2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am  weak, then am I strong.

Paul clearly identifies his thorn in the flesh as “the messenger of Satan” and he says the work of this messenger was “to buffet me”.  The word messenger is Angelos which you would recognize as angel, in this case an angel of Satan.  The word buffet means, to strike repeatedly, to fight against like waves pounding against a ship.  This thorn was a demonic spirit who persecuted Paul and made sure that he had a hard time of it.  Paul lists a few types of things here that this messenger of Satan brings against him.  Elsewhere Paul also lists specific examples of this demonic harassment:


2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft, Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.  Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.


So according to the scriptures we do know exactly what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was for he himself tells us.  A demonic spirit was assigned to him to continually harass and persecute him. It should be noted also that the reason this thorn came about was because of the abundance of revelations.  So we should be careful in making applications to ourselves regarding a thorn in the flesh as various types of problems.  The thorn is not a bunch of problems; the thorn is a messenger (demonic spirit) of Satan.  Also in all of the New Testament only Paul mentions this and no one else, so it is characteristic only of Paul.  Today those who are completely surrendered to our Lord Jesus and are actively involved in fulfilling His ministry can also expect to be attacked by the enemy of man (i.e. Satan and his messengers.)  In order to hold to a speculative theory that Paul's thorn in the flesh was some sort of disease or eyesight problem, one would have to ignore the clear teaching of the scriptures.  The fact is nowhere in scripture does Paul himself refer to any such thing.  If he did have a disease or eyesight problem then surely he would have mentioned it in the list of afflictions given above, but he does not.

Gospels
The word 'tongues' is only mentioned in one place in the gospels.
Mark 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

God says that speaking in a tongue is a sign.  God says that speaking in tongues (one of the signs) shall follow or accompany those who believe.  God says that when believers went forth and preached that speaking in tongues (one of the signs) was present.  These verses do not tell us exactly what is meant by speaking with new tongues, so let’s examine some more scripture.

The Book of Acts
Acts 2:1-14  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

It is obvious from this scripture that the kinds of tongues that were being spoken at this event were other human languages for the spectators themselves declared that this is what they were hearing.  The Greek word for ‘other tongues’ is heteroglossos (Strong’s G-2084) and is correctly and literally translated as ‘other tongues’.  Notice also the content of their message - the wonderful works of God.

Acts 2:15-21  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ (Joel 2:28-32)

Peter filled with the Holy Spirit recognizes these events as a fulfillment of scripture given by the prophet Joel.  Specifically he says that these events are signs of the Spirit of God being poured out upon mankind and basically explaining that they are prophesying in tongues - in this case other human languages.  God is doing this in order to spread the news throughout the world that the Messiah has indeed come, and he is doing this in men’s own languages.

Act 10:45-48 And they of the circumcision (Jewish folks) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.  Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.  Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

On this occasion Peter and several other Jewish men went to preach Jesus to Cornelius a Roman centurion and all of his household including slaves.  These Jewish men were astonished!  They were not expecting non-Jews to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  They knew these men received the gift of the Holy Spirit because they heard those speaking in tongues and glorifying God in the same manner that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Jewish believers in Jerusalem.  That is, when these gentiles spoke in tongues they were speaking in the languages of men.

Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Paul was in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor and found some disciples there.  Once again we see that speaking in tongues and prophesying are signs of the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This verse does not say what kind of tongues were given in this instance; however it would be safe to assume that it is speaking in other human languages just as in all the other instances of people receiving the Holy Spirit.

I Corinthians
I Corinthians 1:4-7 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

In his introduction Paul says that they have a lot of spiritual gifts including "all utterance".

I Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
I Corinthians 12:28-30 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Paul clearly indicates that speaking in tongues as well as interpreting tongues are gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Note also that it is the interpretation of tongues not the translation of tongues.

I Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

This is the first indication of any type of heavenly language here mentioned as being spoken by angels.  In the context Paul is giving examples of how useless gifts are or how useless a person’s dedication is without love.  Some say that Paul is just using examples and therefore there is no such thing as speaking in angelic languages; however all the other examples Paul uses are not made up but are in fact examples based upon earthly realities.  It would be safe to say here that both Paul and the believers in Corinth are familiar with speaking in tongues of both men and angels.  In other words Paul is speaking directly to them concerning their practice and common practices of the day.

