And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
I beg the Reader, while attending to what is here said of the disciples being filled with the Holy Ghost, to observe, that it doth not mean to imply they had not been in a state of regeneration before. Very evident it is, that the Apostles to whom Jesus addressed himself in his farewell Sermon, were at that time acquainted with the gracious influences of the Spirit, and consequently regenerated. It the Reader will consult what the Lord then said respecting the Holy Ghost, in their knowledge of Him, and of his dwelling with them, and being in them, he will perceive that these things implied a state of grace different from the world, John 14:16-17. But the being filled with the Holy Ghost, as is here spoken of, meant (what the Lord Jesus had taught them to expect, and to wait for at Jerusalem), their ordination to the ministry. This was the blessed work wrought at Pentecost. And now, ordained by God the Holy Ghost, their mouths were opened to declare among the people the unsearchable riches of Christ. If the Reader would wish to see similar instances of this holy ordination, he may behold them in the case of several of the Lord's servants, Isaiah 6:7-10; Jeremiah 1:1 throughout; Ezekiel 2:1; Acts 13:2-4. See the Commentary on this last scripture.
I take occasion from hence to observe the difference between regeneration, which is essential to every child of God for his personal enjoyment of an union and interest with Christ, and the unction of the Holy Ghost, when calling his sent servants to the ministry. For, though the Lord calls none to the ministry but whom he hath first called by grace, as is evident in the instance of the Apostles, yet multitudes are savingly called by regeneration for their own personal happiness in Christ, whom God the Holy Ghost never sends forth as his ministers. A man being regenerated is no authority for ministering in the word and doctrine. And to run unsent, is a solemn thing, Jeremiah 23:20; Hebrews 5:4.