Bible Question:
I know that Jesus certainly knew who He was from an early age (12 years old when He was in the Temple talking to the teachers). My question is, “Did Jesus have the Holy Spirit in Him before He was baptized, or did He receive the Spirit only in that moment?”
Bible Answer:
Scripture does not give us enough information to positively answer the question, “Was Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit before He was baptized?” It is clear from Scripture that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit at His baptism. Therefore, we are also want to know when was Jesus filled by the Holy Spirit? When did Jesus receive the Holy Spirit?
John the Baptist Filled at His Baptism
It is significant that the gospel of Luke tells us that John the Baptistwas filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth.
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. Luke 1:15 (NASB)
But was John the Baptist filled with the Holy Spirit all the time? Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit never indwelt a person all the time – continuously. The Holy Spirit did not remain permanently in a person until after Pentecost (Acts 2). That is why Jesus said He was going to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Something new was going to occur. Saul is one example where the Holy Spirit did not remain on him (1 Samuel 10:6; 16:14) and King David is another. In fact, King David feared the Lord would take the Holy Spirit from him (Psalm 51:11). Today, the Holy Spirit lives inside a believer (Hebrews 8:7-13).
When the Holy Spirit came upon an Old Testament believer, the manifestations or miracles of the Spirit did not always occur. When Samson grew up, the “Spirit of the LORD began to stir him” (Judges 13:24-25). It is not until later that the “Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily” (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14). The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of Old Testament saints did not mean they performed wonders or miracles. For more information visit The Spirit’s Ministry – Tongues and Prophecy.So the Holy Spirit could have “come on” John the Baptist at his birth, but not remained since Pentecost had not yet occurred.
John Prophesied Jesus Would Be Filled With the Holy Spirit
Since John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit at his birth, it is difficult to believe that Jesus was not filled with the Holy Spirit at His birth since Christ was of higher rank than John. That is the testimony of John the Baptist.
This is He on behalf of whom I said,“After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.”John 1:30 (NASB)
(Video) What's the Difference Between Receiving and Being Filled With the Holy Spirit? - YQHA
Why would John be filled and not Jesus since Jesus was God in human flesh? Yet, we cannot state that positively since the New Testament does not explicitly state that. None of the gospels explicitly state that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit before His baptism. Yet, Isaiah 11:2 tells us that the Holy Spirit would “rest on Him.”
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him,
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The spirit of counsel and strength,
The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2 (NASB)
Jesus Filled With the Holy Spirit at His Baptism
But when was Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit? The first time we are told Jesus was filled with the Spirit is at His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 3:21-22).
After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “ This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (NASB)
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” Luke 3:21-22 (NASB)
(Video) What was Jesus' relationship with the Holy Spirit?
At this point we should ask, “Why did the Holy Spirit need to rest on Him if He was God?” The answer is found in Philippians 2:6-7 where we are told that Jesus”emptied” Himself. But of what did Jesus empty Himself? The answer is His glory (Matthew 17:1-5) and some of His divine attributes. For more information visit How can Jesus be God since He did not know the time of the end? He did not come knowing everything (Matthew 24:36). In fact, He came as a human baby who had to physically and intellectually grow and increase in wisdom.
The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Luke 2:40 (NASB)
Jesus was both God and human. But in order to experience life as a human, Jesus limited the use of His divine attributes. This is the message of Philippians 2:5-8. He also chose to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit for His ministry. The gospel of Luke seems to imply that He needed the Holy Spirit to do miracles.
One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. Luke 5:17 (NASB)
Other scriptures reveal that Jesus depended on the power of the Holy Spirit in His ministry The table below shows that Jesus did miracle after miracle by the power of the Spirit. He even died and returned to life by the power of the Spirit.
| Spirit’s Ministry to Jesus | Passage |
|---|---|
| Born by the Holy Spirit | Matthew 1:18 |
| Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism | Luke 3:22 |
| Led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted | Luke 4:1 |
| Returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit | Luke 4:14 |
| Spirit of the Lord is upon Him | Luke 4:18 |
| He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit | Luke 10:21 |
| Ministry performed in the power of the Spirit | Acts 2:22 |
| Anointed with the Holy Spirit | Acts 10:38 |
| Died by the Spirit | Hebrews 9:14 |
| Returned to life by the Holy Spirit | 1 Peter 3:18 |
These passages reveal that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit from His baptism to His death and resurrection. He depended on the Holy Spirit to perform His ministry. He is the perfect example of a believer who is perfectly filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, was Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit before He was baptized? Scripture does not tell us, therefore, we do not have a dogmatic answer.
