The Promised Baptism in the Spirit

Acts 1:1-8

The Holy Spirit prompted Luke to write to Theophilus in order to fill a need in the Gentile church for a full account of the beginnings of Christianity—the book being his account in Acts about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Jerusalem and the subsequent development of the early church.

Luke reveals the role of the Holy Spirit in the church’s life and mission, emphasizing the baptism in the Holy Spirit as God’s provision for empowering the church to proclaim the gospel and to continue Jesus’ ministry. Luke explicitly records three times that the baptism in the Holy Spirit was accompanied by speaking in tongues (2:4; 10:45-46; 19:1-7).

Acts describes what Jesus continued to do and teach after His ascension, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through His disciples and the early church. His last instruction to His disciples was to wait in Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit (1:4-5). Jesus promises the disciples they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.

Deacons like Stephen and Philip (6:1-6) became mighty in the Holy Spirit and faith.

The Holy Spirit: the baptism in and ministry of the Spirit imparts power (1:8). Manifestations accompanied the proclamation of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts is a handbook for the Christian life and for a Spirit-filled church. All elements in the NT church’s ministry are attainable when the church moves in the full power of the Spirit. Acts records what the church must be and do in any generation as it continues Jesus’ ministry in the Pentecostal power of the Holy Spirit (Ac. 7:44).

Acts 1:8 predicts the outpouring of the Spirit and its powerful witness.

Acts tells what the risen Lord continues to do and teach through the Holy Spirit.

Acts is a record of practicing Christianity under the power of the Holy Spirit.

From the place of supreme honor and executive power Jesus had poured out the promised Holy Spirit(2:33). Those who believe in Him will receive forgiveness of sins (2:21; 3:19; 4:12; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38, 39) and “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (2:38).

The Holy Spirit at Work

The power of the Holy Spirit through the church is the most striking feature in Acts. The book has even been called The Acts of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Spirit in Acts cannot be understood without seeing the relationship between Acts and the Gospels. Both the public ministry of Jesus in the Gospels and the public ministry of the church in Acts begin with a life-changing encounter with the Spirit.

The power of the Spirit in Jesus’ life authorized Him to preach the kingdom of God and to demonstrate kingdom power by healing the sick. The same Spirit power in Acts 2 gave the same authority to the disciples. Jesus is the prototype of the Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered life (10:38).

Luke’s terminology in describing people’s experience with the Holy Spirit in Acts is fluid. He notes that people were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (2:4; 9:17), that “they received the Holy Spirit” (8:17), that “the Holy Spirit fell upon” (10:44), that “the Holy Spirit had been poured out on” (10:45), and that “the Holy Spirit came upon them” (Acts 19:6). These are all then essential equivalents of Jesus’ promise that the church would “be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (1:5; 2:4).

Three of these five instances record specific manifestations of the Spirit in which the people themselves participated. “The Holy Spirit was given” (8:18).

The Manner and Ways of the Holy Spirit in the Church

Believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit.

All the other writers used by the Holy Spirit concerning the Canon of Scripture were Jews.

The Holy Spirit and not man, drew the blueprints. If the modern local church does not have the earmarks of the Book of Acts Church, then one must conclude it is not of Spirit but of man.

We find believers being baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. We find the gifts of the Spirit in operation.

HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTED GOVERNMENT

The government as laid down by the Holy Spirit is simple.

THE GOAL AND PURPOSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The establishment of the local church is the purpose of the Spirit, as the Spirit ever drives onward in the hearts and lives of those whom He has called.

To deny Acts’ doctrinal portrayal by example, is to deny much of the purpose and intent of the Holy Spirit.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Over 50 times the title or name “Holy Spirit,” or “Spirit,” or “Spirit of God,” is used in this great book.

It is the Holy Spirit carrying out the designs of the Head of the Church.

This leaves out the far greater majority of congregations which call themselves “Churches,” especially considering, that the Holy Spirit in these local groups is little obvious.

Considering that everything done on this earth by God the Father and God the Son, is done through the Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit, His leadership should be eagerly sought by the Church.

The many souls brought to Christ, and the many baptized in the Holy Spirit, must go in totality to the credit of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works and operates in the individual life according to the degree that Jesus is Lord in that life.

It is the Holy Spirit Who opened up the Word of God.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is God’s greatest gift to the church. The Holy Spirit separates the believer from dead, formal religion.

In some services His lingering Presence seems to sustain itself as scores of people are reduced to tears as the Spirit of God begins to move upon them. It is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit.

Acts is a theological book, with lessons and living examples of the work of the Holy Spirit.

The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit and the commencement of the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit-inspired evangelism began in Jerusalem and eventually spread to Rome.

Identify with the disciples as they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Watch the Spirit-led boldness of these first-century believers.

