Holy Spirit

Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, "Three men have come looking for you."

—Acts 10:19 NLT

Key Thought


Peter wants to know the meaning of his vision — read Acts 10 for the details of that vision. What he learns about the vision is shocking for him. But, the key to unraveling the mystery of the vision is that the Holy Spirit is getting Peter to help reach the ends of the earth with God's good message of grace. Jesus had given...

 

When [Paul's] friends learned of the plot [to kill him], they got him out of [Jerusalem], took him to Caesarea, and then shipped him off to Tarsus. Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country — Judea, Samaria, Galilee — the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully.

—Acts 9:30-31 MESSAGE

Key Thought...

 

Verse
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

— Luke 10:21 tniv

Thought
For several days, we will see the link between joy and the Holy Spirit. Jesus, of course, is our great example in this. If the presence of the Holy Spirit led Jesus to be full of joy, then the...

 

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."

—Luke 10:21 NIV

Key Thought
Since the presence of the Holy Spirit led Jesus to be full of joy, then the Spirit can and will bring this blessing into our lives as well. Just like the joy of little children receiving...

 

So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, "Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

—Acts 9:17 MESSAGE

Key Thought


Acts 9 tells the story of one of the church's greatest enemies becoming one of its most passionate leaders. No one could have expected this complete turnaround to happen, especially not Saul of Tarsus. (Saul later...

 

Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

—Acts 8:38-40 NIV

Key Thought


When the Holy Spirit leads and guides God's servants, people come to Christ with great joy. Then...

 

The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot [carrying an Ethiopian official] and stay near it."

—Acts 8:29 NIV

Key Thought


As in a previous Key Thought section, we are reminded again that reaching the ends of the earth with the good news of Jesus is the Holy Spirit's work. Throughout the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit inspires, convicts, empowers, emboldens, directs, guides, and leads God's servants in sharing the story of Jesus in much of the Roman Empire. In the...

 

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God."

—Acts 8:18-21 NIV

Key Thought


Simon's callous disregard for the...

 

When the apostles in Jerusalem received the report that Samaria had accepted God's Message, they sent Peter and John down to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn't yet fallen on them. Then the apostles laid their hands on them and they did receive the Holy Spirit.

—Acts 8:14-17 MESSAGE

Key Thought


Jesus promised his closest followers that the Holy Spirit would empower...

 

[Just before Stephen was stoned:] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand.

—Acts 7:55 NLT

Key Thought


Stephen had been chosen to serve widows because he was full of the Spirit. Stephen had spoken the truth of Jesus in the face of great hostility. He had warned those who opposed his words not to resist the Spirit like their ancestors before them...