What role does the Holy Spirit play in strengthening believers like Saul? Acts 9:22 – Spirit-Driven Strength in Saul “But Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 9:22) What made the new believer so unstoppable? The Holy Spirit. The same Person strengthens every follower of Jesus today. How the Spirit Strengthened Saul • Power that multiplies: “grew more and more powerful” points to an ever-increasing enablement, echoing Acts 1:8—“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” • Boldness to confront opposition: The Spirit emboldened Saul to face the very people who once applauded his persecution of Christians (cf. Acts 4:31). • Clarity in the gospel: By the Spirit’s illumination (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12) Saul “proved that Jesus is the Christ,” connecting prophecies to fulfillment with persuasive precision. • Steadfast endurance: The plots that followed (Acts 9:23-25) reveal a resilience rooted not in personality but in Spirit-supplied courage and wisdom. The Spirit’s Ongoing Ministry of Strengthening • Inner renewal—Ephesians 3:16: “…strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” • Transformation from one degree of glory to another—2 Corinthians 3:18. • Comfort and bold witness—Acts 13:52; 1 Thessalonians 1:5. • Dependence on divine, not human, ability—1 Corinthians 2:4-5. Living in that Same Strength Today • Stay filled: yield daily to the Spirit’s control (Ephesians 5:18). • Soak in Scripture: the Spirit wrote it (2 Peter 1:21) and uses it to fortify faith. • Pray in reliance: “the Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26). • Walk in obedience: strength grows as we act on His promptings (Galatians 5:16-25). • Fellowship with the church: the Spirit distributes gifts for mutual edification (1 Corinthians 12:7). Bottom Line The Holy Spirit empowered Saul to mature rapidly, speak courageously, reason convincingly, and endure steadfastly. That same Spirit inhabits every believer, ready to supply the power needed to live, witness, and stand strong for Christ today. |
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