Pickle

This morning we begin worship with:

Acts 1:4-5

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Baptism (baptizō) is not dipping (baptō).  Commentators point to a pickle recipe from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 BC.  The pickle is first dipped in boiling water briefly and then baptized permanently with vinegar.

Baptism also has the very active task of cleansing, but the word here is said in the passive tense.  This is not something we do to ourselves.  Reminder, we are the pickle.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is also not the baptism with water used as the sign of the new covenant.  The sign of the new covenant is applied by man.  

Acts 10:44-48

While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

The transformative baptism of the Holy Spirit is an act of God.  It is not anything we can cause.  Remember, we are the pickle.