I Corinthians 13:8-10 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (v.12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Some use these verses to say that now that we have the entire Bible then these gifts have been done away with.  They base that on the phrase "when that which is perfect is come" saying that this refers to the written New Testament which at that time had not been completed.  There is however no indication anywhere that this phrase is referring to the New Testament rather it is referring to the glorification of the believers upon the return of Christ as noted in the phrase "face to face".  Also if their interpretation would be correct then they would also need to say that we have perfect knowledge which of course we do not.  The gifts of the Spirit still exist today, for they are "of the spirit" which is still here today, but Paul is making the point that love must be the environment for the gifts of the spirit.

I Corinthians 14:1-5 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
I Corinthians 14:6-11 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so
many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
I Corinthians 14:12-19 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
I Corinthians 14:20-25 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues (unlearned human languages) are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying servethnot for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues (unknown heavenly languages), and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
I Corinthians 14:26-40 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ...If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

Conclusion:
    Speaking in tongues is a sign of the Holy Spirit.
    Speaking in a human language that you have never learned is a form of speaking in tongues.
    The primary beneficiary of speaking in a human language that you have never learned is the hearer.  They hear the gospel and the great works of God in their native language.
    Speaking in an unknown tongue is also a form of speaking in tongues.
    The primary beneficiary of speaking in an unknown tongue is the speaker, therefore;...
    In a gathering of believers, speaking in an unknown tongue without interpretation is of no value to the audience.
    Paul spoke in tongues, as well as many believers in various cities and regions.
    It is unbiblical to forbid speaking with tongues; however if there is no interpreter then the speaker should speak silently to God since he would be edifying only himself.
    Prophesying is preferred over speaking in tongues.

Application:
Do you speak with tongues?  Do you forbid others to speak in tongues?  Either human languages that you have never learned or an unknown language?  Can you interpret a message in tongues?  Is speaking in tongues practiced in your church or fellowship?  These are the practices of believers in the New Testament.  Jesus never changes.  The signs and gifts of the Spirit are still in effect today.  The same Spirit that was poured out upon the Jewish and gentile believers 2000 years ago is the same Spirit that is still here today.  Are you willing to become a truly biblical believer accepting the Holy Spirit and all the gifts and blessings that God offers through Jesus or do you love your traditions and false beliefs more than the truth of Gods word?

Is there really such a thing as the baptism of the Holy Spirit?  If so, what is it?  What happens when a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit and how does that take place?  John the baptizer is the first one to mention the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  His statement is mentioned in all four gospels.

Matthew 3:11  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Mark 1:8 I Indeed have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

John 1:33  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Notice what John says:  The baptism of the Holy Spirit is different and better than the baptism with water; and second that someone else not himself (John) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  At the time John said these things He did not know who would do this.  He did not know it would be Jesus.  John only knew that he himself was sent by God to baptize with water and prepare the way of the Lord.  Notice too that John the baptizer says that it was God who told him that someone else would come and baptize people with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus
Matthew 20:22,23  But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."
Mark 10:38,39  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."

The Book of Acts
Acts 1:4,5  And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
Acts 1:8  But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Acts 2:1-4  When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 8:14-21  Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them.  They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.  And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit."  But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!  You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God."
Acts 11:16  At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.  Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.  And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’  And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.  Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"  When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life."

Epistles
Ephesians 4:4-6  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  (Baptism here is not water baptism which is symbolic of the new birth, but it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit - the one baptism.)
Hebrews 6:1,2  Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  ("Baptisms" plural refers to John's baptism of repentance, water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit.)

Based on the above verses we see that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is administered by the laying on of hands and through the speaking of the word of God.  In the Bible it is recorded that all this took place through the apostles.  Nowhere does it say that Paul the apostle was baptized in the Holy Spirit however this could be what happened when Jesus appeared to him on his trip to Damascus.  Also nowhere in scripture does it mention that Stephen "a man full of  faith and the Holy Spirit" was baptized in the Spirit; however, this lack of mention does not mean that he wasn’t.  I mention him because he was not an apostle yet he did many miracles and signs.

