This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Acts? The book of Acts is the second volume written by Luke. It continues where the Gospel of Luke ends, recording the work of the early apostles to spread the gospel in Jerusalem and the greater Mediterranean world. This historical account also documents how the early Church was built—person by person in city after city—through the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit.
How Acts Fits Into the Story: The book of Acts bridges the years between those who walked with Jesus firsthand and those who came to faith through their testimony. This book shows the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples, and how the Holy Spirit sustained, equipped, and grew the early Church. It also gives us context for much of the New Testament, especially Paul’s letters to the churches he helped establish during his missionary journeys.
Reflection Questions:
1. According to Acts 1:8, what is one purpose of the Holy Spirit? How does today’s reading expand your understanding of who the Holy Spirit is?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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52 thoughts on "Acts"
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 The holy spirit is a gift as a result of Christ’s crucifixion.
The Holy Spirit equips us with peace. Today, I learned that we are to wait on the Holy Spirit before doing God’s work. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do God’s work and keeps us in our faith in Christ. He is redeeming us day by day. ❤️❤️
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. – Acts 1:7
This is such a comfort to hear as a mama-to-be bringing a little person into the world when it’s so crazy out there. There is a plan, and it’s not our job to understand the details but rather to walk in faith while we’re in this world, not of it.
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. – Acts 1:7 This is such a comfort to hear as a mama-to-be bringing a new little person into the world when it’s so crazy out there. There is a plan, and it’s not our job to understand the details but rather to walk in faith while we’re in this world, not of it.
❤️
Oh man am I ever grateful for the Holy Spirit, he is my guide, when I choose to listen that is. Only the one true God would love us enough to leave a piece of Him with His followers to help them. Thank you Jesus for your daily guidance through the Holy Spirit.
1. According to Acts 1:8, what is one purpose of the Holy Spirit? How does today’s reading expand your understanding of who the Holy Spirit is?
“…But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” One purpose of the Holy Spirit is to guide us as witnesses, to remind, lead, and counsel us in God’s way, so that we might keep His word and help others to meet, know and follow Him in the same way. “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,ah whom the Father will sendai in my name, will teach you all things ajand remind you of everything I have told you.” -John 14: 25-26
Side note: Interesting breakdown of the Pentecost reference and what that means for the verses we read in Acts 2 today:
Pentecost is significant in both the Old and New Testaments. “Pentecost” is actually the Greek name for a festival known in the Old Testament as the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9). The Greek word means “fifty” and refers to the fifty days that have elapsed since the wave offering of Passover. The Feast of Weeks celebrated the end of the grain harvest. Most interesting, however, is its use in Joel and Acts. Looking back to Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28–32) and forward to the promise of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s last words on earth before His ascension into heaven (Acts 1:8), Pentecost signals the beginning of the church age.
The only biblical reference to the actual events of Pentecost is Acts 2:1–3. Pentecost is reminiscent of the Last Supper; in both instances the disciples are together in a house for what proves to be an important event. At the Last Supper the disciples witness the end of the Messiah’s earthly ministry as He asks them to remember Him after His death until He returns. At Pentecost, the disciples witness the birth of the New Testament church in the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers. Thus the scene of the disciples in a room at Pentecost links the commencement of the Holy Spirit’s work in the church with the conclusion of Christ’s earthly ministry in the upper room before the crucifixion.
The description of fire and wind mentioned in the Pentecost account resounds throughout the Old and the New Testament. The sound of the wind at Pentecost was “rushing” and “mighty.” Scriptural references to the power of wind (always understood to be under God’s control) abound. Exodus 10:13; Psalm 18:42 and Isaiah 11:15 in the Old Testament and Matthew 14:23–32 in the New Testament are only a few examples. More significant than wind as power is wind as life in the Old Testament (Job 12:10) and as spirit in the New (John 3:8). Just as the first Adam received the breath of physical life (Genesis 2:7), so the last Adam, Jesus, brings the breath of spiritual life. The idea of spiritual life as generated by the Holy Spirit is certainly implicit in the sound of the wind at Pentecost.
Fire is often associated in the Old Testament with the presence of God (Exodus 3:2; 13:21–22; 24:17; Isaiah 10:17) and with His holiness (Psalm 97:3; Malachi 3:2). Likewise, in the New Testament, fire is associated with the presence of God (Hebrews 12:29) and the purification He can bring about in human life (Revelation 3:18). God’s presence and holiness are implied in the Pentecostal tongues of fire. Indeed, fire is identified with Christ Himself (Revelation 1:14; 19:12); this association naturally underlies the Pentecost gift of the Holy Spirit, who would teach the disciples the things of Christ (John 16:14).
Another aspect of the Day of Pentecost is the miraculous speaking in foreign tongues which enabled people from various language groups to understand the message of the apostles. In addition is the bold and incisive preaching of Peter to a Jewish audience. The effect of the sermon was powerful, as listeners were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) and instructed by Peter to “repent, and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). The narrative concludes with three thousand souls being added to the fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers, apostolic signs and wonders, and a community in which everyone’s needs were met.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Just great reminders that no part of his rescue plan was forgotten; that all His promises of a savior were fulfilled, and that even though Jesus is not currently still physically with us, He did not abandon us while we wait for the Day of the Lord. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit and still are active participants in His redemption plan; working in His name and for the good of all his children as we are led to share His word and help others to love Him, so they will be saved and loved by Him as well.
The Holy Spirit is in us and empowers us to be witnesses – even to the ends of the earth. This reminds me that my purpose here is not just to be empowered for my own purposes, but to walk forward as someone who is on mission to share Jesus with those around me.
According to Acts 1:8, one purpose of the Holy Spirit is to give us the power to be witnesses for Jesus wherever we may go; whether that be in our neighborhoods, our jobs, as we travel, and even to our own families. Today’s reading shows that Jesus kept his promise to not leave us comfortless. He sent the Holy Ghost to be in us, to guides, and to keep us.
Knowing that the Holy Spirit was given to us as a helper makes it somewhat easier to do what the Lord has asked of me even though I sometimes forget this.
The Holy Spirit, our helper. That is so awesome just thinking about it. God is good to us.
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that guides us closer to him!
Acts 1:8 makes me brave!!! The Holy Spirit gives us what we need to be a witness for Jesus!! The words, the non-words, the action, the inaction, everything!!
Thank you so much for your prayers. I am so comforted by them during this time of grief and sadness.
I sometimes forget that the Holy Spirit lives within me and gives me the power to accomplish all that God has called me to do. I pray that I would walk in that power all the days of my life.
I agree. I try to remind myself to call His name for discernment advice comfort.
I though I’d share an article written about the attributes of the Holy Spirit by Dr. Charles Stanley I case anyone wanted to read more. http://www.intouch.org/read/blog/11-special-attributes-of-the-holy-spirit#.XdUTyOV6RRE.mailto
I also attached one called, The Presence of the Holy Spirit, https://www.intouch.org/read/blog/the-presence-of-the-holy-spirt
@ Ashley, i am with your I do t k ow if these answer your exact question for sure. One part says that : Although we’re sealed and indwelt by Him when we’re saved, this is not the same as being filled. To be filled with the Spirit means we have surrendered our lives to Him, acknowledging that He owns us and has the right to lead us. When we are fully yielded and walking in obedience to His will, then He has full control and fills us with Himself.
God bless you as you share, Ashley and blessings and prayers for all.
Here is the Lord’s synchronicity in my life again. We started watching Louie Gigglio’s Passion City Church last year & my husband has enjoyed the sermons so even though we can go back to church we are still watching his sermons. Pastor Louie just finished a sermon series based on Acts 1:8 title To the Ends of the Earth. It was a powerful series about spreading the word I’d salvation through Jesus throughout the earth. The last two in the series were particularly good. One was actually given by Andrew Scott who talked about how the gospel spread when the first Christians fled persecution in Jerusalem. It spread faster then than in any other time because it was everyday people living their everyday lives and sharing their faith….being a light. He has a company that places Christians in everyday jobs around the world to “be lights”. The last sermon, just this Sunday, by Pastor Louie brought alive for me Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 1:21,”For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It’s all about living Jesus in big capital letters out loud, every day…being that light in our neighborhood, job, family. Thank you Kathy for the Madeline L’Engle quote.
