Series | The Acts of the Holy Spirit
Book of Acts, Chapter 4
Previously: This chapter is a continuation of the previous, where Peter and John healed a crippled beggar at the ‘Beautiful’ gate of the temple. Peter goes on to preach the message of the resurrected Christ to the astonished onlookers. This invites some unwelcome guests who would rather have Peter nor anyone not teach about the risen Saviour.
Background: Chapter 4 starts with a disturbed set of high priests, captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees putting Peter and John behind the bars to question them the next day. Before moving further into the incident of chap 4, let us understand what kind of people Peter and John are facing. Typically, the Sadducees are the aristocratic section of the Jewish society – influential and wealthy. They also had the backing of the Roman military. They believed in nothing supernatural including life after death. They were highly corrupt and put on the mask of religiosity to squander the temple money under their leadership. These were the same corrupt and murderous people who killed innocent Jesus. And they ask Peter in verse “By what power or what name did you do this?” – the so-called religious people didn’t know what name did this, the highly influential people didn’t know what power did this. Ironically, they were so alien to this healing God whose temple they were governing.
Now, it is before such impure people Peter and John were held for questioning. Just as we saw the background of the Sadducees, let us also see the track record of Peter from John 18:15-18, 25-27. Here we see Peter deny Jesus fearing persecution. And Peter was even warned about his denial, but he failed miserably.
But it is startling to see the response as in verse 8 onwards:
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’[a]
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.
What made Peter speak like this? He slashed the ear of the guard when he was with Jesus. But when he saw Jesus taken away into custody he denied Him. Now what had happened to Peter? – It was the ACT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The disciple whom Jesus asked why he doubted, now healed a born cripple by faith!
Let us quickly go through three verses to see what the Holy Spirit does. This is from the perspective of the disciples.
John 16: 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Sin – not believing in Jesus, primary sin
Righteousness – righteousness from God, which Jesus atoned for us
Judgement – Defeat of satan, through the death and resurrection of Jesus
He gives A NEW LIFE!
John 14: 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
As One who never leaves. The resident president. Not just a fellow neighbour. In all that we do, He is with us. Everywhere we go, He goes with us. All we do is as if He does it. He that is in you is greater than He that is in the world! In the physical absence of Jesus, He has provided even His real presence in our lives.
He NEVER LEAVES US ALONE!
John 15: 26 But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
Jesus as a responsible leader, has sent the Holy Spirit from the Father. He is keen in sending us the Holy Spirit. It is imperative that we realize this fact and believe it. There is a common man-made notion that some teach where if someone didn’t receive the Holy Spirit, they should strive hard and wait in a manner that God will be pleased and then send Him. But the truth of the matter is God knows better our dire need for Him to be present with us and He gives when we ask. We need to believe this.
He baptizes us in the Holy Spirit – In-dwelling and Immersion (to be filled and overflow)
The Holy Spirit being with them was good as Jesus being with them. They saw 5 loaves and 2 fish feed 5000men. They walked on water. They healed the sick and delivered people from bondage and preached the good news to the poor. What kind of life are we living?
We are the apostles of today’s time!
Conclusion: Personhood of Holy Spirit
Baptism of the Holy Spirit is often spoken of as an experience by some. For those who haven’t received Him yet, they might have even noticed external responses and reactions that people who claim to have received the Holy Spirit show. Let not such questions stop anyone from receiving Him. Let us not limit him to some sort of a feeling or emotion, HE IS A PERSON!
Do you recognize the Person??? Or are you a stranger to The Holy Spirit just like the Sadducees who wondered what power that was?
If you need Him to be with you, call upon His name. Ask Him to come and reside in you and believe. You will be filled with Him, and when He comes you will receive power!
Samuel Melbon works as a civil engineer and is part of Renewed Hope Community which is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that Renewed Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Karanjade, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.
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