What role does the Holy Spirit play in Acts 6:5 and today? Context of Acts 6:5 • Early church faced growth pressures and a food-distribution dispute among widows. • Apostles called believers to select seven men “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). • Verse 5 highlights Stephen first: “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” The order is deliberate—his usefulness flowed from Spirit-fullness. What “full of the Holy Spirit” Meant Then • Constant control: Stephen’s mind, words, and actions were directed by the Spirit (cf. Ephesians 5:18). • Evident character: faith, wisdom, grace, power, and courage—all fruits of the Spirit’s indwelling (Galatians 5:22-23). • Readiness for service: Spirit guidance qualified him for practical mercy ministry and public preaching (Acts 6:8-10). • Foundation for witness: through Stephen the Spirit testified to Christ, even before hostile councils (Acts 7:55). Immediate Results in Acts 6 • Just distribution of resources—Spirit-led administration ended murmuring and protected church unity. • Freed apostles to focus on prayer and the Word, multiplying gospel impact (Acts 6:7). • Rapid evangelistic advance—“the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly” (Acts 6:7). • Stephen’s signs and wonders (Acts 6:8) authenticated the message, showing the Spirit’s power. How the Same Spirit Works Today • Indwells every believer at conversion (1 Corinthians 12:13), sealing us for redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Empowers for service, distributing gifts as He wills—administration, mercy, teaching, evangelism, etc. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). • Produces Christlike character: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… (Galatians 5:22-23). • Guides decisions—both individual and corporate—through Scripture illumination and inner prompting (Romans 8:14; Acts 13:2). • Unites diverse believers into one body, resolving conflicts and fostering sacrificial care (Ephesians 4:3-4). • Energizes witness—boldness to speak the gospel, conviction in hearers, confirmation with changed lives (Acts 1:8; John 16:8). • Prepares servants for opposition, providing words and courage when challenged for the faith (Luke 12:11-12). Living in the Spirit’s Fullness • Saturate mind with Scripture He inspired (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). • Yield daily—confess sin quickly and walk in obedience (1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:16). • Depend in prayer, asking specifically for His filling and power (Luke 11:13). • Serve actively; spiritual gifts flourish in use, not storage (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Stay connected to the church, where His presence is manifested and discerned (1 Corinthians 14:26). |
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