Devine Scripture

Acts 1:5

What does Acts 1:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 1:5 means

Jesus clarifies the "promise of the Father" by contrasting it with John the Baptist's water baptism. He states that John's baptism was symbolic, but the apostles would soon experience a baptism "in the Holy Spirit." This indicates a powerful, transformative spiritual experience, distinct from ritual washing, which would empower them for their task. The phrase "not many days hence" creates a sense of imminent expectation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the baptism of John was with water, but you will have baptism with the Holy Spirit, after a little time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because John, indeed, baptized with water, and ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit--after not many days.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For John indeed baptized with water: but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For John indeed baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit after now not many days.

Context

This verse provides the critical clarification of the "promise of the Father" mentioned in verse 4, linking it directly to the Holy Spirit. By contrasting it with John's water baptism, Jesus highlights the unique and superior nature of the coming spiritual endowment. This promise of empowerment directly addresses the apostles' future mission, laying the groundwork for the events of Pentecost.

v.4and, being assembled together with them, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, said he, ye heard from me:

v.5This passage

v.6They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Joel 3:18

    And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall flow with waters; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of Jehovah, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

  • Acts 11:15

    And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.

  • John 1:31

    And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water.

  • Acts 19:4

    And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus.

  • Joel 2:28

    And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

  • Mark 1:8

    I baptized you in water; but he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 1:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary