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Development of ACOP Doctrine
Respond in paragraph format to the following prompt(s):
- "Acts 4:13 – The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” This verse was used to describe the apostles Peter and John, why could it also be used to describe the early Pentecostals? Do you think it still describes Pentecostals today?
- How have you understood the idea of Baptism in the Spirit? Does your understanding line up with what is being presented in this topic’s video?
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21 Replies
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My view of the Baptism of the Spirit aligns with the ACOP in many respects. I see the Baptism of the Spirit as the fulfilment of the OT prophesies about God giving us a new heart and that His Spirit would reside with His people. Jesus also promised that His disciples would receive the Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit would empower them to carry out His will in the world. The infilling of the Spirit is the fullest expression of the New Creation life God desires for His people, and it shapes my understanding of sanctification, missiology, ecclesiology, and spiritual formation. I am probably not as rigid as the early Pentecostals when it comes to the specific evidences of Holy Spirit baptism, but I do recognize that the Baptism of the Spirit will be evident in a person’s life.
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I really like that it says in Acts 4:13 that the people could tell that they had been with Jesus. Something I do find with Pentecostals that I really respect and admire is that you can tell that they have been with Jesus. You can tell that they have been intentional to get to know Jesus and pursuing a rich faith walk with Him.
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Acts 4:13 describes Peter and John’s boldness and authority, despite being ordinary men without formal training. This verse aptly describes early Pentecostals, who were often marginalized and lacked formal theological education. Yet, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating boldness, passion, and effectiveness in sharing the Gospel.
This verse can still describe Pentecostals today who are filled with the Spirit and empowered to witness and serve. However, it’s essential to recognize that many modern Pentecostals have received formal theological training and education.
Regarding Baptism in the Spirit, my understanding aligns with the ACOP statement of faith, which emphasizes the experience as subsequent to salvation, evidenced by speaking in tongues (Acts 2, 10, 19). This experience empowers believers for ministry, witness, and a deeper relationship with God.
The video presentation has reinforced my understanding of the importance of Baptism in the Spirit and its role in empowering believers for effective ministry and witness.
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Early pentecostals were similar to Peter & John, because they had no formal training and were simply equipped for their ministry by the Holy Spirit and connection to Jesus. I think it still applies to pentecostals today, but on different levels. I’m sure some of them would still be considered has having no formal training in the Scriptures, but still be able to minister powerfully, but more than that, I would hope that our effectiveness is ministry, while grounded in solid Biblical understanding, is rooted more in our personal relationship and connection with Jesus than in any head knowledge.
I think it generally lines up, in that the Baptism of the Spirit is a distinct experience from salvation — though no less free — and empowers us to minister more effectively, and provides us access to the gifts of the spirit.
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