Conclusion:
As already stated, scripture does not give us enough information to positively state that Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit prior to His baptism and subsequent ministry. Yet, if John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit, it is possible that Jesus was also (see above discussion)! The gospel writers make it clear that Jesus did miracle after miracle by the Holy Spirit. He died by the Spirit and returned to life by the Spirit. Jesus is an example to us that we too should live by the power of the Holy Spirit. That power comes by being filled with His Spirit and by walking in His Spirit. That is the key to power in the Christian life.
Suggested Links:
How To Be Filled With The Spirit
Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Jesus is Superior to Angels
The Spirit’s Ministry – Tongues and Prophecy
How can Jesus be God since He did not know the time of the end?
God’s Will – Be Filled With The Spirit
FAQs
Was Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit before He was baptized? ›
In the book of the Acts of the Apostles the arrival of the Holy Spirit happens fifty days after the resurrection of the Christ, and is celebrated in Christendom with the feast of Pentecost.
When did Jesus become the Holy Spirit? ›In the book of the Acts of the Apostles the arrival of the Holy Spirit happens fifty days after the resurrection of the Christ, and is celebrated in Christendom with the feast of Pentecost.
Did Jesus receive the Holy Spirit when he was baptized? ›Jesus is considered the first person to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus during his baptism and anointed him with power. Afterward, Jesus began his ministry and displayed his power by casting out demons, healing the sick, and teaching with authority.
Can you receive the Holy Spirit without being baptized? ›But, if you are already a Christian, then there is no need for you to be baptized again in order to receive the Holy Spirit – you already have the Spirit! And if this is true of you today, I rejoice in the mercy and grace that God has lavished on you in Jesus Christ.
Did Jesus depend on the Holy Spirit? ›15:11; 17:13). The point is that Jesus was fully human, and lived his life and fulfilled his ministry through constant dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Was Jesus anointed with the Holy Spirit? ›So then the same Jesus who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power now has all power in heaven and in earth. He has in turn given us this promise in Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing by any means shall hurt you.
Why did Jesus need to be baptized by the Holy Spirit? ›Well, in Jesus' case, heaven was about to open above the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit was about to leave heaven and come down to get up close and personal with Jesus. So, possibly, Jesus was baptized as a sort of ceremonial washing to prepare himself for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In what form did the Holy Spirit appear after Jesus was baptized? ›Luke records that Jesus was praying when Heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him. Luke clarifies that the spirit descended in the "bodily form" of a dove, as opposed to merely "descending like" a dove.
Did the disciples have the Holy Spirit before Pentecost? ›Scripture tells us the disciples were given the Holy Spirit before the Day of Pentecost, and, they were told to remain in Jerusalem to receive “a power” from the Holy Spirit.
Who received the Holy Ghost before baptism? ›The Holy Ghost: The Power and the Gift
Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized.
Can an unbeliever have the Holy Spirit? ›
The Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit does not indwell the unbeliever, for the Spirit comes only to those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. Romans 8:9 says, "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the spirit of God dwells in you."
Is baptism necessary for salvation? ›Baptism is said to be “for the remission of sins” and to “wash your sins away” (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Unless one is prepared to say that one is saved without their sins being forgiven, then they must admit that baptism is a condition of salvation.
How many times can you be baptized in the Holy Spirit? ›Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated. The baptisms of those to be received into the Catholic Church from other Christian communities are held to be valid if administered using the Trinitarian formula.
How do you know you are Baptised in the Holy Spirit? ›The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance. In Acts 19:6, when Paul placed his hands on the Ephesian elders, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues while others prophesied.
Does speaking in tongues mean you have the Holy Spirit? ›Speaking in tongues is an initial evidence, or sign, of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. “And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” — Acts 2:4.
Who raised Jesus and that same Holy Spirit? ›Romans 6:10-11. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11.
