Baptism of the Holy Spirit

"Baptism of/in/with the Holy Spirit" refers to the experience of being immersed in or overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit, a phrase used in all four Gospels and Acts to describe what John the Baptist contrasts with his own water baptism: "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). Jesus promises the Spirit's coming baptism to the disciples before Pentecost (Acts 1:5), which is fulfilled in Acts 2. Paul uses the concept in 1 Corinthians 12:13: "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body," applying it universally to all believers at conversion. Significant theological debate exists about the timing and repeatability of Spirit baptism. Classical Pentecostalism (from 1906 Azusa Street revival onward) teaches that Spirit baptism is a second, post-conversion experience subsequent to and distinct from conversion, evidenced initially by speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:44–46; 19:6). Cessationist and Reformed theology identifies Spirit baptism with regeneration and conversion, making it a once-for-all event for all believers at the moment of faith. Charismatic Christianity occupies a middle position. The exegesis of Acts (which records multiple Spirit-outpourings) and 1 Corinthians 12:13 are central to the debate.