Bible Studies

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In our last study of Acts we talked about how the post-resurrection Church was focused on interacting with the culture of their day. They boldly spoke out before large groups of people, even going before religious leaders and prominent political figures. Dramatic events occurred. They turned their culture "upside down" and confronted it in such a way that people were left not knowing how to respond. Thousands were added to the Church in a very short time. What was the source of this boldness and phenomenal church growth? The second chapter of Acts provides the answer. 

     Acts 2 is the passage on Pentecost. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit as previously promised prior to the Lord's ascension to the Father. There was a large gathering of "Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven"(verse 5). The disciples began to speak in other tongues. "The multitudes...were bewildered becauses they were each one hearing them speak in his own language"(verse 6). This is key. They supernaturally spoke in foreign languages they had never learned for the purpose of evangelism.

     This is not tongues as is thought of today. It had nothing to do with salvation, and nothing to do with an emotional experience with some kind of "heavenly language" or gibberish. Those gathered heard the gospel proclaimed in their native language by people who had never learned it. It was a supernatural gift as a result of the power of the Spirit coming upon them. It sets the tone for the entire Book of Acts: The power of God and boldness by men of God to evangelize their world. Over 40 references are made to the Holy Spirit in every chapter except 1, 3, 12, 14, 17, 18, and 22-27. Here are a few examples from the NASV:

     "So the church thoughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up, and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase"(9:31).

     "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message...amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured upon the Gentiles also...For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 'Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he'"(10:44-47). Because of the context of Pentecost in chapter 2 it can be assumed that the tongues spoken here were again, unlearned foreign languages. 

     "And the Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings..."(11:12).

     "And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit"(13:52).

   The Spirit of God was the driving force behind everything the disciples did. We need to draw upon that same power today. The church does not need more programs; it needs more power. The Book of Acts is a model for evangelism and church growth. At what point is your local church utilizing the filling and leading of the Holy Spirit in accomplishing its objectives?  

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