Power Source

Read Acts 1:1–4:37

1. On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.
2. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
3. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
4. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
5. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem.
6. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee,
8. and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!” Acts 2:1-8

Our very way of life depends on electricity. If you don’t think so, see what happens when you turn off the power in your home. You can’t use your lights when it gets dark, or your TV, stereo, or computer. If you have an electric oven or if your house has electric heat, forget about cooking or staying warm. You may also want to go out and buy some ice to keep your food cold.

The church without the Holy Spirit is like a house without electrical power. That is why Jesus sends his power source—the Holy Spirit—to the church soon after his ascension. When the Spirit comes, the church is radically transformed—Peter preaches his first sermon, converting thousands; a lame beggar is healed; and Peter and John boldly face Jesus’ killers. The promise Jesus gave his disciples is coming true—they have received real power.

Jesus said that shortly after he ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit would come and give his disciples power to take his message to the whole world (Acts 1:8). That’s exactly what happened. First the disciples received the Holy Spirit (2:3-4). Then the Spirit gave them power that enabled them to speak in other languages and to perform miracles (2:4-12; 2:43; 3:6-8; 4:13). As a result, they took the message of Christ to the rest of the world (8:4).

Often, Christians try to use their own power and authority to persuade others to follow Christ. But sharing God’s message should not involve slick debate or manipulation. Instead, we should share what God has done for us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we should depend on the Spirit for the results. The Holy Spirit works in people, helping them see that the incredible Jesus really did come to die for them, paying the penalty for their sins.