The Holy Spirit’s Presence
The book of Acts emphasizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Before the Spirit came, Jesus spoke about the Spirit's influence on his followers (1:8; see John 14:15–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7–15). The Spirit clearly guided the early church in selecting Spirit-filled leaders to care for the needs of the Hellenistic widows (Acts 6:1–7). These were Greek-speaking Jewish widows who needed help in the daily distribution of food. The Holy Spirit chose the apostles Barnabas and Saul for missionary work (13:1–5). When the first church council met to discuss the membership of non-Jewish people (gentiles), they followed the Spirit's direction (15:28).
The Holy Spirit filled Christian workers Stephen and Philip to preach with the Spirit's power (Acts 6:1–8:40). The Spirit energized the apostle Paul's ministry from the start (9:17). In the book of Acts, the church increased and expanded under the Holy Spirit's guidance and power (for example, 2:4, 41–47; 4:31; 5:32; 8:15, 17, 29; 9:31). Because of the Spirit's important role in Acts, people often call it “the Acts of the Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit acts in many ways:
The Holy Spirit gives and restores life (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 104:24–30; Ezekiel 37:1–14; Joel 2:28–32; Romans 8:9–11).
The Holy Spirit calls and chooses workers for Christ's service (Acts 13:2; 20:28).
The Holy Spirit directs God's servants where and when he wants them to act (Acts 8:29; 9:15; 10:19–20; 11:12; 16:6; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:12).
The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
The Holy Spirit teaches the church Christ's message (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 12:3).
The Holy Spirit shows the power of the good news about Jesus (the gospel) through miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 14:3; Hebrews 2:4).
The Holy Spirit teaches God's people the truths of Scripture (Acts 1:16; Hebrews 9:8; 10:15–17; 1 Peter 1:11–12).
The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus and brings him glory (John 15:26; 16:13–14).
The Holy Spirit makes people aware of their sins and their need for the good news (John 16:8).
The Holy Spirit warns them against becoming stubborn (Hebrews 3:7–11, 15).
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to God's people (1 Corinthians 12:4–11).
The Holy Spirit empowers them to share the good news, serve the Lord, and work for God's kingdom.
Passages for Further Study
John 14:15–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7–15; Acts 1:8, 16; 2:4, 41–47; 4:31; 5:32; 6:1–7; 8:15, 17, 29; 9:15, 17, 31; 10:19–20; 11:12; 13:1–5; 14:3; 15:28; 16:6; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 12:1–11; Ephesians 1:13–14; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 2:4; 3:7–11, 15; 9:8; 10:15–17; 1 Peter 1:11–12; 2 Peter 1:20–21
Passages
Genesis 2:7 Psalm 104:24–30 Ezekiel 37:1–14 Joel 2:28–32 John 14:15–17 John 14:26 John 15:26 John 16:7–15 John 16:8 John 16:13–14 Acts 1:8 Acts 1:16 Acts 2:4 Acts 2:41–47 Acts 4:31 Acts 5:32 Acts 6:1–7 Acts 6:1–8:40 Acts 8:15 Acts 8:17 Acts 8:29 Acts 9:15 Acts 9:17 Acts 9:31 Acts 10:19–20 Acts 11:12 Acts 13:1–5 Acts 13:2 Acts 14:3 Acts 15:28 Acts 16:6 Acts 20:28 Romans 8:9–11 1 Corinthians 2:13 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 1 Corinthians 12:3 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 Ephesians 1:13–14 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Hebrews 2:4 Hebrews 3:7–11 Hebrews 3:15 Hebrews 9:8 Hebrews 10:15–17 1 Peter 1:11–12 1 Peter 1:12 2 Peter 1:20–21