Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλου
when Paul
G3972
Παύλου
when Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
5 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
his hands
G5495
χεῖρας
his hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
7 of 19
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
8 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 19
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
12 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γλώσσαις
with tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
with tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
17 of 19
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
Cross References
Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;1 Timothy 5:22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.2 Timothy 1:6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Historical Context
This marks the final group receiving visible Spirit baptism in Acts. The pattern shows God confirming major transitions: Jewish Pentecost (ch. 2), Samaritan inclusion (ch. 8), Gentile acceptance (ch. 10), and now John's disciples (ch. 19).
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God give visible signs of the Spirit at key transitional moments?
- How does the Spirit's work authenticate doctrinal truth?
- What role do extraordinary gifts play in confirming the gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
When Paul laid hands on them, 'the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.' This Pentecost-like experience authenticated their transition from John's baptism to Christian faith. Speaking in tongues and prophesying demonstrated the Spirit's presence, paralleling Acts 2 (Jews), 10 (Gentiles), and now transitional disciples. The Spirit's visible manifestation confirmed doctrinal correction.