A lot of Christians say that being filled with the Holy Spirit is the same thing as being baptized with the Holy Spirit.  If we compare water baptism with Spirit baptism then we will see that that simply is not true.  If you drink a lot of water, at some point you could say "I am filled with water," but that would not be the same thing as being immersed into water would it. On the other hand if you were to be immersed into water you would not say "I am filled with water" would you.  Using this comparison of water to show the difference between immersion and being filled we can easily see the difference.  Being filled means that the water is inside you to a great degree. Being immersed means that you are inside the water to a great degree.  Being filled means that a large amount of water is inside you.  Being immersed means that you are inside a large amount of water.  So it is with the Spirit.  What actually happens though when a person is baptized into the Holy Spirit is that they are also filled at the same time.  But you can be filled with the Holy Spirit without being immersed into the Holy Spirit just as you can drink a lot of water without being immersed into the water.  So you see being filled is one thing being immersed is another, they are two completely different things.  Remember, John said Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said he would, and the apostles did baptize people in the Holy Spirit.  Yes people are still baptized in the Holy Spirit today.   Let go of your traditions and believe what God says in his word and seek to know him fully.

One of the reasons a lot of Christians resist the baptism of the Holy Spirit is because they resist the idea of speaking in tongues which has been proclaimed as accompanying the baptism of the Holy Spirit (which is not necessarily the case.)  In general most Christians who resist the baptism of the Holy Spirit also resist the gifts of the Spirit and vice versa.  They resist the gifts and they resist the Baptism also.  I know of seven men who used to belong to a particular denomination.  When they were baptized into the Holy Spirit and began to experience the gifts of the Spirit eventually they left their denomination.  They simply could not have fellowship with others who were continually resisting the Holy Spirit.  If you have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit, I would encourage you to seek the Lord in preparation and seek to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


This scripture has been called “The Great Commission”.  That is simply a name that man has given to this particular passage.  However as a result of such great emphasis on the importance of this scripture, Christians have over the centuries used these words to develop a formal baptismal announcement.  We have all heard it hundreds of times.  When someone is baptized the one doing the baptism says, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  But is this really what Jesus said to do?  Have we been missing something here?  Jesus says to baptize them in the name of...What is that name?

After Jesus ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to the earth, the apostles and disciples began to preach and teach Jesus first to the Jews only then later to everyone else.  They also baptized the new believers.  Is there any record of what words they used to perform a baptism?

The Book of Acts
Acts 2:38,42 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (vs. 42) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Notice that Peter does not declare to them to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  He preaches and declares the actual name!  This is part of the very first sermon ever preached on the day the Holy Spirit descended upon he disciples.

Acts 8:12-16 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Here there is no mention of what words were used to baptize this man; however, in the verse above it is Philip preaching and here it is Philip preaching and in both instances he is preaching Jesus and the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:17,18 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 10:47, 48 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 16:14,15 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Acts 16:30-33 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Acts 19:1-5 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?  And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Here the people needed to be baptized again, John’s baptism of repentance was not enough.  They needed to be baptized into Jesus Christ.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Paul’s Example
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

I Corinthians 1:13-16 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

Here we can see the importance that Paul places on using the actual name of Jesus as he emphasizes the fact that he did not baptize very many people lest they should say he baptized in his own name to obtain his own personal followers.

Galatians 3:27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

We are told directly that people were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  In each instance that the apostles baptized people, the name of Jesus was prominent in their teaching and preaching.   Nowhere in the New Testament is anyone baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”!  In the New Testament people are baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus”!  They are baptized in the actual name not in the command to baptize in the name.

I used to own a company called Superlawn.  If I sent someone to buy some supplies at a garden center and told them “buy it in the name of our company”.  When that person goes to the counter and says “charge it in the name of our company” the clerk will not accept that statement.  The purchase will not go through and the supplies will not be granted.  They must have the actual name not just the command to purchase in the name.

I have attended only one church where the pastor baptized people in the name of Jesus and from time to time he would explain to the congregation that doing so was a more Biblical practice.  In a church where I was a member the traditional phrase was always used.  One day someone doing the baptism said,“I baptize you in the name of Jesus!” and then baptized the person.  A large part of the congregation noticed the difference and cheered recognizing that we ought to follow Biblical practices rather than tradition.

How about you?  Are you willing to change to become Biblical?  Are you willing to change to follow the practice of the apostles?  Why is this important?  God says that His church was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.  When it comes to baptism we have left the foundation, we have left the name of Jesus.  In the scripture above Paul asks, “into what then were you baptized?”  After explaining Christ to them they were baptized into Jesus.  They were baptized into a “who” not a “what”.  Come on, let’s give Jesus the glory he deserves.  Let’s lift up His name before all the people.  Let’s recognize the authority of His name.  When your love for Jesus grows to where He is all that really matters to you then you begin to see how important it is to return to a true faith and practice of honoring Him in all things.  