In John 14:16-17 Jesus said: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”
Later In Acts 1:8 Jesus said: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
What is the difference between the Holy Spirit being “with you, in you, and upon you?”
The Scriptures describe three distinct ways the Holy Spirit relates to believers—“with you,” “in you,” and “upon you.” These expressions are carefully chosen by Jesus and each term represents a different aspect of the Spirit’s ministry.
The Holy Spirit “With You” (John 14:17)
The Greek preposition: para (“alongside, beside”).
Before Pentecost, the disciples already experienced the Spirit working with them. He was present in Jesus’ ministry (Luke 4:18), convicting, guiding, teaching, and empowering them in measure.
In the Old Testament, the Spirit was with prophets, judges, and kings (e.g., Gideon in Judges 6:34; David in 1 Samuel 16:13). This was a presence alongside, not yet indwelling permanently.
The Spirit works with unbelievers today as well—convicting them of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), drawing them to Christ.
The Holy Spirit “In You” (John 14:17; fulfilled in Acts 2)
The Greek preposition: en (“in, within”).
After Jesus’ resurrection and the arrival of Pentecost, the Spirit no longer merely came alongside—He took up permanent residence within believers (Romans 8:9–11; 1 Corinthians 6:19).
Why Does The Holy Spirit Work Within The Believer?:
- To regenerate (Titus 3:5)
- To seal believers for salvation (Ephesians 1:13–14)
- To sanctify and transform inwardly (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- To teach and remind (John 14:26)
Every believer in Jesus, the moment they are born again, has the Holy Spirit in them. This is the promise of the New Covenant (Ezekiel 36:27).
The Holy Spirit “Upon You” (Acts 1:8)
The Greek preposition: epi (“upon, over, on top of”).
This describes the empowering work of the Spirit for ministry and witness. While the Spirit is in every believer for salvation, He comes upon believers to clothe them with power for service (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:4; Acts 4:31).
The disciples were already believers with the Spirit in them (John 20:22), but Jesus still told them to wait for the Spirit to come upon them at Pentecost for power (Acts 1:8).
Application: This is often referred to as the “baptism with the Holy Spirit” or repeated “fillings” of the Spirit (Acts 4:8; 13:9). It is not about salvation, but about equipping and anointing for ministry.
- With you: The Spirit comes alongside a person, convicting and guiding them (pre-salvation, LIke the Old Testament saints, and pre-Pentecost disciples).
- In you: The Spirit indwelling, regenerating, sealing, sanctifying (The New Covenant reality for all believers).
- Upon you: The Spirit empowering every believer for ministry, witness, and spiritual gifts (a distinct experience often subsequent to salvation, and can be renewed repeatedly simply by asking).
The Holy Spirit is a Person separate and distinct from the Father and the Son, but equal in every way. His work is to live inside the person who has been born again by the Spirit of God, and enable us to live the life God called us to.
Every person who has repented of their sins, fully committed their life to Jesus, and continues to trust and believe in Him for all of their life, can ask the Holy Spirit to fill them at any time so that they have the ability, wisdom, and power to live out their new life in a way that pleases God.
Before we are born again by the Spirit, He is with us bringing us to repentance, guiding us to make a commitment to Jesus.
When we repent and call upon Jesus to save us, He comes to live inside us by the Holy Spirit. He teaches us, brings to our remembrance all things we study in the Bible, and conveys discernment, guidance, and protection.
As we are living in this world we often feel weak and inadequate to live our lives like Jesus lived His. This is our opportunity to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us in our times of need, and trust that He does come to fill us so that we can live a life of meaning, purpose, and power.
Categories: Robert Clifton Robinson
Robert Clifton Robinson 
How does one in prayer thank the Holy Spirit for what He does for us? What would a sample prayer of gratitude look like? I have been thanking about that a lot lately.
Thank you Brother Rob for everything you do in getting the Word out to us.
Prayers and blessings always.
The Beginning is Near!
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