Acts 11:17

"I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’"

Key Reflection

In Acts 11:17, Barnabas recounts a prophecy that Jesus had given during his earthly ministry. According to this prophecy, John's baptism was one of repentance and water, preparing people for the coming kingdom. However, the true fulfillment would come with baptism in the Holy Spirit, which confers divine power and the gift of the Spirit. This event marked a significant shift from physical purification to spiritual renewal, signaling the beginning of the church age after Pentecost.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. What was I. What power or right had I to oppose the manifest will of God that the Gentiles should be received into the Christian church. Withstand God. Oppose or resist God. He had indicated his will; he had showed his intention to save the Gentiles; and the prejudices of Peter were all overcome. One of the best means of destroying prejudice and false opinions, is a powerful revival of religion. More erroneous doctrines and unholy feelings are overcome in such scenes, than in all the angry controversies, and bigoted and fierce contentions, that have ever taken place.

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