Liberty
University
The
Holy Spirit as Guide, Preacher, and Indwelling in the Book of Acts
A
research paper submitted to Dr. L. Timothy Swinson
In
Partial Fulfillment of the requirements For
BIBL364-D03
Liberty
University
By
Justin
Steckbauer
Lynchburg,
Virginia
May 7,
2014
The moments were powerful and moving. The book of Acts, written by
Luke bridge the gap between the gospel accounts and the letters to
the churches with the historical account of the actions of the Holy
Spirit, working through a rag-tag band of peasants lead by a man who
denied Jesus three times, and later joined by a man previously in the
business of hunting down and murdering Christians. Twelve men, and
what was the mission? It was to spread the gospel to the entire
planet. It was impossible for them to do this themselves, alone,
without the direct power of God working through them. As God the
Father gave his son Jesus Christ to appoint the apostles, so Jesus
Christ gave the Holy Spirit to guide, speak through, and indwell his
messengers, effectively spreading the gospel to the barbarian war
torn world. Empirically we see that Jesus Christ, by way of the
given Holy Spirit was quite successful. Today there are over two
billion Christians worldwide, and the Bible is the best selling book
of all time (“Best selling book of non-fiction”, “Major
Religions ranked by Size”).
The centrality of the Holy Spirit in the book
of Acts is obvious from the very beginning (Turner, 2003, p.147).
All Lukan scholars tend to agree that Luke's emphasis on the Holy
Spirit is less explicit than one would expect (Turner, 2003, p.147).
There are still many divides in scholarly circles on Luke's view on
the Holy Spirit (Turner, 2003, p.147). The majority of scholars seem
to be of the view that the Holy Spirit is expressed by Luke as an
empowering for service and mission (Turner, 2003, p.147). This is
the thesis I intend to defend, that the Holy Spirit empowers, for
specifically the spread of the gospel, the three principle avenues of
evangelism being the reception at Pentecost and the subsequent
ability to speak in the gentile languages first; Second, the guidance
of the Holy Spirit in regard to travel, and the encouraging
assurances of the Spirit. Third, the Holy Spirit as speaking
directly through apostles by filling them, creating a unique
combination within the apostle similar to the idea of inspired
scripture, both spoken with human words and ideas, yet also fully
inspired by the Spirit. These three principle ministries of the Holy
Spirit provided the framework necessary for the gospel of Jesus
Christ to be spread effectively into all the world.
It is important to note that the Holy Spirit
does not have a ministry outside of Jesus Christ. The baptism of the
Spirit, a ministry of the Holy Spirit not discussed at length in this
paper is for the purpose of bringing one into the body of Christ.
A.C. Gabelein (1962) a theologian put is best when he wrote: “The
baptism with the Spirit brings the one who is thus baptized into the
organic union of the body and under the imputed blessings and power
of Christ who is the Head. It establishes an identity between the
believer and his Lord which is as a member of a body to the head, or
a branch to the vine. There are upwards of 130 passages which declare
that the Christian is in Christ. It is never said that we are
baptized into the Spirit. Such an interpretation is impossible, but
it is said that by the Spirit we are baptized into one body.”
After
his incredible victory at the cross, Jesus Christ reclaimed his life
and appeared to the apostles in various locations for forty days.
The Holy Spirit did indeed minister through Jesus Christ, which is
noted very early in Acts by Luke (Acts 1:2 NIV). Just a few verses
later Jesus instructed the disciples not to leave Jerusalem and said
this: “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5 NIV). The beginning of
the ministry of the disciples is contingent on the Holy Spirit being
distributed.
The commissioning was simple yet effective as
a final order: “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 NIV).
Then Jesus ascended to heaven, and the apostles watched, stunned, but
were urged by angels to know that he will return again (Acts 1:11
NIV). The final words of Jesus Christ are linked to passages of
scripture across much of the Old Testament (Moore, 1997). One such
passage is Isaiah 49:6 (NIV) which states, “he says:
“It
is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I
will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Some
scholars believe the statement made by Jesus denotes not only a
geographical sending, but an ethnic ministry to the gentiles (Moore,
1997). Such a daunting commission to the entire gentile world
requires a powerful friend, the Holy Spirit working through the
disciples, to have any possibility of success.
At
Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, and they were
then able to speak in foreign languages (Acts 2:4 NIV). Nearby
gentiles from all over the world heard their native languages being
spoken (Acts 2:5-6 NIV). The Spirit was at work, creating a
situation that allowed for evangelism of Jew and Gentile alike. The
result was 3,000 new Christians (Acts 2:41 NIV). The Holy Spirit had
begun to work through the apostles.
After Peter's speech at Pentecost the church began to grow. Soon
enough however, the Jewish leadership came against the Way. Peter
and John were brought before the Sanhedrin and it was at this time
that Peter spoke, filled with the Spirit. Acts 4:8 (NIV) says, “Then
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and
elders of the people!” Peter goes on to make an inspired speech to
the Jewish leadership, telling them Jesus Christ is the exclusive way
to salvation (Acts 4:12 NIV). Luke notes specifically that Peter is
filled with the Holy Spirit. This is at a moment when evangelism is
needed, and upon the filling of the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ is
presented as Lord and savior; the Gospel is preached.
