From the beginning, the right hand was considered the hand of strength, of honor, and of personal favor. This probably came about for several reasons. The right hand was considered more valuable in battle. For this reason, if one person was protecting another he was placed atthe right hand. Similarly, God stands at our right hand to protect us. 

The right hand was the one used in entering covenant, declaring fellowship, or creating a federation. This was because the innermost person was believed to be honestly expressed through the right hand, while the left hand may be deceitful. Because the right hand spoke of honor, it was the one that had to do with the blessing of God (I Kings 2:19; Psalm 16:8; 45:9; 73:23; 110:5, etc.). Speaking of God in terms of the right hand communicates His power and ability to keep, deliver, and intervene for us. 

In the New Testament this term “at the right hand” is taken up to speak of Jesus’ position of power and authority since His ascension. He sits at the Father’s right hand on a throne of authority and power. He is actively ruling in this world of ours, and most specially in our lives. 

The Baptism in the Spirit was shed forth as the first act of Jesus’ resumed position of glory and honor at the right hand of His Father in heaven. In fact, Peter spoke of the coming of the Spirit as the most important evidence that the Father had indeed accepted Jesus’ redemptive work and honored Him as a Son in whom He was pleased. Had Jesus’ person and work not been perfect before the Father, He would not have been able to fulfill His promise to send another Comforter to remain with us forever.

The Baptism in the Spirit gives assurance that Jesus is indeed Lord and Christ.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

The Baptism in the Spirit makes possible Jesus’ continued activity on Earth through His people.

… of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen (Acts 1:1, 2).

The Baptism in the Spirit makes us personal witnesses to the reality of the risen Christ.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). 

 The Holy Spirit takes of what belongs to Jesus and makes it real to us.

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you (John 16:15). 

 The Holy Spirit is God’s active hand toward the world even to this day, in three important ways:

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement; Of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgement, because the prince of this world is judged (John 16: 8-11)