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Text -- Acts 19:2 (NET)

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Context
19:2 and said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
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Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Combined Bible , Maclaren , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Act 19:2 - -- Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? ( ei pneuma hagion elabete pisteusanteṡ ). This use of Pi in a direct question occurs in Act 1:6...

Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? ( ei pneuma hagion elabete pisteusanteṡ ).

This use of Pi in a direct question occurs in Act 1:6, is not according to the old Greek idiom, but is common in the lxx and the N.T. as in Luk 13:23 which see (Robertson, Grammar , p. 916). Apparently Paul was suspicious of the looks or conduct of these professed disciples. The first aorist active participle pisteusantes is simultaneous with the second aorist active indicative elabete and refers to the same event.

Robertson: Act 19:2 - -- Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was ( All' oude ei pneuma hagion estin ēkousamen ). The reply of these ignorant disciples i...

Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was ( All' oude ei pneuma hagion estin ēkousamen ).

The reply of these ignorant disciples is amazing. They probably refer to the time of their baptism and mean that, when baptized, they did not hear whether (ei in indirect question) the Holy Spirit was (estin retained as in Joh 7:39). Plain proof that they knew John’ s message poorly.

Vincent: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? The two verbs are in the aorist tense, and therefore denote instantaneous acts. The A. V. ther...

Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

The two verbs are in the aorist tense, and therefore denote instantaneous acts. The A. V. therefore gives an entirely wrong idea, as there is no question about what happened after believing; but the question relates to what occurred when they believed. Hence Rev., rightly, Did ye receive the Holy Ghost when ye believed?

Vincent: Act 19:2 - -- We have not heard Also the aorist. We did not hear; referring back to the time of their beginning.

We have not heard

Also the aorist. We did not hear; referring back to the time of their beginning.

Vincent: Act 19:2 - -- Whether there be any Holy Ghost But, as Bengel observes, " They could not have followed either Moses or John the Baptist without having heard of ...

Whether there be any Holy Ghost

But, as Bengel observes, " They could not have followed either Moses or John the Baptist without having heard of the Holy Ghost." The words, therefore, are to be explained, not of their being unaware of the existence of the Holy Ghost, but of his presence and baptism on earth. The word ἔστιν , there be, is to be taken in the sense of be present, or be given, as in Joh 7:39, where it is said, " The Holy Ghost was not yet (οὔπω ἦν ) , " and where the translators rightly render, " was not yet given. "

Wesley: Act 19:2 - -- The extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, as well as his sanctifying graces? We have not so much as heard - Whether there be any such gifts.

The extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, as well as his sanctifying graces? We have not so much as heard - Whether there be any such gifts.

JFB: Act 19:1-3 - -- Where his ministry was so powerful that a formidable party in the Church of that city gloried in his type of preaching in preference to Paul's (1Co 1:...

Where his ministry was so powerful that a formidable party in the Church of that city gloried in his type of preaching in preference to Paul's (1Co 1:12; 1Co 3:4), no doubt from the marked infusion of Greek philosophic culture which distinguished it, and which the apostle studiously avoided (1Co 2:1-5).

JFB: Act 19:1-3 - -- "parts," the interior of Asia Minor, which, with reference to the seacoast, was elevated.

"parts," the interior of Asia Minor, which, with reference to the seacoast, was elevated.

JFB: Act 19:1-3 - -- Thus fulfilling his promise (Act 18:21).

Thus fulfilling his promise (Act 18:21).

JFB: Act 19:1-3 - -- In the same stage of Christian knowledge as Apollos at first, newly arrived, probably, and having had no communication as yet with the church at Ephes...

In the same stage of Christian knowledge as Apollos at first, newly arrived, probably, and having had no communication as yet with the church at Ephesus.

JFB: Act 19:2 - -- Rather, "Received ye the Holy Ghost when ye believed?" implying, certainly, that the one did not of necessity carry the other along with it (see on Ac...

Rather, "Received ye the Holy Ghost when ye believed?" implying, certainly, that the one did not of necessity carry the other along with it (see on Act 8:14-17). Why this question was asked, we cannot tell; but it was probably in consequence of something that passed between them from which the apostle was led to suspect the imperfection of their light.

