What is the evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

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The only clear scriptural evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. The first Christians to be baptised in the Holy Spirit were the 120 gathered in the upper room at Pentecost. The unique evidence that the 120 received the Holy Spirit was that “they began to speak in other tongues” (Acts 2:4). 

All the other spiritual gifts, such as healing and prophecy, appear in the Old Testament and in the gospels. But with the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which signified God’s presence in the disciples’ lives in a new dimension, God gave a new gift: the gift of tongues.

The book of Acts records five separate occasions when the Holy Spirit was received. On three of these occasions, speaking in tongues is specifically mentioned as the visible sign accompanying the experience: at Pentecost (see Acts 2:4), at the house of Cornelius (see Acts 10:44–46), and at Ephesus (see Acts 19:6). 

Paul received the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him and prayed (see Acts 9:17), and, while tongues are not mentioned at that point, we know they were a part of Paul’s spiritual experience by his own testimony: “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all” (1 Corinthians 14:18). The fifth occasion was the receiving of the Holy Spirit in Samaria. (See Acts 8:14–17.) 

Philip had made converts there, and the apostles in Jerusalem had sent Peter and John to him to pray for their baptism in the Holy Spirit. While tongues are not directly identified in the account here, there was some visible evidence that made Simon the magician want to purchase the ability to transmit the Holy Spirit from the apostles. Many biblical authorities agree that what Simon saw must have included speaking in tongues.

Then, there is the statement of Jesus in Mark 16:17–18, where tongues are listed along with other supernatural manifestations which were to follow the ministry of believers.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues...they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.

So, according to Scripture, the identifying evidence or sign of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is that of speaking in tongues. While there may be, and frequently are, other spiritual manifestations that accompany the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues remains the primary initial evidence.




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