Acts 1: The Holy Spirit In Acts 1

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1. Michael Robson : June 21, 2019 at 8:58 am

   I believe this was my first attempt at preaching or teaching through a chapter of the Bible. Looking back, 4 years later, I wish I’d just stuck to the text of Acts 1, and maybe split it into two parts.

   The first part would show the connection between Luke 24 and Acts 1 and how the risen Lord had indeed opened the understanding of the disciples, that they might comprehend the Scriptures (as see in how Peter showed his insight into the Scriptures concerning Judas and his replacement), but how that wasn’t enough – they needed to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to the world.

   The second part would be to show how valid was Peter’s belief in the need for a replacement of Judas based on Scripture.

   Certain requirements were posited, lots were cast, and Matthias was chosen.

   Some object saying that Peter got ‘in the flesh’ because he couldn’t wait! The text doesn’t say this, nor is the Bible against casting lots (in fact the outcome of the lot is from the Lord).

   Some also object saying, Paul, several years later was the real choice, that God had in mind. The Scriptures never say this! And the objection is that nobody ever heard from Matthias again. Well you don’t hear from the majority of the original 12 (-1, Judas) again either.

   Paul wasn’t one of the 12 Apostles, he was an Apostle specifically chosen by the Lord though, and he mentioned the other Apostles in his writings. I don’t see any evidence to say that Paul felt left out or was inferior to any of the other apostles or that Peter got it wrong!

   All this points to 2 distinct workings of the Holy Spirit, before and after the Day of Pentecost. The first in regeneration, which opens up our hearts and minds to the Scriptures and the things of God, and the filling or Baptism with the Spirit as empowerment for ministry such as going into all the world to preach the Gospel!

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   • Michael Robson : June 21, 2019 at 9:05 am

     And let’s not forget, Peter, along with 120 or so others were in the midst of 10 days or so of prayer, when Peter spoke up.

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