JFB: Act 19:2 - -- This cannot be the meaning, since the personality and office of the Holy Ghost, in connection with Christ, formed an especial subject of the Baptist's...

This cannot be the meaning, since the personality and office of the Holy Ghost, in connection with Christ, formed an especial subject of the Baptist's teaching. Literally, the words are, "We did not even hear whether the Holy Ghost was (given)"; meaning, at the time of their baptism. That the word "given" is the right supplement, as in Joh 7:39, seems plain from the nature of the case.

Clarke: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Ghost - It is likely that these were Asiatic Jews, who, having been at Jerusalem about twenty-six years before this, had h...

Have ye received the Holy Ghost - It is likely that these were Asiatic Jews, who, having been at Jerusalem about twenty-six years before this, had heard the preaching of John, and received his baptism, believing in the coming Christ, whom John had proclaimed; but it appears that till this time they had got no farther instruction in the Christian religion. Paul, perceiving this, asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed? For it was the common privilege of the disciples of Christ to receive, not only the ordinary graces, but also the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit; and thus the disciples of Christ differed from those of John, and of all others. John baptized with water; Jesus baptized with the Holy Ghost. And to this day the genuine disciples of Christ are distinguished from all false religionists, and from nominal Christians, by being made partakers of this Spirit, which enlightens their minds, and convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; quickens their souls, witnesses to their conscience that they are the children of God, and purifies their hearts. Those who have not received these blessings from the Holy Spirit, whatever their profession may be, know nothing better than John’ s baptism: good, excellent in its kind, but ineffectual to the salvation of those who live under the meridian of Christianity

Clarke: Act 19:2 - -- We have not so much as heard whether, etc. - That is, they had not heard that there were particular gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit to be receiv...

We have not so much as heard whether, etc. - That is, they had not heard that there were particular gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit to be received. They could not mean that they had not heard of the Holy Spirit; for John, in his baptism, announced Christ as about to baptize with the Holy Ghost, Mat 3:11; Luk 3:16; but they simply meant that they had not heard that this Spirit, in his gifts, had been given to or received by any one.

Calvin: Act 19:2 - -- 2.Whether they had received the Holy Ghost The end of the history doth show that Paul doth not speak in this place of the Spirit of regeneration, but...

2.Whether they had received the Holy Ghost The end of the history doth show that Paul doth not speak in this place of the Spirit of regeneration, but of the special gifts which God gave to divers at the beginning of the gospel, for the common edifying of the Church. But now upon this interrogation of Paul ariseth a question, whether the Spirit were common to all everywhere at that time? For if he were given only to a few, why doth he join him with faith, as if they were so linked together that they could not be separate? Peradventure, they were none of the common sort; or because they were an indifferent number, that is, twelve, Paul demandeth whether they were all without the gifts of the Spirit. Notwithstanding, I think thus, that so many Jews were offered in presence of the Gentiles, not by chance, but by the counsel of God; and that at one time being disciples, that is, of the number of the faithful, who did notwithstanding confess that they were ignorant of the principal glory of the gospel, which was apparent in spiritual gifts, that by them Paul’s ministry might be beautified and set forth. For it is unlike that Apollos left so few disciples at Ephesus; and he might have taught them better, since that he learned the way of the Lord perfectly of Priscilla and Aquila. −

Moreover, I do not doubt but that the brethren of whom Luke spake before were other than these. In sum, when Paul seeth that these men do profess the name of Christ, to the end he may have a more certain trial of their faith, he asketh them whether they have received the Holy Ghost. For it appeareth by Paul himself that this was a sign and token of the grace of God to establish the credit of doctrine; I would know of you whether ye received the Holy Ghost by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith ( Gal 3:2). −

