When did Peter and the apostles receive the Holy Spirit?
John 20:22. This was after the resurrection. I fully trust they believed at that point.
Peter says; “Therefore, if God gave them the same gift that He also gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?”” (Acts 11:17)
He was retelling of his meeting with Cornelius. Here is a pertinent verse from the previous chapter:
Acts 10:44 KJV
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Peter was preaching to them and they heard the word. This is when the Holy Ghost fell on them. The verse says they "heard" the word. That is past tense. I suppose you could say it was during the hearing, but clearly they didn't receive the Holy Ghost before they believe. At best it was during, but most likely it was after they heard.
According to Romans 10:14, believing requires hearing him through a preacher. That's exactly what happened.
Later they were baptized. That came after hearing and the Holy Ghost falling on them. It makes me wonder if you believe you must be baptized in order to believe. That's not an accusation, just wondering if thats the case.
Was Peter's audience in Acts 2:38 made up of born again Jews, believers? Yes, or they would not have asked for instructions about what to do.
I disagree.
We both know the account. Acts 2:1-13 tells that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. But that doesn't mean everyone in attendance. People believe all means just that: every one; so do I. Unless there are conditions attached to it. Such a condition is found in verse 13:
Acts 2:13 KJV
Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
This was Peter's audience. They obviously did not speak in other tongues and werent filled with the Holy Ghost.
Peter preached to them, then they asked what to do. Peter replied repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Those who spoke in other tongues believed before they were filled with the Holy Ghost. They that weren't believers (the mockers) heard Peter's sermon and then asked for instruction. Did they believe? Well they believed enough to ask what to do next.
I am a little disappointed you did not directly discuss Eph 1:13. It seems whenever I ask about that verse folks want to redirect to conversation elsewhere. Again, if anyone wants to discuss this vversewith the frame of reference being whether we must receice the Holy Ghost before we believe, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Otherwise, I have 2 questions:
1. When the Bible says, ".. The promise of the Holy Ghost..." what is the promise?
2. When the Bible says, "... The gift of the Holy Ghost..." what is the gift?
Sorry for such a long post.