When Paul was in Ephesus finding certain disciples, did he ask them if they received the Holy Ghost when they believed? No, Paul asked them "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" The difference here reveals the five foolish virgins that have yet to trim their lamps with the oil of the Holy Ghost. No matter how that verse is translated, the meaning remains the same.
But many teach that speaking with tongues is necessary or you haven't been baptized with the Holy Ghost. They don't simply state that speaking in tongues is a sign of the Holy Ghost like other spiritual gifts, including love. They think that speaking in tongues is the ONLY proof. The worst of them then start to think that speaking in tongues is a badge of honor.
Here then is what we know:
"And they of the circumcision 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."
[Acts 10:45, 46]
The debate over allowing water Baptism for Gentiles was settled once and for all when Peter saw that they had been baptized in the Holy Ghost. He heard them speak in tongues and magnify God and this was proof enough for him to declare, "And as I began to speak, the holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye SHALL BE baptized with the holy Ghost."
[Acts 11:15,16]
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" [Jn. 7:38,39]
Attempts to change the Baptism of the Holy Spirit from an event worth seeking and waiting for into something that happens "automatically" at the time of "conversion" are not supported in the bible.
SIMON THE SORCERER
Some may want to say that only the Apostles were "baptized" in the Holy Ghost at the start of their ministry. Others will wish to say that it is by the laying of hands of the Apostles (only) that Christians can be baptized in the Holy Ghost. We can find some evidence for this view if we examine the Scriptures about what Simon the Sorcerer wanted to purchase. Surely, he was not offering money for nothing or for something he already had: "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.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." - [Acts 8:14-19 KJV] Of course Simon was chastised and told to repent (in no uncertain terms) but the point that it was by the laying of hands that the Holy Ghost was given is not supported in our many examples.
SAUL OF TARSUS (PAUL)
Still, some may argue that Paul was baptized in the Holy Spirit accompanied by the laying of hands by Ananias. Let's look: "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 9:17-18 KJV]
I cannot prove that Paul did not receive the Holy Spirit before his baptism (in water). In other words, I cannot claim it is a necessary inference -- a likely inference but not a necessary one. Still, there are other examples to look at before we can conclude the matter.
What about the Gentles?
Does the Bible mention "laying of hands" when they were filled? Peter was speaking and telling how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and with power... "[and] while Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision 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." - [Acts 10:38, 44-48 KJV]
Later, Peter told those in Jerusalem about it, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." - [Acts 11:15-18 KJV]
We see that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost was not restricted to Apostles only, that this was what was called "The Promise of the Father", spoken of by Joel, and although the laying of hands is Scriptural it is not be demanded in every case. Again, it is not a necessary inference. Some may come and say that it is only through an apostle that the Holy Spirit can be given. But this eisegesis also fails because we see that the Promise of the Father was given to "even as many as the Lord shall call..." "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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call." - [Acts 2:38-39 KJV]
THE GOSPELS:
Mat 3:11 (NIV) [John the Baptist:] I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Mark 1:8 (NIV) I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 11:11-13 (NIV) [Jesus:] "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Luke 24:49 (NIV) "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
John 7:38-39 (NIV) "Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive...
THE RISEN CHRIST DECLARED: Acts 1:5,8 (NIV) "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..."
