NLT Illustrated Study Bible - Book of Acts - Flipbook - Page 11
1967
The Holy Spirit’s Presence
Acts 1:8
John 14:1517, 26;
15:26; 16:715
Acts 1:16; 2:4,
4147; 4:31; 5:32;
6:17; 8:15, 17,
29; 9:15, 17, 31;
10:1920; 11:12;
13:15; 14:3; 15:28;
16:6; 20:28
1 Cor 2:13; 12:111
Eph 1:1314
2 Tim 3:1617
Heb 2:4; 3:711, 15;
9:8; 10:1517
1 Pet 1:1112
2 Pet 1:2021
See Also:
“The Holy Spirit’s
Work,” 1 Cor 12:111
The book of Acts clearly highlights the pres
ence and power of the Holy Spirit. Before the
coming of the Spirit, Jesus spoke of the Spir
it’s influence on the growth of the church
(1:8; see John 14:1517, 26; 15:26; 16:715).
The Spirit’s guidance was clear in the selec
tion of Spirit-filled leaders to care for the
needs of the Hellenistic widows (Acts 6:17)
and in the appointing of Barnabas and Saul
for missionary service (13:15). When the first
church council met to consider the member
ship of Gentiles in the church, those pres
ent followed the Spirit’s direction (15:28).
Christian workers such as Stephen and Philip
were filled with the Spirit and preached by
his power (6:1–8:40), and Paul’s ministry
was charged with the Spirit’s energy from
the beginning (9:17). In Acts, the growth,
development, and expansion of the church
took place entirely under the guidance and
power of the Spirit (e.g., 2:4, 4147; 4:31;
5:32; 8:15, 17, 29; 9:31). Because of the
prominence of the Spirit’s work in Acts, the
book has often been called “the Acts of the
Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit works in many ways.
He gives and restores life (Gen 2:7; Ps
104:2430; Ezek 37:114; Joel 2:2832; Rom
8:911). He calls and commissions workers
for the service of Christ (Acts 13:2; 20:28)
and guides God’s servants where and when
he wants, to do as he desires (8:29; 9:15;
10:1920; 11:12; 16:6; 1 Cor 2:13; 1 Pet
1:12). He inspired the writing of Scripture
(2 Tim 3:1617; 2 Pet 1:2021), instructing
the church in Christ’s message (John 14:26;
1 Cor 12:3). He bears witness to the power
of the Good News in signs and wonders (Acts
14:3; Heb 2:4), and teaches the truths of the
Bible to God’s people (Acts 1:16; Heb 9:8;
10:1517; 1 Pet 1:1112). He bears witness
to Jesus and brings him glory (John 15:26;
16:14). He convicts people of their sinful
ness and need for the Good News (John
16:8) and warns people against hardening
their hearts (Heb 3:711, 15). He bestows
gifts upon God’s people (1 Cor 12:411), and
he energizes and equips them to share the
Good News, serve the Lord, and work for the
Kingdom of God.
