Acts 11:15

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.

1. It is commonly taught that Cornelius received "Holy Spirit Baptism." The same baptism as the apostles received on Pentecost in Acts 2:1-47.

2. I reject this idea.

1. If Cornelius received Holy Spirit baptism - then we have a problem with the statement of Jesus that the world (lost, sinners) can not receive the Spirit. (John 14:17)

2. If Cornelius received Holy Spirit baptism - then it was not just for the apostles.

3. If Cornelius could receive it - Why not men today?

4. Below is an outline on the measures of the Spirit.

5. I believe Acts 11:1-30 teaches the Cornelius received the "spiritual gifts" measure of the Holy Spirit. The only difference was the means of transmission. Most early Christians received this gift by the laying on of an apostle's hands. Cornelius received it by the "laying on" of God's hands.

Measures of the Holy Spirit

1. Jesus (John 3:34; Colossians 2:9) - beyond measure - fullness - entire - all power

2. Baptism (Acts 1:4-8)- promised (not commanded) to apostles - power to work all kinds of miracles, inspiration, revelation

3. Spiritual Gifts (Romans 1:11; Acts 8:18-19)- by laying on of hands, power to work one kind of gift

1. Cornelius - special case - by "laying on from God" rather than from men

2. NOT Holy Spirit Baptism - promised to apostles

3. Same gift (vs. 17) = tongues, speaking a language not studied by the speaker

4. AS - (vs. 15) describes the manner of its arrival - from God not from man

4. Non-miraculous (Acts 2:38; Acts 19:1-2) - at baptism - lead, guide, overcome, protect