Lesson
8
The
Evidence of the Holy Ghost
VI. The Evidence
of the Holy Ghost
Acts 2:1-4 records the
initial outpouring of the Holy Ghost, when in the upper room they spoke with
other tongues. Do all speak with tongues when they receive the Holy Ghost? This
is a legitimate question and one that deserves sincere and honest
consideration. In considering the necessity of speaking with other tongues the
Bible is our sole source of information. Who spoke with tongues in the
Scriptures?
A. Everyone in
Upper Room Filled
Acts 2:4 records that
they were "all" filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance on the day of Pentecost. None
were excluded! All one hundred and twenty spoke with tongues as God gloriously filled
them with His Spirit. Among the one hundred
and twenty were Mary, the mother of
Jesus, Jesus' brothers, and all of the remaining apostles.
B. Samaritans
Receive Holy Ghost
Acts 8:13-17—The
Samaritans were given the same experience and something happened so they could
outwardly tell when people received the Holy Ghost. Even Simon the Sorcerer
knew they had received a heavenly gift.
C. Gentiles
Acts
10:44-48—The Holy Ghost falls on Cornelius and other Gentiles and they
spoke with other tongues.
D.
Disciples of John the Baptist
In Acts 19:1-6,
a group of John the Baptist's disciples are rebaptized in Jesus name by the
Apostle Paul, and are filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with
tongues. The accompanying sign of speaking with tongues is either stated or
strongly implied everytime the Holy Ghost is outpoured in the book of Acts.