The only sin that condemns a man is the continual rejection of jesus christ as lord and saviour john 3. One of the first instances in which the holy spirit is mentioned in acts is as the power of prophecy or premonition as the force that moves through a person. The holy spirit in the acts assembly testimony magazine. The holy spirit and equality in the book of acts marg. And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from.
First, cornelius reception of the holy spirit represented a. The book of acts, written by luke bridge the gap between the gospel accounts and the letters to the churches with the historical account of the actions of the holy spirit, working through a ragtag band of peasants lead by a man who denied jesus three times, and later joined by a man previously in the business of hunting down and murdering christians. What is also interesting is that when you see these two things working together you find gods people filled with boldness to do what god has asked them to do. The book of acts is called acts of the apostles but more aptly it is the work of the holy spirit working through the apostles. And they were all filled with the holy spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the spirit enabled them.
Its commonly called the acts of the apostles, but perhaps a better title might be the acts of the holy spirit because as we go through this book chapter by chapter thats what we will see, the holy spirit moving in power as the church is born and the word of. The holy spirit is the presence of the living lord jesus in spiritual power in. The holy spirit in the book of acts essay 2476 words bartleby. Jesus said that the holy spirit would reprove the world of sin because people do not believe in him john 16. In writing the book of acts, luke mentions the holy spirit more than fifty times, indicating his preeminence and power in the progress of the gospel and the development of the church. What this means is that, if you really want to learn about the holy spirit, you would do well to read and study the book of acts. Cornelius received the holy spirit prior to being baptized acts 10. The prominence of the holy spirit in the acts 3 truth. By comparison to other portions of the new testament the special significance of the holy spirit in the book of acts can be demonstrated. Marg mowczko exploring the biblical theology of christian egalitarianism.
The holy spirit plays a key role in the acts of the apostles, leading to the use of the titles book of the holy spirit or the acts of the holy spirit for that book of the new testament. The book of acts begins with the ascension of jesus and the coming of the holy spirit, and goes on to show how the apostles preached christ to the. Healing in the book of acts and the epistles exceedingfaith. Now when the apostles at jerusalem heard that samaria had received the word of god, they sent to them peter and john, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the holy spirit. Hence, part 2 about the role of the holy spirit as revealed in the book of acts. Liberty university the holy spirit in the book of acts a research paper submitted to professor p. The holy spirit is god, not a force christian faith.
Acts is the book that reveals the power of the church. They did not live or act by organization or directions. Oct 23, 2016 the holy spirit in the book of acts acts 2. The manifestation of the spirit in the five cases in acts we may now come back to the five cases of receiving the spirit outwardly in the book of acts. Acts continues from there on starting with christs resurrection. The holy spirit empowers the church to continue the ministry and mission of jesus acts 1. And everyone present was filled with the holy spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the holy spirit gave them this ability acts 4. The promise of the holy spirit in my first book i told you, theophilus, about everything jesus began to do and teach. In addition, margins contain two learning toolslesson objectives with their respective numbers and interactive questions that focus on key principles. This is the 6th installment on a series on the holy spirit. In the book of acts christ himself continues his work through the lives of his disciples. According to lee, the book of acts refers to the formative history of the early church, while establishing luke as a charismatic theologian who demonstrates that baptism in the holy spirit is an experience of empowering to facilitate the mission of the church. And church history has shown that time and time again, when there is a fresh move of the holy spirit, old prejudices are forgotten, caste systems.
The book of acts is a narrative about the birth and growth of the early church. Holy spirit is the cornerstone of the acts of the apostles, attributed to the apostle luke. The importance of the spirits ministry to the church is evident from jesus command to his disciples that they remain in jerusalem and wait for the baptism of the holy. The holy spirit in the book of acts about spirit of. Jun 06, 2016 and they were all filled with the holy spirit acts 2. The work of the holy spirit is so prevalent in acts that many commentators have suggested the book should be titled the acts of the holy spirit rather than the acts of the apostles. The holy spirit at work in believers what to look for in the margins left margins contain numbers for units, chapters, and lessons.
The filling of the holy spirit in the book of acts by. This was predicted long ago by the holy spirit, speaking through king david. After being baptized, jesus came up immediately from the water. If the gospels are a record of the life and ministry of jesus, then the book of acts is a record of the ministry of the holy spirit. Sep 03, 2015 the holy spirit in acts how does luke portray the gift and outpouring of the holy spirit in acts. The book of acts, then, must be the primary object of study by the man who seeks to understand the ministry of the holy spirit in filling christians.
Acts 2 38 repent, peter said to them, and be baptized, each of you, in the name of jesus christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the holy spirit. As the church fulfills its commission to be available, to be willing instruments of the activity and life of the holy spirit, he is at work to preserve the purity of the church. In the american standard version of acts there are fiftysix references to the holy spirit. And they were all filled with the holy spirit acts 2. The book of acts begins with the outpouring of gods promised holy spirit on the day of pentecost. Luke, who allegedly wrote a gospel and the acts of the apostles, has more to say about the spirit than any other biblical writer does. Then he breathed on them and said, receive the holy spirit. The holy spirit in the book of acts sermon by john gaston, acts 2. Feb 02, 2018 without the work of the holy spirit, we are helpless. The book picks up where the gospels four accounts of jesus life and ministry leave off. The holy spirit and equality in the book of acts marg mowczko.