Once again the idea of the filling of the Spirit is seen at the
stoning of Stephen. Stephen has just made a long speech to the
Sanhedrin. At the end of the speech, the crowd is about to explode
with anger. Then we see Acts 7:55-56 (NIV) which says,” But
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the
glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,”
he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the
right hand of God.” This last statement drove the crowd mad, and
they covered their ears and proceeded to stone Stephen (Acts 7:57-60
NIV). Though it is highly likely that Stephen was filled with the
Spirit during his entire speech, Luke does not make note of this.
But it is noted that the Holy Spirit provides a vision to Stephen of
Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God. The vision triggers
Stephen to speak audibly and describe what he is seeing. He was
preaching by way of the Holy Spirit just by describing what he was
seeing. In describing this beautiful scene, the Sanhedrin's
resistance to the Spirit was perfected. The Sanhedrin had heard
Jesus describe himself as the son of man only a few weeks earlier,
and Stephen's use of that title was a clear testimony to the
Sanhedrin of the deity of Christ (Constable, 2014, p.127). In
furious anger they proceeded to kill him.
The third filling of the Holy Spirit I'll touch on is Paul in Acts
13:9. Acts 13:9 (NIV) says “Then Saul, who was also called Paul,
filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said.”
Paul goes on to
rebuke the sorcerer named Elymas. According to
Constable (2014)
“Paul was about to announce a divine miracle designed to frustrate
Satan's work in hindering the progress of the gospel.” The divine
miracle left the sorcerer blind for a time (Acts 13:11
NIV). Once again while Paul attempts to share the gospel,
persecution occurs. The Holy Spirit used the persecution, in this
case a Jewish false teacher attempting to mislead the Roman
proconsul, for the purpose of evangelism. The proconsul is so amazed
he ends up believing (Acts 13:12 NIV). Once again the Holy Spirit
has succeeded in spreading the gospel.
The
Holy Spirit's Guidance of the Church
The Holy Spirit has clearly been shown to be a received indwelling,
given by Jesus Christ for the purpose of empowerment and mission. He
has also been shown to be a filling empowerment for the purpose of
evangelism. The third ministry of the Holy Spirit in regard to the
thesis is the Spirit's loving guidance.
Acts 10:19-20 (NIV) says, “While Peter was still thinking about the
vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for
you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with
them, for I have sent them.” In this situation Peter had just
received a vision from the Spirit regarding ministry to the Gentiles.
Peter proceeded to obey the leading of the Spirit and later baptized
a Roman named Cornelius and his family (Acts 10:47-48 NIV). The Holy
Spirit guided Peter to a situation where he had the opportunity to
preach the Gospel, he preached, and new believers were baptized. The
Holy Spirit strategically moved about, building the church one brick
at a time in the book of Acts, truly astonishing, mysterious, and
wonderful.
In Acts 13 the Holy Spirit speaks to the church at Antioch. In this
case the Holy Spirit is working as a missionary mobilizing force,
pairing Paul and Barnabas together in preparation to be sent. Acts
13:2 (NIV) says “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting,
the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the
work to which I have called them.” The Holy Spirit is once again
seen strategically building the church. Not only does the Holy
Spirit guide the missionary to new converts, in the case of Peter to
the family of Cornelius, but it also works in the church mobilizing
and sending missionaries. The Holy Spirit is truly the loving guide
of the church of Christ.
The Holy Spirit also works in strategic prevention and timing in His
ministry of guidance. Acts 16:6-7 (NIV) says, “Paul and his
companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia,
having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the
province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried
to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.”
The Holy Spirit knows how to guide the apostles to new converts, the
Spirit mobilizes missionaries, and the Holy Spirit also knows where
the apostles should not go. It's just after these verses that Luke
writes of the vision Paul receives, most certainly from the Holy
Spirit, to take the gospel to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10 NIV).
Paul in Acts chapter 20 is sent by the Spirit to Jerusalem. In his
speech to the Ephesian elders, he says, “And now, compelled by the
Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me
there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that
prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth
nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the
task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good
news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:22-24 NIV). This is probably the
only speech by Paul that Luke heard with his own ears (Constable,
2014, p.289). The Holy Spirit sometimes leads the apostles into
difficult situations, for the sake of the glory of God. The ultimate
purpose here is that the gospel be preached, no matter what. Once
again the Holy Spirit shows himself as guide, as he beckons Paul back
to Jerusalem where prison and pain await. Later in Acts the Spirit
leads Paul to Rome itself, where once again the Gospel is preached
(Acts 28:31 NIV).
Conclusion
Jesus Christ while teaching salvation and the narrow way the
Christian must walk was asked: Given how difficult the Way is, who
then can possibly be saved? His reply was simple and straight to the
point, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are
possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV). In the same way, it was impossible
for the church of Christ to spread effectively and lead the lost to
salvation without the Holy Spirit guiding the church, ministering
through the apostles, and indwelling the body of Christ with gifts
like tongues. Jesus Christ commissioned his followers and
distributed the Holy Spirit to them at Pentecost (Acts 1, 2 NIV).
