Acts 8:27-40 Video Devotional

“And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”

And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.” (Acts 8:27-40)

In times like this I hear a lot from people looking for justice, and they don’t always like when I respond with the idea that such an evil will work out for good. It can feel trite to say something like that and come across almost like it was good that what happened happened. I have this attitude because I believe and trust in our Savior who is turning all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). That means I know that whatever happens, it is an act of mercy and grace, working to draw the many to Himself. The questions to Christians is: how can we look at injustice with this kind of positive attitude?

As Philip quoted the passage in Isaiah and preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, we see clearly that our Savior suffered the greatest injustice of all. As the completely perfect, sinless God-man, Jesus could not be convicted of any wrong doing. He is the only one in history completely and truly innocent. Yet He suffered greatly for our sins that were cast upon Him. And Jesus did it with a quiet grace and deep love for us. Three days later, the worst injustice in history was turned into the greatest victory by Him rising from the dead and giving those who believe eternal life. Injustice can be turned around and used for good.

That injustice brought salvation to the Ethiopian eunuch. That injustice led to millions across the world and across time being given eternity in Heaven. It led to an evil murderer putting down his hatred and picking up love. It even led to teleportation! (ok, so this is a bit of fun, but try to wrap your head around what happens to Philip in v39-40 – that was about a 30 mile trek to Azotus!) God is a brilliant “turn-around” artist. He is able to take the evil things and turn them around. Joseph realized this when he met his brothers after becoming the second in command in Egypt. Philip realized this when he, on the road because of the great persecution and Dispersion, got the opportunity to bring salvation to another.

Evil’s power is destroyed at the hands of God and turned into good. I pray that you let Him use the evils and injustices in our world to change you for good and use you as an instrument of love towards others.



Acts 7:54-60 Video Devotional

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:54-60)

Things got serious. The Jewish Council had been wringing their hands with Peter and John and the other apostles, but with Stephen they took their chance to ratchet up their response. His boldness and courage to be blatant and direct to the council was powerful and life-changing for many. Unfortunately, some of those lives were changed for the worse as they turned into murderers. This situation not only killed a hero of the faith (and our first recorded martyr of the New Testament), it also instituted a wave of persecution that led to an event called the Great Dispersion. It’s also worth noting here that one of the leaders of this persecution (at least, initially) was Saul; one who would become a hero of our faith.

The Great Dispersion is the third of three major “scatterings” recorded in the Bible. First was the Tower of Babel, then the exile from the promised land, and now this. Flowing from Jesus’ last command, however, it got the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome and out to the ends of the earth. It was a horrific event, but beneficial in a few ways: 1) it led to internal spiritual change in many people once they lost the comforts of home and were forced to fully rely on God, and 2) it pushed the gospel out of Jerusalem.

Major crisis such as this are things that no one wishes to experience, but often are remembered as important points to their individual story. This is because it pushes people deeper. You can’t experience a tragedy like this or a horrifying encounter of persecution and not be changed. Our hope is that when those happen (which unfortunately they do) you are drawn closer to the God of justice and goodness that is working this out for the good of those who love Him.



Acts 6:1-7 Video Devotional

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:1-7)

Welcome to the world of church growth. Whenever people are faithful to the purposes and passions of God, He tends to bless their efforts. This is no exception. That blessing, however, always comes with challenges. When there are more people to take of, more people are needed to minister. The ministry had grown beyond what these 12 men could handle (remember that delegation is a good idea, going all the way back to Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro) and it was time to bring in others who could handle the work.

The first thing many people notice in this passage is the seeming simplicity of the request. After all, we are talking about food distribution. It’s not exactly leading a prayer service. So why put so much care into the appointment of the leaders? Because, to the apostles, the “simple” tasks held the same level of importance as anything else. Ministry is ministry, whether you are preaching, leading prayer or handing out food.

