The book of Acts emphasizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Before the Spirit came, Jesus spoke about the Spirit's influence on his followers (1:8; see John 14:15–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7–15). The Spirit clearly guided the early church in selecting Spirit-filled leaders to care for the needs of the Hellenistic widows (Acts 6:1–7). These were Greek-speaking Jewish widows who needed help in the daily distribution of food. The Holy Spirit chose the apostles Barnabas and Saul for missionary work (13:1–5). When the first church council met to discuss the membership of non-Jewish people (gentiles), they followed the Spirit's direction (15:28).
The Holy Spirit filled Christian workers Stephen and Philip to preach with the Spirit's power (Acts 6:1–8:40). The Spirit energized the apostle Paul's ministry from the start (9:17). In the book of Acts, the church increased and expanded under the Holy Spirit's guidance and power (for example, 2:4, 41–47; 4:31; 5:32; 8:15, 17, 29; 9:31). Because of the Spirit's important role in Acts, people often call it “the Acts of the Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit acts in many ways:
The Holy Spirit gives and restores life (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 104:24–30; Ezekiel 37:1–14; Joel 2:28–32; Romans 8:9–11).
The Holy Spirit calls and chooses workers for Christ's service (Acts 13:2; 20:28).
The Holy Spirit directs God's servants where and when he wants them to act (Acts 8:29; 9:15; 10:19–20; 11:12; 16:6; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:12).
The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
The Holy Spirit teaches the church Christ's message (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 12:3).
The Holy Spirit shows the power of the good news about Jesus (the gospel) through miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 14:3; Hebrews 2:4).
The Holy Spirit teaches God's people the truths of Scripture (Acts 1:16; Hebrews 9:8; 10:15–17; 1 Peter 1:11–12).
The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus and brings him glory (John 15:26; 16:13–14).
The Holy Spirit makes people aware of their sins and their need for the good news (John 16:8).
The Holy Spirit warns them against becoming stubborn (Hebrews 3:7–11, 15).
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to God's people (1 Corinthians 12:4–11).
The Holy Spirit empowers them to share the good news, serve the Lord, and work for God's kingdom.
Passages for Further Study
John 14:15–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7–15; Acts 1:8, 16; 2:4, 41–47; 4:31; 5:32; 6:1–7; 8:15, 17, 29; 9:15, 17, 31; 10:19–20; 11:12; 13:1–5; 14:3; 15:28; 16:6; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 12:1–11; Ephesians 1:13–14; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 2:4; 3:7–11, 15; 9:8; 10:15–17; 1 Peter 1:11–12; 2 Peter 1:20–21