What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers according to Acts 1:5? The Setting of Acts 1:5 “ ‘For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ” (Acts 1:5) • Spoken by the risen Jesus on the Mount of Olives • Addressed to the apostles as they awaited further instructions • Connects John’s preparatory water baptism with a coming, greater baptism of the Spirit The Meaning of Spirit Baptism • A divinely initiated immersion into the Holy Spirit Himself • Marks the fulfillment of Old-Testament promises (Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:26-27) • Establishes a new era where God’s presence indwells believers collectively (1 Corinthians 12:13) and individually (Romans 8:9) Empowering Dimensions Highlighted in Acts • Power for witness — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” (Acts 1:8) • Bold proclamation — Peter, once fearful, stands and preaches (Acts 2:14-41) • Supernatural confirmation — signs and wonders accompany the message (Acts 2:43; 5:12) • Guidance in mission decisions (Acts 13:2; 16:6-7) • Inner strengthening in persecution (Acts 4:31; 7:55-56) How the Spirit’s Empowerment Unfolds 1. Promise received by faith (Acts 1:4-5) 2. Outpouring at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) 3. Continual fillings for fresh boldness (Acts 4:31; Ephesians 5:18) 4. Overflow to new believers through gospel preaching (Acts 10:44-48; 19:1-6) Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Expect the same Spirit to indwell and empower—God has not changed (Hebrews 13:8) • Rely on Spirit-given courage rather than natural ability (2 Timothy 1:7) • Seek ongoing fullness through prayer, obedience, and Scripture saturation (Acts 4:31; Colossians 3:16) • Anticipate Spirit-directed opportunities to witness at home and abroad (Acts 1:8) |