Let this be a lesson to us all – practical ministry like dealing with widows, orphans, the poor, etc… is just as important as the sermons we preach or the bible studies we hold! In fact, James makes it clear – if we are not doing the former, the latter has no meat to it (James 2:17). I think these times we are facing now are providing plenty of evidence that taking care of our fellow humans is a solemn and vital responsibility that deserves extra attention.

At the same time, all of these ministries are important and should not be left to just anyone. This is a good principle that participation in ministry is an honor that should be rewarded to those whom live it out on their own – not just plugging people into spots because those spots “need” filled. “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If ministry (in any capacity) is done from your own strength and for your glory, it will fail.

Work as unto the Lord and enjoy your reward!

P.S. An interesting side note to this is though many people don’t see the Greeks (non-Jews) as part of the church until Paul arrives on the scene, but this passage shows that they were an important part of the church already by this point. God’s mission was always to everyone, not just the Jews (even before Paul).



Acts 5:39-42 Video Devotional

“So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” (Acts 5:39b-42)

Would you rejoice about suffering for your faith? Would you consider the idea of suffering to be an honor that you would seek to be worthy of? I bet a lot of the time the word inconvenienced would fit better than rejoicing. Sure, in theory it would be awesome to be used by God in any way, but sometimes when the rubber meets the road it’s not that fun.

People generally imagine the idea of suffering for our faith as some intense battle between spiritual forces where we are feeling and fighting the enemy over someone’s soul. Or maybe it’s that prayer-warrior battle that finds you agonizing for a long time over a specific issue. But what if it is being late for a family dinner because you were sitting with a friend who needed you there, but kept repeating the same problems? Or having to forgive someone for the same mistake for the 212th time?

A lot of the time we look at the big things and want to serve (or suffer) in those areas. But what about the mundane, the annoying, or the frustrating? Peter and John were for sure doing those “big things” in this part of the story, and it led to beatings for them, but are we willing to suffer in the small, not so noticeable ways as well? 

Whether it is physical, mental, emotional, or reputational, there is no one-way the enemy fights and therefore there are lots of different ways we can suffer for the cause of Christ. Some may be “big” with crazy stories that will be told throughout the rest of your life. And some will be things you hope you forget – or can get out of as quickly as possible. (This is just like when some of the biggest ministry opportunities come when all you want to do is go home). 

Are you willing to answer the call when it is late…or inconvenient…or gives you a headache? Follow God in the small, mundane annoyances is just as rewarding and powerful as any opportunity God offers. Don’t look past a single one – or you’ll miss out on what God wants for you.



Acts 5:27-32 Video Devotional

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:27-32)

The Holy Spirit was on the move. In every way – enacting justice, breathing life into death, convicting people of their sin, and performing miracles upon miracles. The apostles have figured out the best thing to do was let the Spirit run free and follow. Lives were changing and many were taking notice.

The problem is, when the Holy Spirit works, many do take notice, and there are plenty of those that don’t like what they see. They look at the Spirit’s work as a problem to be solved and a situation to be ended. Evil is no fan of the Spirit and fear becomes palpable when evil is confronted with the power of God. When evil is afraid, it gets vicious.

The Jewish council continued to see the Spirit’s work among the Jews and took offense. They saw their way being challenged and them being called to responsibility for the death of Jesus. Bringing in Peter and John only made it worse for them, as it gave Peter the perfect chance to make known who is in control – Jesus. They must obey God rather than men.

This reply only served to make the council more angry and develop a desire to kill these men. Peter and John were certainly not looking for a confrontation and to enrage the council. This statement was led by a humble boldness through the leading of the Holy Spirit to be truthful. But when people see themselves as threatened, it is easy to see why they reacted the way they did.

Why is this important now? Because there are a lot of things people are looking for us to respond to. Can we speak truth into situations with grace and light so that people know it is not us that is talking, but the Spirit? I think so. But we have to obey God first – if we aren’t listening to Him, we won’t have the opportunities to speak about Him.

