People are “filled” with holy spirit when they believe in Jesus Christ and confess him as their Lord. But, a believer doesn’t receive only a portion or part of the spirit or even just most of the spirit—they are filled with the spirit to the fullest measure. There is no lack or deficiency. They are filled completely with the gift of the spirit.

Acts 9:17

Paul was “filled with the spirit” when Ananias laid hands on him, and he was delivered of his temporary blindness.

Paul received the gift of the spirit here when Ananias laid hands on him, but there are other ways that the phrase “filled with the spirit” is used that involve a believer experiencing the power of the spirit in various ways.

Acts 2:4

Being filled with the spirit led to speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 4:8, 31

Being filled with the spirit led to speaking boldly and proclaiming the good news.

Acts 13:9, 52

Being “filled with the spirit” led to condemning a “son of the devil” and denouncing his evil and wickedness. And being “filled with joy and the holy spirit” provided supernatural comfort and encouragement in the face of rejection.

Ephesians 5:18

Being filled with the spirit is accompanied by singing, praising, and giving thanks.