In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up, after He had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:1–3 (ESV)
While Easter has passed, the period known as Eastertide continues. Eastertide is the fifty-day season that begins on Easter Sunday and concludes on Pentecost. This season marks Jesus’ resurrection, His ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In today’s Scripture, we see that after the resurrection and before Jesus ascended, He presented Himself alive by many convincing proofs. Over a period of forty days, He appeared to His disciples and spoke about the kingdom of God. In doing so, He confirmed and expanded upon what He had already taught them—now, perhaps, with a deeper understanding taking root in their hearts and minds.
Jesus would have reinforced that it was better for Him to go, so that the Holy Spirit would come and abide with them forever (John 16:7) by giving them commands preparing them for the work they were to continue.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost marked a new season for the Church. It fulfilled Joel’s prophecy and empowered these men and women to boldly proclaim the gospel accompanied by signs and wonders.
The final recorded instruction in Matthew’s Gospel reminds us that these signs will follow those who believe. The Church was both destined and commissioned to carry on the works of Jesus, with even greater works displayed. The Lord worked with them, confirming His Word through accompanying signs.
The book of Acts is not only a record of the acts of the apostles; it is a testimony to the active work of the Holy Spirit in and through their lives.
The purpose of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is both enablement and empowerment—enablement to proclaim the gospel, and empowerment to bring forth life through salvation and deliverance.
As the Church in Canada may face increasing legal pressures that could challenge our ability to preach the full gospel, we may find ourselves in a position similar to the early Church—choosing whether we will obey God or man.
Yet Spirit-filled believers do not carry a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind. This equips us with deep compassion for the lost and broken, compelling us to proclaim the name of Jesus.
He is risen, and we are His witnesses—set and sanctified by His Spirit to carry His hope into the places we have been called, walking in these greater works for His glory.
Being Spirit-filled is not merely a doctrine within the Church; it is the lifestyle of a believer.