a rhetorical series of questions. The expected answer to each question is no. Therefore, when Paul asks, "Do all speak with tongues?" the anticipated answer is also no.

Some Pentecostal traditions argue that the tongues associated with Spirit baptism are different from the gift of tongues described in 1 Corinthians 12. However, the gift discussed in chapter 12 is further explained in chapter 14, where Paul discusses its use in both public and private settings. While there may be different uses of tongues, the same gift appears to be in operation.

This means that Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 12:30 may also apply to the discussion of Spirit baptism. Furthermore, Paul says:

"Now I want you all to speak in tongues..." (1 Cor. 14:5)

His desire that all would speak in tongues suggests that not all actually did.

How do you know that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit and are ready to be a witness for Jesus Christ?

First, if you begin speaking in tongues, I believe that is a clear indication that God has filled you with the Holy Spirit.

I remember when God filled me with the Holy Spirit at a youth conference. I felt fire come into my belly, and I spoke words in another tongue. Ever since then, that gift has continued to grow in my life, especially during personal times of worship and prayer.

Second, other gifts may manifest as well.

Acts 9 records both prophecy and healing in connection with Paul's experience. You may discover that God has given you a spiritual gift as a result of being filled with the Spirit. After all, it is the Spirit who distributes gifts according to His will (1 Cor. 12:7–11).

Third, many believers receive a boldness in proclaiming the Gospel.

Often, a believer asks God to fill them with the Holy Spirit and then discovers a newfound confidence to share Christ with others. What once seemed intimidating becomes natural through the power of God.

Acts 4:23–31 records believers being filled with the Holy Spirit, and after they were filled, they continued to speak the Word of God with boldness.

It is worth noting that Acts 4 appears to describe a second filling of the Holy Spirit. In other words, there is not merely one filling, but many fillings throughout the Christian life.

If God has filled you before, perhaps it is time to ask Him to fill you again.

If you are a Christian and have not yet received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, now is the time to ask.

In your prayer time, begin asking the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit.

This requires faith, just as salvation required faith. Remember that Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for and receive this promise (Acts 1:4–5, 8). Furthermore, Luke 11:13 assures us that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

This is not something God is withholding from you. Ask and receive by faith.

Do not become preoccupied with the evidence. The Holy Spirit distributes His gifts as He wills (1 Cor. 12:7–11). Furthermore, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not primarily about evidences. It is about being empowered to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

If you are seeking the Holy Spirit merely so that you can speak in tongues, your emphasis is misplaced. Instead, ask Jesus to baptize you in the Holy Spirit because you desire to be His witness. As you seek Him, trust Him to provide whatever evidence and gifts He desires.

In the next article, we will begin discussing the Gifts of the Spirit.