understand what Jesus had meant when he said, "It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). Although Jesus himself departed, God became present in each one of them, making his activity in the world more widespread than ever before.
The Spirit personally directed each major advance of the church. He sent Philip into the desert to meet an Ethiopian (8:29), set apart missionaries in Antioch (13:2), guided the first big church council (15:1-28), and helped plan Paul's itinerary (13:4; 16:6). As presented in Acts, the Spirit was no vague mist but a living person, who spoke, guided decisions, and fueled the church with the energy of faith.
Life Questions: How is the Holy Spirit active in your life? |