Have a joyous weekend y’all. Praying for all the needs. Love & hugs
*10 am CST
I love Acts so much! I think it’s very amazing that each heard his own language being spoken! To me that means that the Holy Spirit speaks in a way each person can understand. I also love that the Holy Spirit teaches us and brings to remembrance the things that Jesus said. I did a study called “Jesus in me” by Anne Graham Lotz earlier this year on the Holy Spirit and it was really great, as I had not thought too much about this equally important member of the Trinity before then. What a great God that we serve that He would not leave us alone but give us all a part of Himself ! Praise Him! Thank you for all who have been praying, I feel as if I have much more peace taking this pregnancy day by day and trusting God with it! Our next appointment is still 1.5 weeks away and I pray in Jesus’ name this baby will continue us to be ok! Have a wonderful weekend sisters !
“A light so lovely “
One of the purposes of the Holy Spirit, shown in our reading today, is to empower believers to be His witnesses in our neighborhoods, communities and beyond. Loved what Kathy said about being “that light”. Praying for the many requests of pain relief, healing, grief, guidance, nanny etc. God is concerned about what concerns us. Be blessed!
The Holy Spirit came upon them and they gained powers to heal as a Christ did. So that they could also be a living testament of God and his love.
How AWESOME is it that Jesus was able to literally Breathe the Holy Spirit upon ALL of us through just a few people?! I raise a hallelujah today!
Amen Heather Hahn!
As I mentioned before I’m also reading a devotion by Beth Moore — “Portraits of Devotion” — it takes me through the Bible (not all of it but the majority of it). Right now the devotions are on the book of Acts. I have found out that many theologians believe Luke and Barnabas were cousins and that is why, when Paul and Luke went the separate ways Barnabas went with Luke. I have been taking my time reading the book but I think I’m going to go through it again and when I do have a notebook handy so I can take some notes.
Have a great weekend and be blessed my sisters.
My church ladies are currently doing Pricilla Shirer’s “Discerning The Voice of God” study. It is all about the Holy Spirit – so today’s study was quite timely! She says that we do not need to ‘hear’ or ‘see’ some external voice – since we have the Holy Spirit – and thus, the voice of God living within us. Another ‘fun?’ fact from her study…Stephen & David Olford said…..
“If the sin of Old Testament times was the rejection of God the Father, and the sin of New Testament times was the rejection of God the Son, then the sin of our times is the rejection of God the Holy Spirit”.
Pricilla Shirer is awesome as is her father Dr Tony Evans. She is my number 1 choice of women’s studies.
Just wow! Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for sharing. Love the analysis!
Oh the mystery and majesty of the Holy Spirit!
Isaiah 30:21 Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Martha HIX, I’m praying for your son now.
The Holy Spirit is not just for us. The Holy Spirit not only gives us strength, wisdom, and guidance, but helps us to reach others and share the love of Jesus.
As children of the Most High God, we have been given so much power! Ephesians 1: 19-20 says, “and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” We have the same power that rose Jesus from the dead!
What has struck the most about this power is that way too many times we use it to beat people over the head and berate them for being sinners. Jesus never did that. One of my favorite quotes is by Madeleine L’Engel. “We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.” Today too many people don’t see Christians that way. We come across as anything but “a light so lovely.”
Lord, You must be my example of how to be Your light. Help me to live my life in such a way that I am the best wife, mother, Mimi, sister, teacher I can be. Help me to speak words of grace and truth, to couple those words with life-giving deeds, to stay true to my biblical convictions, but to love, to listen to, and to serve those who don’t think the way that I do.
Give me Your power to love and take care of the last, the least, and the lost.
Be blessed today, sisters.
What a lovely prayer! Thanks for sharing!!
Inspiring! Thanks for sharing
LAUREN, What a great way to start the day…such a simple but, POWERFUL prayer. Thanks for sharing.
The full meaning of “The truth shall set you free!” settled on me once more with today’s reading. The Holy Spirit = The Spirit of Truth and the Truth = Jesus!
……just…..wow……the simplicity of the message of peace, hope and love is awe inspiring!
PAULA EVANS – Praise God! Thank you, Jesus! I am excited for your husband’s sleep. It sounds silly I know, but I understand. Getting sleep and rest is huge. Again, thank you Lord for Paula’s timing in the readings, Your guidance that I shared that, her husband’s rest, and Your great love that covers us all. Hallelujah!
GRAMIESUE – I am praying that your doctor’s appointment shows that the blood has drained from your brain as it should and that you continue heal. Brain injuries take time but you are here, able to think, witness, serve and bless.