What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Jesus? ›The Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, is a witness of God and Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost confirms the truth of Jesus's gospel. He communicates to us with a “still voice of perfect mildness, as … a whisper, and it [does] pierce even to the very soul” (Helaman 5:30).
How many times did Jesus get anointed? ›Luke 7:11–17 labels Nain a polis three times, in verses 7:11 and 7:12.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus is the anointed one? ›Luke 4:14-21.
How to receive the Holy Spirit? ›The path to receiving the Holy Ghost is to exercise faith in Christ unto repentance. We can become clean through qualifying for the effects of the Savior's Atonement. The covenants offered in baptism by authorized servants of God bring that cleansing.
What are two reasons why Jesus was baptized? ›
Jesus wasn't baptized for the same reasons that us believers need to be baptized. Instead, his baptism confirms his identity as the Messiah, and demonstrates his willingness to take on humanity to be the perfect atonement for all sin and death. Jesus modeled a key step, baptism, in the life of every believer.
Why do we need to be baptized according to the Bible? ›Baptism marks the personal identification with Christ
When we come to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, our lives become united to Christ's life. We begin a journey of faith, united to Christ. We renounce service to sin and give our loyalty and service to Christ.
He was born of a Jewish mother, in Galilee, a Jewish part of the world. All of his friends, associates, colleagues, disciples, all of them were Jews. He regularly worshipped in Jewish communal worship, what we call synagogues. He preached from Jewish text, from the Bible.
What 3 things happened when Jesus was Baptised? ›At the moment that Jesus was baptised there were significant events: heaven was opened. God's spirit descended on Jesus. God's voice was heard.
Did the Holy Spirit come after the resurrection? ›Jesus was crucified at Passover time, and he ascended 40 days after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit came 50 days after the resurrection, 10 days after the ascension. Jews of many nations had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the festival. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
What is the second baptism of the Holy Spirit? ›The classical Pentecostal view is that the Samaritans experience a “second” reception of the HS, a work of grace that is obviously separate from and subsequent to the initial work by which they became believers in Jesus. They identify this second experience as the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Did the Holy Spirit exist in the Old Testament? ›The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament was for a selected few. He came only on selected leaders of the people, such as the 70 elders (Num. 11:24-27), Othniel (Judges 3:10), Gideon (6:34), Jephthah (11:29), and others.
When did the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples head? ›On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended with power upon the Apostles, thus began the mission of the Church in the world.
Did the Holy Spirit come to Mary at Pentecost? ›Mary, even though she is full of grace, also received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
What is the real name of the Holy Ghost? ›Holy Spirit, also called Paraclete or Holy Ghost, in Christian belief, the third person of the Trinity.
Do we need to be baptized in water? ›
It “symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection, and can only be done by immersion” (Bible Dictionary, “Baptism”). Going under the water represents the death and burial of Jesus Christ, but it also represents the death of our natural selves (see Romans 6:3–6).
Who was the first person to baptize? ›Mandaeans revere John the Baptist and practice frequent full immersion baptism (masbuta) as a ritual of purification, not of initiation. Mandaeans abhor circumcision and are possibly the earliest people to practice baptism and may have originated Gnosticism.
Can you say Jesus is Lord without the Holy Spirit? ›Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
What is the only sin against the Holy Spirit? ›The unpardonable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy includes ridicule and attributing the works of the Holy Spirit to the devil.
What are the three sins against the Holy Spirit? ›4:30 – offending the Holy Spirit, making him sad or sorrowful); Insulting the Holy Spirit (Heb. 10:29 – outraging the Spirit of grace, persistent sinning with full knowledge and no desire to repent); Blaspheming the Spirit (Mat.
Did Jesus say you must be baptized? ›We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom
Jesus said, “Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized … shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned” (3 Nephi 11:33–34).
The Catholic Church teaches in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that "baptism is necessary for salvation". It also states the desire for baptism "brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament".
What did Jesus say about baptism? ›Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).
Can you be baptized and not receive the Holy Spirit? ›In other words, every Christian, by definition, has the Holy Spirit. If you want to be re-baptized out of obedience to Christ, that is one thing. But, if you are already a Christian, then there is no need for you to be baptized again in order to receive the Holy Spirit – you already have the Spirit!