As Gamaliel says later in the chapter, “if it is from God, it cannot be stopped”. Are you willing to obey and see where this journey takes you? It will be dangerous, but good, for He is dangerous and thankfully good. Don’t miss the boat.



Acts 5:12-16 Video Devotional

“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” (Acts 5:12-16)

I am guessing that some of that fear was a direct result of what happened with Ananias and Sapphira, the married couple who withheld some of their money from the sale of their home and lied about it. God took care of them swiftly and fatally. Their execution at the doorposts was not because of they didn’t sell everything or give every penny they had – it was because they lied and hid back some. Had they been honest, there wouldn’t have been an issue.

As shown in that story and after, Peter and the apostles were letting the Holy Spirit be fully in control and following with abandon. Chapter 5 showcases how little the apostles themselves had anything to do with what was going on. Peter did not tell Ananias he would die, he just called him out for lying to God; with Sapphira however, he guessed she would receive the same fate her husband was given. He also had little to do with his shadow healing the sick.

These, to me, are clearly the Acts of the Holy Spirit and show God’s will in bringing people to Himself in a massive way to get this movement started. On our own, we have zero power or ability; it is only with Christ in us that we have the power to move mountains or do all things.

Friends, I implore you to stop trying to be powerful on your own. We all have our thorns in the flesh that prove we rely on the sufficiency of God, so let’s together stop denying that. We are weak and frail (and I know I feel that all the more during this pandemic). God, however, our Creator and Sustainer is most certainly not. He is powerful and vibrant, quickening our spirit and our bodies to accomplish His work. In fact, in Him, we are invincible until He calls us home. So don’t be afraid – but don’t you dare try to do this on your own. Ask for His strength from His Spirit to fill you and flood you with His Power.



Acts 4:32-35 Video Devotional

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4:32-35)

Following right on the heels of our previous devotional, today’s section doesn’t fit as nicely in our society today. It presents a challenge to our ruggedly individualistic, eat what your own hands earn, individual responsibility culture that exists throughout our country, but even moreso in the evangelistic community. There are a few things here worth noting: 1) The believers were all completely unified in attitude and purpose. They were dedicated to one singular goal and willing to do what it took to get that done. 2) The gospel being preached was at the center of everything. 3) They all pooled their money together and voluntarily chose to live in an monetarily equal commune.

The communal lifestyle is what draws issues from many people today, but that is only a part of this story (some of which we will finish tomorrow). With the Holy Spirit drawing people into complete unity amongst each other and the gospel as the central driving purpose, we see the believers taking an intense care into the well-being of each other and others around them, to the point of handing over all their belongings for the benefit of others. This is the real key.

Believers with more money were handing over their treasures so that money could go to other people (this is not a place for a political rant, because this was not a political act). It was benevolence on a larger scale. It was choosing to live without the excess so that others would have enough.

Today, this act would look different, but is just as vital as it was back then. All 3 of these exist together inside the rhythms of discipleship that we have taught on numerous occasions: Look Up, Look In, Look Out. Look Up – they were unified because they were fully focused on their relationships with God. Look In – because of the unity in the Spirit, they saw each other’s need as an opportunity to love and serve, doing so without hesitation. Look Out – the end goal was the same for everyone – sharing the gospel and proclaiming Jesus at all costs. It wasn’t about life or comfort; it was about purpose. It was about the Great Commission. it was about being His witnesses. That was top priority.

What is your top priority? That drives everything else. I challenge you to respond with your top priority in life, either in the comments or personally through email. What goal holds your top spot in life?



Acts 4:29-31 Video Devotional

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29-31)

This is a great verse to memorize. This is shortly after Peter and John are at the Jewish Council where they were threatened not to spread the gospel anymore. They chose the bold path and continued to preach Jesus everywhere they went. They didn’t deny their suffering or the risks ahead, but went to the other believers and shared everything, thus allowing the believers to be in prayer for them.

