John 1:33
“And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”
King James Version
God told John the sign: the One on whom the Spirit descends and remains is the One who baptizes with the Holy Ghost.
Fulfillment References
John 1:32 Acts 2:4 Acts 2:33 Matthew 3:16
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe Spirit came down on Jesus and stayed: 'remaining on him.' On prophets the Spirit came and went; in Jesus it dwelt without measure (John 3:34), because in Him 'dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily' (Col. 2:9). The man on whom the Spirit rested is the One who pours the Spirit out on others (Acts 2:33). The dove was a sign for John to see, not a second person in heaven: the Spirit of God resting on the Son of God.
JewishThere is no traditional Jewish reading. The Spirit resting on the Messiah echoes Isaiah 11:2.
CatholicThe Spirit rests on Christ at His baptism, and He gives the Spirit to the Church.
ProtestantThe Baptist's testimony that Jesus is the giver of the Spirit, fulfilled at Pentecost.
OrthodoxThe feast of Theophany: the Spirit's descent revealing Christ.
DispensationalChrist, anointed with the Spirit, baptizes believers into the church from Pentecost on.
AcademicJohn's Gospel does not narrate the baptism itself; it gives the Baptist's testimony of the Spirit 'remaining', a key Johannine word (menein).
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Why it was written“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Peter told the first crowd how to begin: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
The new birth → · How to receive the Holy Ghost →
The new birth → · How to receive the Holy Ghost →
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.