The first followers of Jesus were not renowned for their bravery. Peter, despite all his bluster and bravado, denied Jesus three times and when Jesus was arrested, most disciples fled. They were not expecting the resurrection, despite all that Jesus had told them previously (no wonder he called the disciples on the road to Emmaus foolish and slow to believe! (Luke 24:15)) It’s quite impossible, even as we reach the end of the gospel stories, to believe that this group of followers could turn the world upside down in a matter of thirty years.
How did this transformation happen? Obviously the appearance of the risen Lord – alive despite suffering the most agonising death imaginable – had a large part in this, but Luke makes it clear in the opening chapter of Acts that something more was still needed. Instruction from the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity and himself God) was needed (Acts 1:2); the disciples were urged to ‘wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’ (Acts 1:4-5)
The key verse in the whole of Acts is found in this opening chapter: ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8) Here, we have the explanation as to how this raggedy group of people, from all different walks of life, could effectively evangelise the known world at the time. They did so not because of their own power or godliness (Acts 3:12), but because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on them. (Acts 2)
Throughout the book of Acts, we see the Holy Spirit as the source of the power behind the signs, wonders and preaching of the apostles; the apostles proclaim Jesus to be alive and still working miracles through ordinary people by His Holy Spirit (Acts 4:10-12, 29-31). We need to grasp this fact if we are to see the signs, wonders and church growth which the early church experienced.
No amount of learning, studying, effort and hard work can make up for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We need to receive this gift from God gladly and thankfully. A gift is not earned; it is simply received with gratitude. Let us wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit and receive Him with open hands and open hearts, for He leads us into life, teaching us, guiding us, rebuking us and pointing us to Jesus. (John 16:5-15) Only as we move forward with the help and empowerment of the Holy Spirit can we hope to see the church growth for which we long.
