Power to Be a Witness

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Recommended: Effects of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts

Why would someone pass up the opportunity of receiving a free gift? Then once accepting the gift, why would someone keep that good news to himself or herself? Most people would want to share and tell others how they too could receive the gift. This must be how the disciples felt waiting for the Lord to fulfill his promise to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). They had a gift from God to share, which offered everlasting life through His Son Jesus. The Holy Spirit was to be their helper and give them power to be witnesses for His message of salvation. In Acts 2:1-47, Luke tells about the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and the Christian mission. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Virgin Mary gives them the courage to practice their faith. It confirms their responsibility to follow the teachings of Jesus and spread the Gospel “to the ends of the earth” (1:8).

The reaction of the crowd hearing each other in his or her own language (2:5-13) is personally meaningful since it shows how God’s powerful presence will always astonish and amaze people. This multilingual witness symbolizes the universal offer of salvation. It challenges the current understanding about Him and people become curious turning their attention to what other surprises He has to reveal. Some people are confused but open to the idea of understanding the miracle, while others dismiss it as drunkenness. It prepares the heart of those individuals willing to receive the blessing of God’s grace. Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, then goes on to tell people that the Jewish leaders were responsible for crucifying Jesus but not by accident. Jesus being put to death and raised from the dead was God’s divine plan all along and that ...

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...e of salvation and stand up for the teachings of Jesus. It seems as though some churches are compromising in order to entice people into worship. They have allowed Gnosticism to influence the people with a worldview of Christianity (158). God’s message does not change over time; it remains the same message given to the early church at Pentecost. I understand that the method of presenting the gospel might be different over the centuries, but not the fundamental message itself. The church at any time in history should be filled with the Holy Spirit, able to be a witness to Christ and his gospel.

Works Cited

Mueller, J.J. SJ, et al. Theological Foundations: Concepts and Methods for Understanding Christian Faith. Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press. 2007. Print.

Saint Mary's Press College Study Bible: New American Bible. Winona, MN: Saint Mary's Press,

2007. Print.

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