The Holy Spirit did not act on all people in the same way. In this brief study, we will see four different ways, or measures of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is mentioned and described in various ways, and there are several measures or aspects of the Holy Spirit’s work and presence. Here are Four measures of the Holy Spirit as described in the New Testament:
First: Jesus had the Holy Spirit “without measure.” Not just the power to work miracles or preach the inspired word, but as one of the Godhead, Jesus had the full measure of the Spirit. This is mentioned in John 3:34. “For the one whom God has sent [Jesus] speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”
Second: The Apostolic Measure.
Before Jesus left earth, he told his Apostles.
“When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come…the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (John 16:12-15).
Included in the Apostolic measure was the ability to pass the miracle working abilities to other disciples. Philip an evangelist did wonders and miracles in Samaria, but could not pass on the miraculous measure to the Samaritans. Acts 8:14-17 tells us: “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria… because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Third: The “Gifts” measure. In the early church, the Holy Spirit imparted various spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the church and the work of ministry. These gifts include prophecy, healing, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, wisdom, knowledge, and others (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Fourth: The Baptismal measure. In Acts 2:38, Peter tells the people that when they repent and are baptized they will “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This measure is for all Christians.
Lonnie Davis