The Holy Spirit inspired and spoke through great men like Peter,
Stephen, and Paul (Acts 5, 7, 13 NIV). The Holy Spirit guided the
church in baptizing new believers, sending missionaries, and leading
missionaries into situations where the gospel could be preached (Acts
16, 20 NIV). The book of Acts is truly the historical account of God
himself building His early church, eventually reclaiming billions
from the hands of the evil one for eternity in his kingdom, to this
very day.
I.
Outline
Introduction
A. Background
B. Thesis: In Acts, the Holy Spirit
is received, guides, and speaks through the Apostles effectively
spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
II. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
through Jesus and at Pentecost
A. Jesus instructs the Apostles
through the Holy Spirit
1. Acts 1:2 Jesus' final
instructions via the Holy Spirit
2. Acts 1:8 Jesus' commissions to the
apostles as witnesses
B. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost
1. Acts 2:2-4 The Holy Spirit comes
upon the Apostles
2. Acts 2:14-21 Peter references
Joel regarding the Spirit
C. Response to the Holy Spirit
1. Acts 2:5-13 Initial reaction of
the crowds to the Tongues
2. Acts 2:37-47 The Response of the
Jews to the Holy Spirit
III. The Holy Spirit fills the
Apostles while they Preach
A. Acts 4:8 Peter speaks to the
Religious Leaders filled with the Spirit
B. Acts 7:55 Stephen speaks while
filled with the Spirit
C. Acts 13:9 Paul speaks by the power
of the Spirit
IV. The Holy Spirit's Guidance of
Believers
A. The Holy Spirit speaks to the
Apostles
1. Acts 10:19 The Spirit speaks to
Peter regarding the three men
looking for him
2. Acts 13:1-4 The Holy Spirit
speaks to the church at Antioch
regarding Paul and Barnabas
B. The Holy Spirit as a guide and
instructor
1. Acts 16:6-7 The Holy Spirit
prevents Paul from going into Asia
2. Acts
20:22-23 The Holy Spirit compels Paul to go to Jerusalem
Conclusion
Annotated
Bibliography
"Best selling book of non-fiction." Guinness World Records.
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction/
(accessed May 8, 2014).
[The Guinness book of world records is a highly reputable source,
listing the Bible as the best selling book in human history.]
Constable, Dr. Thomas L.. "Notes on Acts." Sonic Light.
http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/acts.pdf (accessed
April 20, 2014). [This commentary by Dr. Constable will be a good
overall reference for general notes on the entire book of Acts. Dr.
Constable deals with all the issues of title, authorship, purpose,
events, and the work of the Holy Spirit for the mission to the
Gentile world.]
Gaebelein, A. C. “Baptism of the Spirit.” Central Bible
Quarterly 5:2 (Summer 1962): 34–40. [Gaebelein's article
regarding the baptism of the Spirit should help cover the topic in my
thesis statement regarding the reception of the Holy Spirit.
Gaebelein's paper revolves around the baptism at Pentecost, and there
is a subsection of my paper devoted to to Pentecost, as well as
Peter's speech after the tongues, so this piece should be quite
useful.]
"Major Religions Ranked by Size." Adherents.com.
http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html (accessed May 6,
2014).
[According to the estimates made by adherents.com based on the best
data, there are approximately 2.1 billion Christians in the world
today.]
Moore, Thomas S. “‘To the End of the Earth’: The Geographical
and Ethnic Universalism of Acts 1:8 in Light of Isaianic Influence on
Luke.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 40:3
(1997): 390–99. [This paper by Thomas Moore effectively discusses
Acts 1:8 in a way that ought to intersect with my paper nicely. My
paper will touch on the giving of the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ, so
this article will be useful in citations for that section.]
"MyStudyBible.com." MSB.com. https://www.mystudybible.com/
(accessed April 20, 2014). [I will make use of the website tools
including the Holman Bible Dictionary, as well as Strongest
Concordance if need be. If there are any issues for the paper that
aren't filled by the NIV Bible or the Notes on Acts by Dr. Constable
then this should help fill the gaps.]
NIV Bible. Popular ed. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1997.
[My Bible of choice, referenced in paper form as well as online
through various free access websites, most notably Biblegateway.com.]
Russell, Walt. “The Anointing with the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts.”
Trinity Journal 7, no. 1 (Spr 1986): 47–63. [The Holy Spirit
being the central issue of my research paper, this article will be
useful. I will necessarily need to hit three areas of defense of my
thesis statement: The reception
of the Holy Spirit, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Holy
Spirit as it speaks through the Apostles. This piece will help with
the third area, the Holy Spirit as it speaks through believers.]
Turner, Max. “The Work of the
Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts.” Word
& World 23, no. 2
(Spr 2003): 146–153. [This piece by Max Turner describes the Holy
Spirit as portrayed by Luke as central to the the propagation of the
Gospel. Turner describes the Holy Spirit as a means for inspired
speech, revelation, and wisdom. This paper will be useful in
describing the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit which is the
second issue of my thesis statement.]