All the circumcised believers who came with peter were amazed, because the gift of the holy spirit had been poured out on the gentiles also. Take a pen and mark all the references you find related to him, and you will have rich food for study and meditation. The holy spirit in acts how does luke portray the gift and outpouring of the holy spirit in acts. The holy spirit in the book of acts sermon by john gaston. In this study, we move into the book of the acts of the apostles, but which more. Five effects of the holy spirit on christian leaders. After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the holy spirit. In this section of the book of acts we see how the holy spirit was. Baptism in the spirit and the book of acts baptismus flaminis the baptism of the spirit is a different type of baptism that, while connected to water baptism, occurs in a few unique instances in acts and the apostolic churches as seen in the epistles, etc. The combined sixtyeight chapters of the synoptic gospels contain only thirtyfour references to the holy spirit. In the first case, all the disciples were powerful on the day of pentecost, and they had the release, boldness, and encouragement. Therefore, when a church begins to dwindle, lose its power, and turn dull and drab in its witness, it needs desperately to get back into the spirit, expectation, knowledge and teaching of the book of acts. Role of prayer and the holy spirit in acts kingdom living. As a result, the preaching of the gospel and the witness of the newly formed church sparks a flame that spreads across the roman empire.
The holy spirit is the presence of the living lord jesus in spiritual power in the lives of men. In the early days of the church the holy spirits presence was a great equalizer. Written by luke around ad 70, acts is an account of the works of the apostles, the early church, and the conversion of the gentiles through the workings of the holy spirit. There is a lot of controversy concerning the role of the holy spirit in christian lifeboth personal and corporate. Peter wagners complete commentary on the book of acts. The books of acts is often called the book of the holy spirit or the book of the apostles. All the intro is in last weeks post, so without further ado filled with the spirit. The book of acts shows us that none of the disciples did anything according to rules, regulations, or orders. Tonight were moving into the book of the acts of the apostles, but which more appropriately could be called, the acts of the holy spirit. The churchs success is vitally tied to its relationship with the spirit. Luke, who allegedly wrote a gospel and the acts of the apostles, has more to say about the spirit than any other biblical writer. The scriptures in acts 9 only tell us that the holy spirit came upon saul.
Several times when the holy spirit is mentioned in the book of acts, it talks about people being filled with the spirit. The holy spirit is both prevalent and essential in the book of acts. Baptism and the holy spirit in the book of acts world. We should not confuse the holy spirit with the way he might make us feel sometimes, or with the power that he has. Acts 4 peter and the holy spirit in acts 4, peter and john are arrested and brought before the high priest and some of his associates. The holy spirit plays a key role in the acts of the apostles, leading to the use of the titles book of the holy spirit or the acts of the holy spirit for that book of the. The book begins with jesus instructing the believers to wait in jerusalem for the holy spirit. In preparation for this sundays sermon, meditate on these verses. Twelftree luke, who allegedly wrote a gospel and the acts of the apostles, has more to say about the spirit than any other biblical writer does. The apostles gave no indication that healing stopped or ever would. They did not live or act by organization or directions from man. The act of opening divine manifestations prophecies concerning christ opening heaven doves the spirit of god moving upwards symbols after being baptized, jesus came up immediately from the water. To seek to move in the current of gods will as we serve him always gives. The writer of acts portrayed the holy spirit as the source of spiritual power 1.
Luke was one of the followers of the apostles and was closed to paul. This lesson will summarize the teaching of acts on the holy spirit, emphasizing the spirit s baptism, the spirit s filling, and the spirit s power the holy spirit in acts. Unfortunately, in some of these traditions, an understanding of the outpouring of the holy spirit in acts is often limited to discussions about speaking in tongues, or miraculous manifestations. Brewster in partial fulfillment of the requirements for bibl364 liberty university online by robert ortiz jr. And everyone present was filled with the holy spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the holy spirit gave them this ability. Neither did they live or act according to knowledge or doctrine.
In the book of acts, we see that the holy spirit brought equality between young and old, between men and women, between rich and poor, and between jews and gentiles in the early days of the church cf. It was the day on which the holy spirit made a unique visit to the earth. The holy spirit as an active character in the book of acts. Seek him, and he will rest upon you especially in your hour of greatest need. The book of acts quickly reveals the power and work of the holy spirit in and through believers is for all believers. The gift of the holy spirit excites christians in certain church traditions. This sin is also the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the holy spirit because the holy spirit convicts us of sin. In fact, the word bold or boldness is used more time in the book of acts than any other book of the bible. The life and teachings of jesus christ are established in the four gospel narratives, and the book of acts provides a coordinated account of the beginning and spread of the church as the result of the work of the risen lord and the holy spirit through the apostles. Andreas praefcke, wikimedia commons read the introduction one of the most well known events detailed in the book of acts is the pentecost episode and the gift of the holy spirit to the church. The holy spirit in the book of acts preaching source. The holy spirit in the book of acts spirit of grace. Acts 128 nlt the promise of the holy spirit in my bible gateway. Thus, cornelius was a child of god before his baptism.
