“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NLT)
Luke gives us a detailed account of the early church and the power of Holy Spirit working through believers. This book is often called the Acts of the Apostles, but here’s what’s true: God has the power, and He plants it in us through Holy Spirit. Any miracle in this book is the fruit of Holy Spirit working in the believer. Keep that frame of mind as you read the stories.
During the forty days after Jesus was crucified, He appeared to the apostles and taught them about the kingdom of God. But they still thought He meant an earthly kingdom. Jesus spent those forty days teaching them the kingdom is spiritual and making sure they understood the importance of Holy Spirit. He reminded them: Don’t leave Jerusalem until God sends the gift He promised. “John baptized with water, but in just a few days, you will be baptized with Holy Spirit.” When we lay hands on a believer for Holy Spirit to come upon them, we’re fulfilling what Jesus said. We’re disciples of the original twelve, so we should be doing and seeing what they did.
Jesus told them clearly: You’re not going to receive political power, but I’m going to give you spiritual power. When Jesus breathed Holy Spirit on the disciples, it was like God breathing into Adam’s nostrils, giving life. But Holy Spirit coming upon us gives power to be witnesses everywhere. Verse 8 is what Jesus says right before He’s taken up into a cloud. His final instruction. The most important thing.
After Jesus ascends, two angels ask, “Why are you standing here staring into heaven?” Stop standing around. You’ve got work to do. The same power that worked in the apostles is available to you today. The same Holy Spirit that turned fishermen into world-changers is ready to come upon you. So here’s the question: Are you standing around staring, or are you moving in the power Jesus promised?