Topical Encyclopedia The early Christian church, as depicted in the New Testament, faced significant opposition and persecution. The apostles, as the primary messengers of the Gospel, were often at the forefront of these challenges. However, they were not left to their own devices in responding to adversaries. Scripture reveals that they were divinely instructed by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak with wisdom and authority.Biblical Foundation The promise of the Holy Spirit's guidance is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus assures His disciples of divine assistance in times of persecution: "For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict" (Luke 21:15). This promise underscores the belief that the apostles' ability to answer their opponents was not merely a result of human wisdom but was empowered by the Spirit. Instances of Spirit-Led Responses 1. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin: In Acts 4, Peter and John are brought before the Jewish council after healing a lame man. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaims, "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed" (Acts 4:8-10). The council is astonished by their courage and recognizes that they had been with Jesus. 2. Stephen's Defense: Stephen, one of the first deacons, is another example of Spirit-led defense. In Acts 6:10, it is noted that his adversaries "could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke" . His speech in Acts 7 is a profound recounting of Israel's history and a bold proclamation of the Gospel, culminating in his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 3. Paul's Apologetics: The Apostle Paul frequently encountered opposition, yet he consistently relied on the Holy Spirit for guidance. In Acts 23, when Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin, he perceives the division between the Pharisees and Sadducees and wisely declares his Pharisaic heritage and belief in the resurrection, causing a dispute that diverts attention from himself (Acts 23:6-10). His ability to navigate complex situations and articulate the Gospel is attributed to the Spirit's leading. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit's role in guiding the apostles is a testament to the divine orchestration of the early church's mission. The Spirit not only provided the words to speak but also emboldened the apostles to stand firm in their faith. This divine assistance is a fulfillment of Jesus' promise in John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you" . Implications for Believers The experiences of the apostles serve as an encouragement to believers facing opposition. The same Spirit that empowered the apostles is available to all Christians, offering wisdom and courage to speak truth in the face of adversity. The apostolic example underscores the importance of reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in proclaiming the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:19,20But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what you shall speak. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 12:11,12 Library Two Fruitful Years Enumeration of the Illustrious Men in the Church who in their ... Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ... The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Acts v. 17, 18 Concerning the Scriptures. Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450. Paul in Ephesus. On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Resources What are false apostles? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is the Apostles' Creed? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Apostles: A Title Distinguishing the Twelve Disciples Apostles: Authority of Commission of, Above Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above, Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Apostles: Miraculous Power Given To Apostles: Moral State of, Before Pentecost Apostles: Slow to Receive Jesus, As Messiah The Apostles were Hated by the World The Apostles were not of the World The Apostles were Unlearned Men The Apostles: Called by Christ The Apostles: Called by The Holy Spirit The Apostles: Christ Always Present With The Apostles: Christ Pre-Eminently Called "The Apostle" The Apostles: Empowered to Work Miracles The Apostles: Equal Authority Given to Each of The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon The Apostles: Instructed by the Spirit to Answer Adversaries The Apostles: Mutual Love Urged Upon The Apostles: Ordained by Christ The Apostles: Persecutions and Sufferings of The Apostles: Received Their Title from Christ The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh The Apostles: Selected from Obscure Stations The Apostles: Self-Denial Urged Upon The Apostles: Sent First to the House of Israel The Apostles: Sent to Preach the Gospel to all Nations The Apostles: Specially Devoted to the office of the Ministry The Apostles: The Holy Spirit Given To The Apostles: Warned Against a Timid Profession of Christ The Apostles: Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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