Are all believers baptized in the Holy Spirit? ›It is for all believers (John 17:20; I Thess. 4:2, 7; 5:23, 24), and is an instantaneous experience, received by faith (Acts 2:1-4; 15:8, 9).
What do you feel when the Holy Spirit touches you? ›
For some people, the Holy Ghost may cause them to feel overwhelmed with emotion and moved to tears. For others, tears rarely or never come. And that's okay. For them, the Holy Ghost may produce a subtle feeling of gratitude, peace, reverence, or love (see Galatians 5:22–23).
Is there a difference between the Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit? ›The English terms "Holy Ghost" and "Holy Spirit" are complete synonyms: one derives from the Old English gast and the other from the Latin loanword spiritus. Like pneuma, they both refer to the breath, to its animating power, and to the soul.
What happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon you? ›Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This power that comes from the Holy Spirit allows you to stand strong for the things of God.
Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? ›We are filled with the Spirit so God can flow through us like a powerful river to impact others. You'll find five instances recorded in Acts of early believers being filled with the Spirit, and the evidence was they spoke in tongues. What is speaking in tongues—and how does it help you?
What does Jesus say about speaking in tongues? ›He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Who was the first person to speak in tongues in the Bible? ›According to the New Testament, glossolalia first occurred among the followers of Jesus at Pentecost, when “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (Acts of the Apostles 2:4).
How was Jesus born of the Holy Spirit? ›The virgin birth of Jesus is the Christian doctrine that Jesus was conceived by his mother, Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit and without sexual intercourse. Christians regard the doctrine as an explanation of the mixture of the human and divine natures of Jesus.
What is the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus? ›As noted in the Doctrine and Covenants (reference cited below – D&C 84:45) , the Spirit of Christ comes directly from Christ. As a companion and instructor, the Holy Ghost teaches, helps, reminds us, and bears witness to these truths through his influence. We have both these spiritual guides working with us.
What is the Holy Spirit according to Jesus? ›The Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, is a witness of God and Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost confirms the truth of Jesus's gospel. He communicates to us with a “still voice of perfect mildness, as … a whisper, and it [does] pierce even to the very soul” (Helaman 5:30).
Where did the Holy Spirit come from? ›The Spirit (الروح al-Ruh, without the adjective "holy" or "exalted") is described, among other things, as the creative spirit from God by which God enlivened Adam, and which inspired in various ways God's messengers and prophets, including Jesus and Abraham.
Why does it matter that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit? ›
His incarnation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Mary, who had no sexual intercourse with a man, gave birth, in a human way, to the boy Jesus, who is also God. We benefit from this conception and birth, because we now have a mediator, who in the sight of God, covers our actual and original sin, with his sinless life.
Is the Holy Spirit the Father of Jesus? ›Among the nontrinitarian beliefs, Sabellianism taught that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are essentially one and the same, the difference being simply verbal, describing different aspects or roles of a single being.
Where was Jesus before he was baptized? ›Matthew. Matthew's account is unique in several respects: He asserts that Jesus left Galilee for the purpose of being baptized by John (πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ' αὐτοῦ).
Is the soul and the Holy Spirit the same? ›Your soul speaks of your inner-life in relation to your own experience: your mind, heart, will, and imagination. It also includes your thoughts, desires, passions, and dreams. But your spirit speaks of the same inner-life in relation to God: your faith, hope, love, character, and perseverance.
What are the 7 signs of the Holy Spirit? ›The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. While some Christans accept these as a definitive list of specific attributes, others understand them merely as examples of the Holy Spirit's work through the faithful.
How do you get filled with the Holy Spirit? ›In every biblical instance, the believers spoke in tongues “as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4), meaning they had to give voice to it and trust the Holy Spirit was guiding their words. Friend, Jesus will fill you with the Holy Spirit when you ask Him; you can trust Him to do what He's promised.
What is the original name of Holy Spirit? ›Holy Spirit, also called Paraclete or Holy Ghost, in Christian belief, the third person of the Trinity.
Why is blaspheming the Holy Spirit unforgivable? ›He is saying, all blasphemies that you repent of will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven because by its very nature it puts you beyond repentance. It is the sort of sin that issues from a heart so incorrigibly calloused that a person simply isn't able to repent of it.