Full of the Spirit


Reflections on Chapters 6-8 of the Acts of the Apostles

Part of the invaluable gift of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles is witnessing how the early believers were able to continue the ministry that Jesus Christ started.  The apostles and other believes were told over and over again to stop their testimonies and witnesses, threatening and intimidating them as much as they could.  And yet they persisted, praying together each day and sharing Christ’s message of redemptive love.

In their actions, they testify that they are not doing any of the wonders and signs through their own power, but through the power give to them by Jesus Christ; that is, through the Holy Spirit.  Being open to the power of the Spirit is awesome and wonderous, if not a bit scary as one never knows how the Spirit will work but trusting that the Spirit will always direct us to do God’s will.

We see that clearly in the narrative of the calling of the first deacons of the Church.  As the number of believers grew, more oversight was needed that the 12 could provide, so they prayed and then acted.  This pattern is extremely important – one without the other is either ineffective or folly.  By seeking wisdom from the Spirit, we are equipped to do God’s will, which is exactly what the apostles did.  We are told that the first deacon was Stephen, “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” (6:5) along with six others.  Through their work, many can to believe.

A quick aside – I fear that the Church that I love makes it seem that only those fit for ordained ministry are “filled with the Holy Spirit.”  This is a false understanding of how the Spirit works.  We ALL have the opportunity to receive the gift of the Spirit (as we read in Chapter 8).  Some are given the Spirit to serve the Church as ordained ministers. Others are given the Spirit to pursue other areas, like science, art & music, or hospitality.  It is a detriment to the Body of Christ if we see the laity as limited in their access to the gift of the Spirit.  This was never Jesus’s or the apostle’s intention.

I am sure Stephen was effective in his position, because it doesn’t take long for him to get in trouble with the leadership.  His testimony to the high priest and council in Chapter 7 is legendary and more than a bit incendiary.  He will be stoned to death because of his passion, as so in known as the first Christian martyr.  We also meet Saul for the first time at Stephen’s untimely death, as he infamously holds the coats.  This instance begins the record of Saul’s persecution of the Church.

In Chapter 8, we learn that Philip is baptizing people in Samaria, but it is not until Peter and John arrive and offer believers the gift of the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands that the action is complete.  This is fascinating and import for the Church to recognize.  Baptism with water is only the first part of the ceremony.  The second part is anointing with chrism (holy oil) to symbolize baptism by the Holy Spirit (or with fire, as Jesus said).  It seems rather sedate in our liturgy, but it is an important part of our faith journey.  Perhaps it is something we should pay more attention to!

Philip himself is filled with the Spirit and led to an amazing encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26-39).  There are so many things about this story I love, but again, we note the presence and power of the Spirit at work in both Philip’s and the eunuch’s lives.  They allow the Spirit to work with and through them, and each are greatly affected by their meeting.  When was the last time you felt the Spirit move you to do something – and you complied?  Maybe it was a persistent feeling to call a friend or be someplace.  That is the presence of the Spirit! 

During this Eastertide, as we rejoice in the Resurrection and await the Day of Pentecost, we are given the gift to notice how the Spirit works in our lives.  If we all allow the Spirit to work through us, I believe our Church, our world, will be set on fire!  We will care for and love each other in new and powerful ways. And it all starts by allowing ourselves to be filled with the Spirit.  Breathe in and receive!

With Easter Joy,
Rev. Valerie+

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