Acts 11:16
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Original Language Analysis
ἐμνήσθην
remembered I
G3415
ἐμνήσθην
remembered I
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
1 of 17
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματος
the word
G4487
ῥήματος
the word
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
4 of 17
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὡς
how
G5613
ὡς
how
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
6 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἔλεγεν
that he said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
that he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὲν
indeed
G3303
μὲν
indeed
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
βαπτισθήσεσθε
baptized with
G907
βαπτισθήσεσθε
baptized with
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
10 of 17
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 with
G907
βαπτισθήσεσθε
baptized with
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
14 of 17
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
Cross References
Acts 1:5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.Mark 1:8I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.Proverbs 1:23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.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:John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.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:Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.2 Peter 3:1This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: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.John 16:4But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words shortly before His ascension (Acts 1:5). That Peter applied this promise to the Gentile Pentecost showed he recognized this as fulfillment of Christ's prophecy, authenticating Gentile inclusion in the church's foundation.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between water baptism and Spirit baptism?
- How does Spirit baptism fulfill what John's water baptism prefigured?
- Why is baptism with the Holy Spirit the essential mark of new covenant believers?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter remembered Jesus' words: 'John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.' This prophecy (Acts 1:5) found fulfillment not only at Pentecost but also at Cornelius's house. The contrast between John's water baptism and the Spirit's baptism shows the superiority of new covenant reality over old covenant shadows. Reformed theology distinguishes between the outward sign (water baptism) and the inward reality (Spirit baptism) - the latter being the saving work of regeneration and incorporation into Christ's body.