What happened when Paul laid hands on the Ephesian disciples?
When Paul laid his hands on the Ephesian disciples, the Holy Spirit came upon them. They then spoke in languages other than their own and prophesied. This event followed their baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and is one of only three times in Acts where the Holy Spirit manifested Himself through speaking multiple known languages.
Les explains that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper borders and came to Ephesus, where a church had been founded. He found certain disciples, whom Les says must have been Jews, and asked whether they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. They answered that they had not even heard that there be a Holy Spirit. Paul then asked into what they were baptized; they said John's baptism. Paul explained that John baptized with the baptism of repentance, that it was through the nation of Israel, and that John baptized in Jordan. After these twelve men heard, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with languages other than their own and prophesied. Les emphasizes this is plain as day and notes these are the only three times in the whole Book of Acts, in fact in all of Scripture, where the Holy Spirit manifested Himself by giving out the gift of speaking a multitude of languages. He adds that they were known languages, understandable if someone from that same background happened to be in the room.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.