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Acts 19:2

²And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

Paul met twelve men in Ephesus who were disciples. He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. They had never heard of a Holy Spirit. That caused Paul to question just how they had come to be disciples. They told Paul they had been baptized by John.

These men must have been powerfully influenced by their baptism and the message of John to continue for years to consider themselves disciples in a foreign land. Paul explained that John had taught to believe in the One that would come after him, which was Jesus. After they had confessed their faith in Jesus, Paul laid his hands on them and they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. They spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? God gives the gifts of the Spirit as He decides to distribute them (1 Corinthians 12:11). Has your life changed? Do you notice God using you in a way that is new and different from your former lifestyle? God has promised to give the Holy Spirit to those believers that ask for Him (Luke 11:13). Ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to yield myself completely to the Holy Spirit. Help me to obey His leading. Show me the gifts You have given me, and teach me to use them for Your glory.