The Holy Spirit’s Power

Jesus’s final words to His disciples was for them to wait in Jerusalem for the power of the Holy Spirit before they were to go and be His witnesses to ends of the earth (Lk 24:44-49; Acts 1:4-5). And Acts is the account of them heeding His words. Many say that the book of Acts should be called something along the lines of “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” rather than the Acts of the Apostles. Commentators say such things as, “It is the chronicle of the spreading flame of the Holy Spirit,”[1] and it is the “gospel of the Holy Spirit.”[2] The Holy Spirit’s power is truly present all throughout Acts.

Many people get caught up in the details that seem to accompany the Holy Spirit, and they miss the whole purpose the Spirit is given. In Acts, the Holy Spirit isn’t given for the purpose of special manifestations. His power is always for the purpose of mission. It is not most evident from speaking in tongues, but it is most evident from speaking with boldness (Acts 1:8; 2:17-18; 4:8, 31; 7:51; 8:29, 39-40; 10:38; 11:12; 13:2, 4, 9; 16:6-7).

“The most characteristic role of the Spirit in Acts is his activity in the Christian mission. Every major breakthrough in mission occurs through the guidance of the Spirit.”[3]

Throughout the book of Acts, the Spirit empowers believers to engage in cross-cultural evangelism (Acts 8:29, 10:19-20; 11:12). The Spirit also guides them on when and where to evangelize (16:6-7), even abruptly transporting Philip to continue preaching in strategic locations (8:39-40), and also fosters unity among believers (15:28).

The Holy Spirit plays a primary role in sending out Barnabas and Saul on their mission (13:2, 4), and accompanies them shortly thereafter by a demonstration of Spirit-empowered boldness (13:9), which sets the tone for the rest of their mission. This parallels the Spirit-empowered paradigm of Jesus's ministry (Luke 4:1, 14, 18).

When the Spirit is poured out on the Christian community, it leads to a culture of sharing with those in need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). This concern for the less fortunate aligns with the broader theme found in Luke-Acts, as well as with Jesus's own empowerment with the Spirit (Luke 4:18-19). Those who are considered trustworthy leaders are described as being "full of the Spirit” (Luke 4:1, Acts 6:3, 5, 7:55; 11:24). The appointing of these leaders is guided by the Spirit's direction (Acts 20:28; 13:2-4). Similar ideas are echoed in other passages, such as 1 Timothy 1:18, 4:14, and 2 Timothy 1:6. Ultimately, the Spirit provides boldness for bearing witness, especially in challenging and hostile situations (Acts 4:8, 31, 5:32, 6:10, 7:51, 55), which aligns with Jesus's words in Luke 12:11-12.

To summarize, in Acts, the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment is essential in facilitating cross-cultural evangelism, guiding evangelistic efforts, fostering unity, and equipping leaders. The outpouring of the Spirit leads to a compassionate community that cares for the needy. Trustworthy leaders demonstrate a fullness of the Spirit and are appointed by the Spirit. And the Spirit provides boldness for witnessing, even in hostile circumstances.[4]

It is interesting to note, also, that Jesus didn’t begin His public ministry before being filled with the Spirit (Luke 3:22-23; 4:18; Acts 10:38).[5] What makes us think we can function on our own, without the Holy Spirit’s power?

As you dwell on the purpose of the Holy Spirit’s power in Acts, which is empowering the believer with boldness to proclaim the gospel, would you pray for the Holy Spirit to give you that same boldness today?

[1] R. Kent Hughes, Acts, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1996), 13.

[2] John Chrysostom, Hom. Acts 1.5.

[3]  John B. Polhill, Acts, The New American Commentary (Nashville: B&H, 1992), 65.

[4] Craig S. Keener, Acts, New Cambridge Bible Commentary (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020), 74.

[5] Keener, Acts, 103.