It is a rare chapter in the book of Acts that does not prominently remind us of the strategic influence of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of the Church. The early chapters emphasize the once-for-all baptism of the Spirit, a (partial) fulfillment of Joel 2 and of the promise of John the Baptist that the One coming after him would baptize, not in water, but in the Spirit (Acts 11:16). And so it happened.
This historic event led the disciples into a whole new way of life. The Spirit guided them into truth, directed their missionary efforts, and empowered their preaching. Of many we read that they were filled with the Holy Spirit—for example, Peter (4:8); Stephen (6:5) and his fellow deacons; and Paul (9:17). Not only so, but we read, “When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (4:31). Does this explain our lack of boldness in witnessing today?
The Spirit was an active agent in their gospel work. He directed them to the best fishing areas (see 8:29; 9:10). The Spirit also gave confirmation of the work (5:32). Paul would later write, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5). Do we not sense that much of our Christian activity and ministry is of the “word only” variety? Where is this unction of which John wrote?
Who could deny that the events recorded in Acts would not have happened without the convicting, energizing, directing, encouraging ministry of the Spirit? He was key to the expansion of the Church.
Is this the dominant influence in assembly life today? Have we reacted so strongly against the false emphasis on the Spirit in the Charismatic movement that we rarely think of Him? Has the leading of the Spirit shrunk down to an hour or so on Sunday morning, directing worship at the Lord’s Supper? Are those who preach the Word evidently filled with the Spirit? Do elders fast and pray to seek the Spirit’s leading in sending out fresh forces to do exploits in the Great War (13:2)? Do those entrusted with the gospel spend serious time looking to the Spirit for guidance as to where we should work, and how we should be doing it?
I know it is possible to become overmuch righteous in the matter. Like the story of Harry Ironside. When a young man was asked if he would transport Dr. Ironside to a meeting, he replied that he would pray about it. “I don’t want that young man taking me,” Ironside replied. Why not?
“He might find it’s the Lord’s will to take me and then decide it isn’t the Lord’s will to bring me back!”
Nonetheless I have become deeply concerned personally with the excessive scheduling of preachers, sometimes years in advance. If the Lord directed me to continue longer in one place, or to visit a needy area, it does little good to tell the Spirit, “I think I can fit that in late in 2006.”
There was a day when the Lord’s workers were directed by the Lord Himself. I’m not saying that the Lord can’t direct a group of elders to invite a minister of the Word to come to their assembly. I just wonder how much spiritual exercise goes into much of the filling of assembly preaching calendars. Have we become little more than a ministerial pulpit service?
Here is a vital area that may have, by slow erosion, changed from being Spirit-exercised to being man-organized. Would you pray with me about this? We need clearer direction in the work of God, so we can go through doors He opens instead of banging our heads against walls. We need to declare the gospel ”in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.” We need to give the Spirit His rightful place again.