Prayer is such a huge ingredient in spiritual success. It connects us to God, puts us in a humble position to listen and seek the will of the Lord. When we pray for God’s will to be done, we are not asking for what we want, but for what He wants – it lets the Spirit work freely in our hearts when we have an attitude of submission to Him. And that’s what the believers did in praying for Peter and John.

When they did that, notice the response of the prayer. It wasn’t just effective for the apostles, but for everyone who participated and led to even more of an impact with more people speaking the name of Jesus with boldness. When we get out of our own way, let God’s will reign in our soul and stop trying to do what we think is best, incredible things will happen.

Be encouraged, friends! If you pray for boldness to share the gospel, it is very likely that you will receive it, as it is God’s will for us to make disciples (Matt 28:19). Therefore ask freely, but be prepared and know that you will then need to use that boldness and will be opposed. Know that there are consequences for following God (mostly good, though you will be subject to spiritual warfare). Pray the above verse for yourself and your church family – let’s see what happens!



Acts 4:13-18 Video Devotional

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.” (Acts 4:13-18)

The Holy Spirit is in full swing, going about His work. Though the timing is probably pretty shortly after Pentecost (we don’t know exactly how long), Peter and John are leading a team of powerhouse evangelists powered by the Holy Spirit, as if this was how they were doing things since day 1. They spoke with conviction, intensity, and influence. So much so, that the religious leaders were upset. The guys end up in front of the Jewish Council because their time at Solomon’s portico brought around 5,000 people to faith in Christ (including a miraculous healing).

To say their teaching was cramping the Pharisees and Saducees’ styles would be an understatement. Whether they were preaching the truth of God’s grace or the resurrection of the dead; or Jesus Christ Himself, everything was an insult flying in the face of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. There was a problem though – to a certain extent the Jewish leaders didn’t know what they could do, as the amount of influence and leadership the apostles held (especially in regards to the quickly growing crowd of believers) was quite powerful.

They threw Peter and John in jail overnight, but when the trial came, they were put to shame with Peter’s response. After all, there is nothing bad to say about the gospel. It is truly and fully a blessing and a benefit to humans. How mad can the elders get over a man being healed? I guess pretty mad – especially when it is starting to become clear that their understanding of God is different than Jesus.

The Pharisees and Saducees were the ones fighting to get Jesus arrested and crucified. They weren’t likely to take the apostles’ message very well; it was an insult to them in every way. And that is the problem – if someone isn’t for Jesus, then they are in conflict with Him. Either a person submits humbly to the grace of Christ or they become an adversary. The name of Jesus is polarizing; something Peter and John learned quickly.

We do not need to be so bold and direct as Peter and John (unless the Holy Spirit calls for it in a certain situation), but if we are preaching the name of Jesus, we will come into contact with opposition; human or otherwise. The enemy does not want the name of Jesus proclaimed and will try to stop us. So, friends, if you are facing opposition in some way because of your efforts to share the gospel, take a look at the apostles of the early church. There will be earthly consequences, but there will also be heavenly rewards. And the realization that nothing happens that our God does not allow to happen. We are and will be the victors – so do not be afraid, be bold and fearless in Christ!



Acts 3:1-10 Video Devotional

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” (Acts 3:1-10)

Peter is often a very maligned biblical character. Whether it is the “get behind me, Satan” line from Jesus or the sinking in the water, or the denial at the trail, Peter is usually set up as a “don’t be like him” kind of person. That, however is a small part of his history and minor contributions to the biblical story. Aside from authoring 2 books (and most likely being the source behind Mark’s gospel), Peter was a major player in the book of Acts and even in Galatians (though that was not one of his shining moments).

Peter himself, I think, is one of the most completely fleshed out characters in scripture. We see him grow through his experiences, change (both over time and drastically at Pentecost), and get a sense of his motivations and how he sees things through the Lord. It is also quite obvious that pre-Holy Spirit Peter and post-Holy Spirit Peter couldn’t be more different from each other. Though clearly the same person, Peter’s impetuousness in the gospels is replaced with power and Spirit-led intensity in Acts. Fear is replaced with confidence in God and even though he still sins (see Galatians 2), God is clearly using him to lead the early church.

