PODCAST
Sincerely Incomplete
July 14th, 2016
Acts 19:1-11
Perhaps you have heard that it doesn’t matter what one believes as it is sincerely believed. In Acts 19, the Apostle Paul discovered sincere believers in Ephesus. It became clear to Paul that although these believers had received John the Baptist’s message of baptism for repentance, their knowledge was incomplete. John said, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I . . . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).
There was a blessing beyond repentance. It is Jesus who makes possible forgiveness of sin and the baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. When Paul explained the message of Jesus, they received it gladly. They were baptized in the name of Jesus, and just like the disciples at Pentecost and the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house, they were filled with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2 and 10).
Partial knowledge may be excused for a time, but when the complete story is made known those who gladly receive it experience the fullness of blessing it holds.
Author: Blair Rorabaugh
