After he died to pay for the sin of all of humanity and was resurrected, Jesus commanded his disciples to stay in Jerusalem. The disciples could hardly contain themselves. And who could blame them? Not many days had passed since their beloved teacher had suffered the humiliation of dying a criminal’s death. Not many days had passed since his lifeless body had laid undisturbed in a guarded tomb that belonged to a man named Joseph, a follower of Jesus from the town of Arimathea. And not many days had passed since he had done what no one ever expected him to do—raise to life again! So, when Jesus ordered the disciples to wait in Jerusalem, they couldn’t help but wonder, could this be the time?
The Book of Acts
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting...
the greatest story continued
Written as the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, the book of Acts picks up where the Gospels left off: Jesus had risen from the dead, and his followers were looking to the future with hopeful anticipation. As they waited in Jerusalem, the disciples expected Jesus to finally fulfill God’s promise to restore the kingdom of Israel. God had chosen Israel out of all the peoples of the Earth to be his representatives, his ambassadors of grace to the world. But because of their stubborn disobedience, he had humbled them by stripping them of their political power and subjecting them to foreign rule for almost one thousand years. The disciples were waiting for the restoration of a kingdom. Whatever they might have expected as they saw Jesus lifted up to heaven (1:9), nothing could have prepared them for what would come with the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
the unstoppable holy spirit
Just as Jesus is the main character in the Gospels, the Holy Spirit takes center stage in the book of Acts. As the Holy Spirit moves, the people of God move. Acts 1:8 serves as a helpful summary of the entire book. With the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the disciples began sharing the good news about Jesus, beginning in Jerusalem (chapter 2) then on to Judea and Samaria (chapter 8), and ultimately to “the end of the earth” as Christians fled persecution and Paul began his missionary journeys (chapter 11 on).
As we study the book of Acts, we discover a God who, through his Holy Spirit, moves heaven and Earth to gather to himself people from every nation, ethnicity, race, tongue, sex, age, and socio-economic status to be a part of his family. It is in this book that we see the birth of what today we call the church—the people of God, separated across time and space, but united together by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a devotion to the apostles’ teaching, the communion of believers, and the Lord’s Supper (2:42). As we study this book, may we be reminded that the same Holy Spirit who moved on the day of Pentecost continues to move today in our lives and the lives of his people scattered all around the world.
As we study the book of Acts, we discover a God who, through his Holy Spirit, moves heaven and Earth to gather to himself people from every nation, ethnicity, race, tongue, sex, age, and socio-economic status to be a part of his family. It is in this book that we see the birth of what today we call the church—the people of God, separated across time and space, but united together by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a devotion to the apostles’ teaching, the communion of believers, and the Lord’s Supper.
Watch Week Five
New Testament: The Gospel & Acts
Daily Question
Where can you catch glimpses of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?
Comments (10)
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I love the thought of "catching glimpses of the Holy Spirit." Thinking of it this way opens my eyes to think of the little ways that God’s presence abounds in every aspect of my life. Yes, I catch glimpses of Him when I pray and when I worship worship. Yet, I also catch glimpses of Him when I find peace in the middle of a hectic day or hear the birds singing to remind me that in spite all of the hurt and pain there is still beauty and joy. If we look for the Holy Spirit in our lives continuously, I believe that we will catch glimpses of Him in new ways each and every day.
Thank you for taking the time out to say that Gloria. These questions challenge me each day. I so enjoy the community these studies create and the chance to dig deeper here through this section. I am gleaning from each of you as well. I’m glad that we get to grow together.
I don’t know why but I always struggle to answer some of these questions. You summed it up so beautifully. Thank you.
Me too Gloria
I can catch glimpses of the Holy Spirit when I am in stress and have anger. The Holy Sprits prompts me to be kind and to not fear. I feel more peace and I am able to trust him in struggle.
In my children there new found interest and wonder of Jesus I see the Holy Spirit in their young minds.
Oh HE guides me and speaks to me when I carefully listen for HIM. HE gives me gentle rebukes then I know which way to go! HE teaches me with the gentle rebukes 😊❤️
I catch glimpses of the Holy Spirit in my life at times when I am being convicted. Also, the Holy Spirit might prompt me to speak to someone or to pray. The Holy Spirit inspires me to love others.
He brings me comfort, speaks the truth in love, leads me to my new life in Christ, He gives me the strength to do all things, leads me to God’s word and in His calling on my life, He points out God in all creation and how good it is!
Thank you God for your Holy Spirit❤️
The Holy Spirit has guided me many times in my leadership position at work. Holy Spirit helped me in making decisions, when working with difficult team members. Holy Spirit calls me out when I’m on the wrong track.
If I’m not honoring God in my words or actions. The Holy Spirit has comforted me when I’ve been anxious, overwhelmed. Holy Spirit has brought words and verses to me when I need them.
Praise God for His gift of The Holy Spirit.