We know not whether there be any Holy Ghost How could it be, that men being Jews heard nothing of the Spirit, concerning which the prophets speak everywhere, and whose commendations and titles are extant in the whole Scripture? Surely we gather by this that Paul did neither speak generally of the Spirit; and that these men, as they were asked, did deny that they knew those visible graces wherewith God had beautified the kingdom of his Son. Therefore, they confess that they know not whether God give such gifts. Therefore, there is in the word Spirit the figure metonymia. And this sense doth that confirm that if they had altogether denied that they knew anything concerning the Spirit of God, Paul would not have passed over with silence such a gross error; yea, an error altogether monstrous. When he demandeth to what end, or how they were baptized, he showeth therewithal, that wheresoever Christ had been soundly and thoroughly preached the visible graces did also appear, that such worship − 353 might be common to all churches. Wherefore, no marvel if Paul wonder that the faithful are ignorant of such glory of Christ, which God would have to be apparent everywhere at that time; and a correction immediately, he telleth them that they must not stay in those rudiments which they had learned; because it was John’s office to prepare disciples for Christ. −

Defender: Act 19:2 - -- A better rendering of this phrase is "when ye believed."

A better rendering of this phrase is "when ye believed."

Defender: Act 19:2 - -- These twelve Ephesian disciples were evidently considered disciples of Christ, rather than of John, since Paul recognized they had "believed." Also, t...

These twelve Ephesian disciples were evidently considered disciples of Christ, rather than of John, since Paul recognized they had "believed." Also, they would surely have been identified specifically as disciples of John had that been the case (compare Joh 3:22-26). In some way, possibly through some of John's disciples rather than John himself, these disciples had learned of Jesus and had believed on Him. However, what they had learned did not include the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and so even though this teaching had been enough to bring them salvation, it was deficient. In fact, John himself had been given the authority "to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins" (Luk 1:77).

Defender: Act 19:2 - -- This admission proves that the Ephesian disciples had not heard the message of John directly, since John had certainly preached about the Holy Spirit ...

This admission proves that the Ephesian disciples had not heard the message of John directly, since John had certainly preached about the Holy Spirit (Mat 3:11; Joh 1:32-34) and was himself "filled with the Holy Ghost" (Luk 1:15)."

TSK: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye : Act 19:5, Act 2:17, Act 2:38, Act 2:39, Act 8:15-17, Act 10:44, Act 11:15-17; Rom 1:11 We have : 1Sa 3:7; Joh 7:39; 1Co 6:19, 1Co 12:1-11; G...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Spirit? - Have ye received the extraordinary effusions and miraculous influences of the Holy Spirit? Paul would not d...

Have ye received the Holy Spirit? - Have ye received the extraordinary effusions and miraculous influences of the Holy Spirit? Paul would not doubt that, if they had "believed,"they had received the ordinary converting influences of the Holy Spirit - for it was one of his favorite doctrines that the Holy Spirit renews the heart. But, besides this, the miraculous influences of the Spirit were conferred on many societies of believers. The power of speaking with tongues, or of working miracles, was imparted as an evidence of the presence of God, and of their acceptance with him, Act 10:45-46; 1 Cor. 14. It was natural for Paul to ask whether this evidence of the divine favor has been granted to them.

Since ye believed - Since you embraced the doctrine of John that the Messiah was soon to come.

We have not so much as heard ... - This seems to be a very strange answer. Yet we are to remember:

(1) That these were mere disciples of John’ s doctrine, and that his preaching related particularly to the Messiah, and not to the Holy Spirit.

\caps1 (2) i\caps0 t does not even appear that they had heard that the Messiah had come, or had heard of Jesus of Nazareth, Acts . Act 19:4-5.

\caps1 (3) i\caps0 t is not remarkable, therefore, that they had no clear conceptions of the character and operations of the Holy Spirit. Yet,

(4) They were just in that state of mind that they were willing to embrace the doctrine when it was proclaimed to them, thus showing that they were really under the influence of the Holy Spirit. God may often produce important changes in the hearts and lives of sinners, even where they have no clear and systematic views of religious doctrines. In all such cases, however, there will be a readiness of heart to embrace the truth where it is made known.

Poole: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Ghost? The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, as prophesying, speaking with tongues, healing of the sick, &c., as appea...

