From Incomplete Faith to Full Knowledge

Acts 19:1–3 (NASB95)  

1It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 

In this passage, Paul encounters a group of disciples in Ephesus who had received John’s baptism of repentance but lacked a complete understanding of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. These disciples, possibly devout followers of John the Baptist, were unaware that the Spirit had been poured out as John himself had foretold. Paul identifies this deficiency in their faith and carefully explains that John’s baptism was a preparation for belief in Jesus, who fulfills John’s promise of the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. This interaction highlights the transitional nature of John’s ministry as a bridge to the full realization of the Gospel in Jesus. Paul’s willingness to address their incomplete understanding with clarity and gentleness allows these disciples to move from a preparatory faith to a fuller experience of God’s Spirit, equipping them to fully participate in God’s mission. 

This passage reminds the modern church of the importance of recognizing and addressing incomplete or deficient understandings of the Gospel. Just as Paul took time to clarify and guide John’s disciples into a fuller faith, we are called to gently and lovingly disciple others who may lack knowledge of key aspects of the Christian faith. It also encourages us to examine our own understanding and ensure we are living in the fullness of the Spirit’s power. As we engage with others, let us be mindful of opportunities to teach, mentor, and guide, helping one another grow in faith and equipping the church to carry out God’s mission with boldness and clarity.