This is exactly why the main character in Acts (and in the church age) is the Holy Spirit. Who is the One responsible for Peter’s change? Who is the One able to perform these miracles? Peter was always the same person – but in him was someone who was far greater and who often goes forgotten: the Holy Spirit. Praise the One who inspired Peter to tell that man to get up! Praise the One who restores the soul! Praise the One who is currently working individually in each believer to will and to work for God’s good pleasure!

Celebrate and enjoy that God the Spirit is working in you, growing you closer to Himself and using you to bring life to other people. The power comes from the Spirit; the same Spirit that healed the lame man, the same Spirit that made all the people hear the apostles in their own language, the same spirit that turned Peter into a powerhouse. It is that Spirit in you. Praise God!



Acts 2:42-47 Video Devotional

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)

The formula for effective church ministry is simple. Acts 2:42 has been the key since they were first practicing it in real-time. The results speak for themselves. So what’s different? Why haven’t results like that happened…at all since? Was it a special time in that God wanted to get the numbers up quick? Or is there something to this formula that churches today are missing?

Again, the answer is simple. But the implementation is immensely difficult. The trick is that they weren’t working for growth – or for money – or for power. They were simply, in intent and heart, following the Holy Spirit and living day by day doing what He asked and being who He wanted them to be. Would we be ok living for God if we lost all our money, influence and saw no visible response? Something tells me that libraries full of books on church growth tell another story.

Evidence tells us that we are concerned with earthly success instead of simply devoting ourselves to God and study of the scriptures. What should all of our effort lead to? If people only grow in their faith, but no more money comes to the church, is that successful?

The problem is in the motives, not necessarily the actions. If we choose to focus on doing our job as a church (see Acts 2:42) purely from the motivation to seek God as a community of individuals and leave it fully up to Him the consequences, I think we might get back towards the original intent. If our focus is purely following the Spirit, then we are not responsible for what happens – He is.

And that’s the point. He will bring other people to where He wants them to be. If we are who He wants us to be, then we will never have to try to grow; it will happen purely organically at the will and work of the Spirit. Who knows how many or how fast – again, that is not our worry. Simply follow Him and let what happens, happen. Don’t try to be a big church or an influential member. Simply be – enjoy His presence and listen to His voice. Or, as Acts 2 puts it, devote yourself to the apostles’ teaching (scripture) and fellowship with your church family (care about the relationships), break bread and pray. Make it about your relationship with God, not your popularity, fame, or the church’s benefit.



Acts 2:5-13 Video Devotional

“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” (Acts 2:5-13)

I love this passage. Not only does this start the “church age” with the arrival of the Holy Spirit, but His arrival causes such a change in people that outsiders (non-believers) think they are drunk! The miracle of this story is that once the Spirit arrived, the believers started talking in their native language, but they were in a crowded place where there was a large, multi-cultural (and therefore multi-language) gathering. Even though the believers were speaking in their own language, each person heard them in their native tongue! God is really wanting to get His message out.

What strikes me about this most is the line about them thinking they are drunk. Partially because it makes me chuckle, but mostly because the power of the Holy Spirit is so strong that the onlookers in this story notice such a drastic and immediate of a change in people that leads them to conclude they must be drunk. This happened quick and was overt. And that’s the key, which is also the challenge for today.

How much of a noticeable difference does the Holy Spirit make in you? If it’s not drastic – or even noticeable, then you might want to check on your spiritual health. The Holy Spirit in you is a deposit, guaranteeing your inheritance with Jesus. He regenerates our souls, reviving us from spiritual death to life. And He works in us towards God’s good pleasure, to do good works which He created beforehand that we should walk in them.

That sounds nothing like a life under our own power. It shouldn’t look like it either to an onlooker. What does it look like to you?