Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem… I. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIS DESCENT ON THE APOSTLES AND THE CHURCH. He was given as a Spirit of — 1. Knowledge and understanding. Witness the change in the apostle's views of Christ's Messiahship and death before and after. So now truth like a transparent dial becomes illuminated. The eunuch was perplexed till Philip joined him. Compare one frequent expression, "I see." 2. Faith. A great difference between knowing and believing. A man may come and see, but go away without faith. Not so at Pentecost. Noah did not stand outside to admire the ark. He entered in and was safe. 3. Holiness and prayer. Holiness is separateness from the world to God. More than ever at Pentecost the disciples proved this. So now men are holy in proportion as they are endured with the Holy Spirit; and in proportion to their holiness will be their power in prayer. 4. Courage. The boldness of Peter was conspicuous. And now the Spirit works such conviction that the most timid become the most brave. II. THE EXPERIENCES OF POWER ANSWERING TO THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. The power of — 1. Witness for the truth. A sense of their sincerity was inspired in the hearers. "We believe and therefore speak." 2. Steadfastness in Christian life notwithstanding human or Satanic opposition. They were proof against tempting bribes, seductive philosophy, fierce persecution. 3. Great example. Men could hate, but could not charge them with inconsistencies. On them was imprinted the likeness of their Master. 4. Untiring zeal. (G. McMichael, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. |
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