HEATHER HAHN & GWENDOLYN VINCENT & others who often read but do not post – Please know you are welcome in this place whether you are drinking in, pouring out…or a little of both. You matter to God. He uses all sorts of means to love on us, SRT is one of those. We are all sisters in the Kingdom.
JEN BREWER – Praying you are guided in your search for a job and nanny. I think I remember when your little one was born, it seems like yesterday, time passes so quickly.
JANE K – I am praying for the situation for your daughter regarding colleges. I have a friend whose daughter is just entering college. If she goes without the vaccine they will require random COVID testing for her throughout the school year. My niece just finished her freshman year of college and her school also is requiring the vaccine. My niece had an excellent academic first year and hates to withdraw. She has filed for exemption due to religious beliefs. Finally, my daughter-in-law is a nurse practitioner. The hospital she works at is also requiring the vaccine. She already had COVID and doesn’t want to take it. There are so many lawsuits out there about groups requiring the vaccine and people not wanting to be forced to take it. It is a mess and the best place we can take our messes is to our God. Your daughter will be in my prayers as I pray also for my daughter-in-law, niece, and friend’s decision.
Regarding our reading today…so much in Acts. I love that doctor Luke shared so much about the filling of the Holy Spirit. I find that so exciting and beautiful! I’m also thankful for the recording of the beginning of the church.
It is also thundering and lightning outside…we are about to get a rain storm and I am excited because I love God’s power shown in them. Weird I know, but I actually have a few minutes I can just sit and enjoy it today and I am excited for that blessing. Yes, the power may go out, branches will come down, there is always threat for more in a storm but today, this moment, I’m going to enjoy.
1. The Holy Spirit came to bring power to testify of Jesus the son of God to those in the upper room and to all believers.
We have the power through the holy spirit to be the same witnesses of Christ redemption in us. To live in a manner worth of HIS calling is my daily prayer.
*she has acute renal failure
Thank you for your prayers as I traveled to Dallas to be with my adult son as he prepares to put his 14-year-old beloved dog who has a cut renal failure this morning about 10 am EST. I was so thankful to get to spend time loving on her and telling her how much she means to me. She had been my companion for several years and I had the privilege of taking care of her. I returned home last night because he wants to be alone with her this morning during this sad, very difficult time. Please pray for God’s comfort and peace for us today. ❤️
The Holy Spirit is essential to me as I read scripture; my first prayers of the morning include asking God for His spirit to dwell in me so that my heart and spirit are cleansed and open to understanding of His message, direction, mercies ( new every morning! Lamentations 3:22-23) and inspiration.
Also the Spirit’s advocacy for us to the Father…such an amazing and powerful gift!
I would love to know how to embrace more of the power of the Holy Spirit living inside me. I’m excited to be a witness to our local Latino/Spanish-speaking community tomorrow! Praying the Lord would do a might work in and through those of us who are going to serve. I’m exhausted from a busy week of work but thankfully only have 4 patients today! The joy of the Lord is my strength! Have a blessed weekend everyone <3
Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in trying to figure out answers to questions that are not for us to understand right now. They wanted to know if it would be at this time He would restore the kingdom but he said it is not for them to know the seasons or the times BUT it says you WILL receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my WITNESSES to the ends of the earth. I trust Hod is working things out for His good and He has given us His Spirit to help us witness and speak truth.
Amen Ashley Elks!
1. Holy Spirit gives us the power to defeat temptation and sin. He empowers us to be witnesses and to obey Jesus’ commands. When we are weak He is strong. He guides and corrects. His presence is what makes us holy.
2. God’s promises through the prophets and Jesus will happen. He is faithful to fulfill them all.
The Holy Spirit is such a blessing to me! I daily depend on Him for guidance and comfort, He is so real! I remember the day I invited the Holy Spirit into my life and I have never looked back.
Having the Holy Spirit is so comforting, and makes me feel so loved and cared for . I depend on the Holy Spirit daily to get me through the day, I am so thankful to have Him in me for guidance . I could go on and on! God bless you all.
The Holy Spirit reminds me daily how deeply I’m loved.
Thank you ladies for all your thoughts on yesterday’s question! This morning I have been convicted that the power of the Holy Spirit is there to guide me…. to be a witness for the Lord’s love, grace and glory. It’s not there just to guide my life decisions! Oh how often do I do that and I pray my heart is reoriented towards seeking to witness in the world.