WEEK THREE:
THE EFFECT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE EARLY DISCIPLES ACTS 3:1-10, ACTS 6: 4 – 15
When the early disciples received the Holy Spirit, a lot of things happened to them. They were no longer the way they used to be. Something about them changed. Some of the changes will be examined in the following stories.
THE HEALING AT THE BEAUTIFUL GATE ACTS 3:1-10
At the hour of prayer about the ninth hour, Peter and John were going up to the temple. Then they saw a man lame from birth being carried. He was laid daily at that gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. When he saw, Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” As he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them, Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” He then took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. He stood, leaped and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God and when they recognized him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SEVEN DEACONS – ACTS 6:4-15
There was an issue among the believers concerning the welfare of the people. Some people felt neglected. The Disciples asked the people to appoint trustworthy people to take charge of the distribution while they devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The whole multitude was pleased and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Proch′orus, and Nica′nor, and Timon, and Par′menas, and Nicola′us, a proselyte of Antioch. The apostles prayed and laid their hands upon them. The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, even a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen, who was full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyre′nians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cili′cia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen. When they discovered that they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke, they secretly instigated men, who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” Gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
EFFECTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE DISCIPLES
1. The Disciples were no longer afraid to declare the name of Jesus publicly
2. The Disciples could perform miracles that are notable
3. The Disciples also showed compassion on people who were afflicted.
4. The Disciples became prayerful and zealous about the word of God
5. The Disciples were able to raise more devout men as disciples, who became deacons
6. The Disciples increased in great wisdom of God that people, even the nobles could not withstand
MORAL LESSONS OF THE EFFECTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON EVERY DISCIPLES
1. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we become representatives of Christ on earth
2. We must devote ourselves to prayer and the word of God
3. We must show concern about the welfare of the people.
4. We must be fearless and courageous in the face of opposition
5. We must speak the truth at all times.
Unprecedented 