Acts is the second book from luke, who also wrote the gospel that shares his name. The rest of acts is how the mediterranean area was turned upside down by the preaching of the gospel from people who had received the holy spirit, who had. Jul 16, 20 acts tells us how the holy spirit came upon the church, and how the gospel spreads from jerusalem to rome. In the acts, the holy spirit uses men to accomplish the work whereby the story of. Since my earliest days in christ i have been fascinated by the holy spirit. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that luke labels his second volume acts. As the gospel began to spread to the world, the early church was confronted with spiritual and cultural barriersstrongholdsit had to overcome. This is the edited manuscript of lesson 23 in the studies in the book of acts series prepared by robert l.
It is action packed and so inspiring on how driven those men were to do the will of god. The holy spirit speaks, leads, and guides in the book of acts. Joy unspeakable by dr martin lloyd jones, another great read, he differs in his conclusions and considerations on this doctrine. The holy spirit comes upon the disciples again and again with unusual fullness, the result is supernatural power leading to courageous, lifegiving witness. This power and witness begins on the day of pentecost where the holy spirit will fill one hundred and twenty believers gathered in one place. Lukes view of the holy spirit by mark moore, phd in the first century it was not uncommon to entitle a book acts when it featured the noble deeds of ones hero. The importance of the spirit s ministry to the church is evident from jesus command to his disciples that they remain in jerusalem and wait for the baptism of the holy. Book of acts part 23 connection with the holy spirit. The holy spirit as an active character in the book of acts biblical christianity. The holy spirit in the book of acts thesis statement the mighty acts of the holy spirit advancing the gospel moving upon and through the.
This man knows his bible inside and out, so interesting to see the conclusions he came to, differ from other books ive read on the holy spirit. This article shows that these references are integral elements in the narrative of acts, presenting the holy spirit as an active part five. The same holy spirit upon jesus came upon the apostles and others in the church. The rest of acts is how the mediterranean area was turned upside down by the preaching of the gospel from people who had received the holy spirit, who had the holy spirit. Of the about seventy occurrences of the word pneuma in acts, fifty five refer to the holy spirit. I love that we get so much great information from it on the church, church leadership, fellowship, giving, and all kinds of wonderful. In the previous two chapters luke has described the ministry of peter in jerusalem on the day of pentecost and just after that time. This article shows that these references are integral elements in the narrative of acts, presenting the holy spirit as an active character or participant in the events it reports. Unfortunately, in some of these traditions, an understanding of the outpouring of the holy spirit in acts is often limited to discussions about speaking in tongues, or.
By first noting the various passages which contain spirit filling and then examining the nature, conditions, and results of this filling. In the bible a lot is learned about the holy spirit hence books such as this one. Holy spirit in the book of acts, part 2 like an anchor. It continues to be a major festival day in the life of the church nearly 2,000 years later. The holy spirit in the book of acts hayaprats, gonzalo, elbert, paul, ellington, scott a. The act of opening divine manifestations prophecies concerning christ opening heaven doves the spirit of god moving upwards symbols. It is fast moving to a close, when all israel will share in the outpouring of the. The book of acts demonstrates that the holy spirit leads and empowers the church for growth and service. He portrays the spirit as the activity and presence of god but also as an impersonal force or power luke 5.
Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only. Latest news book of acts part 23 connection with the holy spirit book of acts part 23 connection with the holy spirit. Lynchburg, virginia august 17, 2012 table of contents introduction 2 the coming filling. The 6th installment of a series on the holy spirit. Later, the apostle paul said that he spoke in tongues more than others 1 cor. As you study along with elizabeth george, youll learn about. Acts 1 new living translation nlt the promise of the holy spirit.
As we move through the book of acts in these messages, what we are seeing is the fulfillment of this promise. It is written by luke as a sequel to the gospel of luke, picking up exactly where luke left off. The holy spirit in the book of acts essay 1715 words. In the many bibles that i have read and worn out, i have marked with a red pen countless references to the holy spirit in both the old and new testaments. Theme verse of acts but you will receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you.
The baptism of the holy spirit the book of acts establishes the pattern that the holy spirit is imparted to genuine believers at the time of. The holy spirit in the book of acts thesis statement the mighty acts of the holy spirit advancing the gospel moving upon and through the church is amazing in its detail throughout this book. The power to witness the holy spirit what do i need to know about the passage. The holy spirit plays an essential role in taking the raw materials of gospel potential and turning them into the sweet fruit of gospel impact. The holy spirit in the book of acts essay 2475 words. But throughout the book of acts you will discover that the holy spirit himself is in charge of this task. Aug 28, 2012 the book of acts is a testament of the holy spirit and equality. Luke described to theophilus in his first letter about jesus life up to the resurrection. The book of acts is filled with incredible examples of gods spirit at work in the lives of his people. While peter was still speaking these words, the holy spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. The holy spirit as an active character in the book. On the day when the lord jesus ascended from the mount of olives he said to his disciples, but you shall receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you.
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