Acts

My Witnesses

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The Gift of the Spirit equips the Assembly to bear witness to Jesus, especially concerning his Resurrection from the dead. 

At the start of the Book of Acts, Jesus tells disciples they will be “baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence,” and they will “receive power” enabling them to become “My Witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the Earth.” Receiving the Gift of the Spirit would equip his saints to proclaim his message “to all the nations.”

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To the Nations Also

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Jesus of Nazareth fulfills the promise to bless all nations in Abraham. Christ is the Patriarch’s Heir and “Seed”.

Basic to the biblical doctrine of redemption is the covenant with Abraham and his “Seed.” It included the promise that “all the nations of the Earth would be blessed in him,” and the Patriarch would have innumerable descendants. How and when are the nations blessed? Who is Abaham’s “Seed” destined to inherit the promises?

Jesus Christ is the promised “Seed” along with his New Covenant community, namely, the “Assembly,” the “Body of Christ.” The original covenant was part of God’s larger redemptive plan, the beginning rather than the end of the process. The initial focus on Abraham’s immediate biological descendants was only the first stage in the redemption of humanity.

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Pentecost – Outcome

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The final paragraph of the second chapter of Acts summarizes the results of the Spirit’s outpouring. It describes the basic practices of the young congregation that resulted from the Spirit’s presence – Teaching, shared meals, fellowship, prayers, unity, and material support for individuals in need. The one unique feature is the holding of possessions “in common” under the administration of the Apostles.

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Tarrying for the Spirit?

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Prior to his ascension, Jesus told his disciples to “tarry” or wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. In some churches, this command has become a doctrine applicable to all or most Christians – that the believer must “tarry” before the Lord for extended periods in prayer and even fasting until his or her mind or spirit enters a stage more conducive to God’s Spirit before receiving the gift of the Spirit.

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STEPHEN BEARS WITNESS

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Under the guidance of the Spirit, Stephen gives eloquent and effective testimony to the leaders of Israel.

Early on, the church experienced conflicts between its Greek and Aramaic-speaking members. The apostles instructed the community to select seven men “full of the Spirit and wisdom” to take charge of the matter. One of the seven chosen men was Stephen, and Acts notes especially that he was “full of faith and the Spirit.”

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