Have ye received the Holy Ghost? The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, as prophesying, speaking with tongues, healing of the sick, &c., as appears by Act 18:6 , and Joh 7:39 ; for it could not be, that they, who were instructed and baptized by John, should be ignorant of the essence or person of the Holy Ghost; for the Baptist had seen him descending upon our Saviour; as is remembered by all the evangelists which speak of his baptism, Mat 3:16 Mar 1:10 Luk 3:22 ; besides other scriptures which testified of him; and St. John had spoken of him unto all he baptized, that our Saviour would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire, Joh 1:32,33 .

We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost: this answer must be understood, according to the question, of those gifts now mentioned; and which by the imposition of the hands of the apostles were given, especially at the ordination of such as were sent to preach the gospel, it being necessary for the planting of the church, those miraculous gifts assuring those unto whom they preached, that their doctrine was from heaven; as also to assure the apostles themselves of the success of their ministry, and the conversion of such they preached unto, as Act 10:44,47 . And this acceptation of these words is paralleled, 1Sa 3:7 , where it is said, that

Samuel did not yet know the Lord the meaning is, that he knew not that God was wont so to speak unto any; otherwise, that holy man, as young as he was, both knew God, and served him.

Haydock: Act 19:2 - -- St. Paul first inquires of them, if they have received the Holy Ghost by confirmation. Their answer is probably not to be interpreted with rigour; si...

St. Paul first inquires of them, if they have received the Holy Ghost by confirmation. Their answer is probably not to be interpreted with rigour; since they must have heard something of the holy Spirit, so often mentioned in the Old Testament, by whom the prophets are said to speak, &c. They meant, they did not know there was in the Church, any means of communicating this Spirit to the faithful. (Calmet)

Gill: Act 19:2 - -- He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost,.... Meaning, not the special regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Holy Ghost, for that is sup...

He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost,.... Meaning, not the special regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Holy Ghost, for that is supposed in their being disciples and believers, but the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, for it follows,

since ye believed? that is, in Christ; which is taking it for granted, that they had received the special grace of the Spirit of God; for this believing is to be understood of true, spiritual, special faith in Christ:

and they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost; by which they could not mean the person of the Holy Ghost: for they must have known that there was such a divine person as the Holy Ghost, from the writings of the Old Testament, with which they were conversant: and from the ministry of John, into whose baptism they were baptized; who saw the Spirit of God descend on Jesus, and bore witness of it; and declared, that Christ who was to come after him, would baptize with the Holy Ghost: nor could they mean the special grace of the Spirit, which they themselves had received; but the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit of God, which they at present knew nothing of, and which were afterwards bestowed upon them: they knew that there were prophecies in the Old Testament, concerning the effusion of the Spirit in the last days, in the days of the Messiah; but they had not heard that these had had their accomplishment; they had heard nothing of the day of Pentecost, and of the pouring out of the Spirit upon the apostles then, nor of any instance of this kind since; they did not know that the Holy Ghost was yet, Joh 7:39 they knew he was promised, but not that he was given; the Ethiopic version, to avoid the difficulty of the text, renders it, "we have only heard that there was an Holy Ghost".

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Act 19:2 This use of ἀλλά (alla) is ascensive and involves an ellipsis (BDAG 45 s.v. ἀλλά 3): “No, [not only di...

Geneva Bible: Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the ( a ) Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any ...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Act 19:1-41 - --1 The Holy Ghost is given by Paul's hands.8 The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.13 The Jewish exorcists,16 are beaten by t...

Combined Bible: Act 19:2 - --notes on verse 1     

Maclaren: Act 19:1-12 - --Two Fruitful Years And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding ...

MHCC: Act 19:1-7 - --Paul, at Ephesus, found some religious persons, who looked to Jesus as the Messiah. They had not been led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy ...

Matthew Henry: Act 19:1-7 - -- Ephesus was a city of great note in Asia, famous for a temple built there to Diana, which was one of the wonders of the world: thither Paul came to...

Barclay: Act 19:1-7 - --Ac 19 is mainly concerned with Paul's work in Ephesus. He stayed longer there than anywhere else, almost three years. (i) Ephesus (2181) was the mar...

