Acts 1:5
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μὲν
truly
G3303
μὲν
truly
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
βαπτισθήσεσθε
baptized
G907
βαπτισθήσεσθε
baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
4 of 16
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
βαπτισθήσεσθε
baptized
G907
βαπτισθήσεσθε
baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
8 of 16
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
πνεύματι
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματι
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 16
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
G40
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
11 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
μετὰ
many
G3326
μετὰ
many
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
πολλὰς
G4183
πολλὰς
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 16
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Cross References
Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:Luke 3:16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:1 Corinthians 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Mark 1:8I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.Acts 19:4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.Acts 10:45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.John 1:31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.Joel 3:18And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
Historical Context
John the Baptist had prophesied this Spirit baptism (Mark 1:8) around AD 27-28. Jesus now promises its imminent fulfillment 'not many days hence,' building anticipation for Pentecost ten days later.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced the Spirit's empowering presence in your Christian walk?
- In what ways does Spirit baptism transform believers beyond mere religious ritual?
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast between John's water baptism and Spirit baptism marks the transition from preparatory ministry to new covenant reality. The Greek 'baptizo' (immerse) emphasizes total envelopment by the Spirit, not mere external ritual. This promise fulfilled at Pentecost demonstrates God's faithfulness and inaugurates the age of the Spirit.