Barclay: Act 19:1-7 - --In Ephesus Paul met some men who were incomplete Christians. They had received the baptism of John but they did not even know of the Holy Spirit in t...

Constable: Act 9:32--Rom 1:1 - --III. THE WITNESS TO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH 9:32--28:31 Luke next recorded the church's expansion beyond...

Constable: Act 16:6--19:21 - --C. The extension of the church to the Aegean shores 16:6-19:20 The missionary outreach narrated in this ...

Constable: Act 18:23--19:21 - --5. The results of ministry in Asia 18:23-19:20 Luke gave considerable information regarding Paul...

Constable: Act 19:1-20 - --Paul's ministry in Ephesus 19:1-20 Luke's account of Paul's third missionary journey is ...

Constable: Act 19:1-7 - --The disciples of John the Baptist 19:1-7 This is the first of two incidents taken from Paul's ministry in Ephesus that bracket Luke's description of h...

College: Act 19:1-41 - --ACTS 19 3. The Twelve Disciples at Ephesus (19:1-7) 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. ...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES By Way of Introduction But for the Acts we should know nothing of the early apostolic period save what is told in the Epi...

JFB: Acts (Book Introduction) THIS book is to the Gospels what the fruit is to the tree that bears it. In the Gospels we see the corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying: in...

JFB: Acts (Outline) INTRODUCTION--LAST DAYS OF OUR LORD UPON EARTH--HIS ASCENSION. (Act 1:1-11) RETURN OF THE ELEVEN TO JERUSALEM--PROCEEDINGS IN THE UPPER ROOM TILL PEN...

TSK: Acts (Book Introduction) The Acts of the Apostles is a most valuable portion of Divine revelation; and, independently of its universal reception in the Christian church, as an...

TSK: Acts 19 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Act 19:1, The Holy Ghost is given by Paul’s hands; Act 19:8, The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles; Act 19:13...

Poole: Acts 19 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 1

MHCC: Acts (Book Introduction) This book unites the Gospels to the Epistles. It contains many particulars concerning the apostles Peter and Paul, and of the Christian church from th...

MHCC: Acts 19 (Chapter Introduction) (Act 19:1-7) Paul instructs the disciples of John at Ephesus. (Act 19:8-12) He teaches there. (Act 19:13-20) The Jewish exorcists disgraced. Some Ep...

Matthew Henry: Acts (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Acts of the Apostles We have with an abundant satisfaction seen the foundation of our holy religion...

Matthew Henry: Acts 19 (Chapter Introduction) We left Paul in his circuit visiting the churches (Act 18:23), but we have not forgotten, nor has he, the promise he made to his friends at Ephesus...

Barclay: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES A Precious Book In one sense Acts is the most important book in the New Testament. It is the simple truth t...

Barclay: Acts 19 (Chapter Introduction) In Ephesus (Act_19:1-7) Incomplete Christianity (Act_19:1-7 Continued) The Works Of God (Act_19:8-12) The Death-Blow To Superstition (Act_19:13-...

Constable: Acts (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The title "Acts of the Apostles" is very ancient. The Anti-Marcioni...

Constable: Acts (Outline) Outline I. The witness in Jerusalem 1:1-6:7 A. The founding of the church 1:1-2:46 ...

Constable: Acts Acts Bibliography Albright, William Foxwell. The Archaeology of Palestine. 1949. Revised ed. Pelican Archaeolog...

Haydock: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. INTRODUCTION. St. Luke, who had published his gospel, wrote also a second volume, which, from the first ages, hath bee...

Gill: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ACTS This book, in some copies, is called, "The Acts of the holy Apostles". It contains an history of the ministry and miracles of ...

College: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION As early as the second century the title "The Acts of the Apostles" was given to this document. Before that time the work probably circu...

College: Acts (Outline) OUTLINE I. THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM - 1:1-8:1a A. INTRODUCTION OF THE BOOK - 1:1-3 B. THE COMMISSIONING OF THE APOSTLES - 1:4-8 C. THE ASCENSI...

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