Because of the Holy Spirit, God’s people were empowered so they could accomplish their tasks. The Holy Spirit still empowers believers today. We should turn to the Holy Spirit to give us the strength and insight to accomplish our work for God.

The community of believers began by faith in the risen Jesu Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. By faith in Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church can be a vibrant agent for change.

The Holy Spirit

The disciples were empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. He was the promised Counselor and Guide when Jesus went to heaven. The Holy Spirit’s work demonstrated that Christianity was supernatural. The church became more Holy Spirit conscious than problem conscious. Any believer can claim the Holy Spirit’s power to do Christ’s work.

When the Holy Spirit works, there is movement.

We can have the Holy Spirit’s help as we witness or preach.

The book of Acts begins where the Gospels leave off, reporting the actions of the apostles and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:1–-In Luke’s Gospel we have the account of all Jesus began to do and to teach in the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 4:1, 18). In the book of Acts we have the continuing story of how Jesus’ followers, in the same power of the Spirit, proclaimed the same gospel. The Holy Spirit reproducing the life and ministry of Jesus through the church is the theological keynote of Acts. The book could well be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.”

Luke’s inspired record of the history of the early church provides: a definitive pattern of the Holy Spirit’s activity to be followed during the entire church age, data for developing a doctrine of the Holy Spirit and revelation about how the Holy Spirit’s ministry must relate to the lives of believers in Christ. Note specifically two elements in this book that are theologically and practically normative: the baptism in or filling with the Holy Spirit. and the Spirit’s numerous activities that provided the church with the standards of righteousness.

Luke is inferring that both of his works are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit (Mat. 3:11).

The Holy Spirit through Luke presents Jesus as the Foundation.

The Holy Spirit is the same now as He was then.

The Holy Spirit wil paint the portrait of Jesus in the mind’s eye of the believer.

“These holy pages will summon up the living image of the mind of Christ.” (Erasmus)

How much clearer is the portrait which the Holt Spirit can paint for the believer as he meditates upon the story of Jesus.

The believer has a Spirit-drawn portrait of the Lord Jesus before him.

This is that sweet, mystical communion of the believer who is yielded to the Holy Spirit.

It is not proper to teach salvation and ignore the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Most churches around the world have no manifestation of the Holy Spirit whatsoever.

It is the special influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of holy men, which qualified and enabled them to make an infallible record of divine truth concerning the will of God to man.

Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 2:4; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21).

Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2 Pet. 1:21).

In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words and relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Lk. 1:1-4; Jn. 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2).

The Holy Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things.

Acts 1:2 NASB95

until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.

“After that He through the Holy Spirit,” refers to the fact that the Spirit of God is the Speaker and Actor in this book.

This tells us that everything that Jesus does on this earth, is done through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Every evidence is, that the Holy Spirit closed out the Canon of Scripture with the giving of the book of Revelation to John on the Isle of Patmos.

Acts 1:3--”He showed Himself alive,” have reference to the fact of Him proving to the disciples and others, that He was not a spirit.

(The Holy Spirit is the life of the glorified body, due to the Spirit is in an entirely different dimension.)

Jesus began to do and teach the kingdom through the Spirit’s power (Luke 4:18, 19), and He is about to transfer that power and responsibility to His disciples by baptizing them in the same Spirit that had authorized His ministry.

God’s kingdom would remain in the hearts of all believers through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit Promised

Acts 1:4 NASB95

Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me;

GIFT MY FATHER PROMISED. The gift the Father promised (Joel 2:28-29; Mt. 3:11) is the baptism in the Holy Spirit (see v. 5). The fulfillment of that promise is described as being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (2:4). “Baptized in the Spirit” and “filled with the Spirit” are at times used interchangeably in Acts.

This baptism in the Holy Spirit should not be identified with receiving the Holy Spirit at regeneration. These are two distinct works of the Holy Spirit.

At this time, the disciples did not know or understand the significance of Pentecost, relative to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus fulfilled the Feast of Pentecost by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this day.

Inasmuch as the Holy Spirit has now been given, the believer does not have to go to Jerusalem or any other designated place respecting the fulfilling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can now reside in the hearts and lives of believers. They can be “saved” or “baptized in the Holy Spirit” any place where faith reaches out to the Lord. Jesus has removed the middle wall of partition that kept the Gentiles from having access , and, from entering the Holy of Holies where God was supposed to reside.

“But wait for the promise of the Father,” spoke of the Holy Spirit which had been promised y the Father (Lk. 24:49; Joel chpt. 2).

“Ye heard of Me,” pertains to that which Christ had already said concerning the Spirit Baptism.

The infilling Holy Spirit is deemed so important, He is telling His disciples and all others for that matter, that they should not plant churches, until they are first baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gives the believer power.

Any work done for God before the believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit, constitutes a work of man and not of God. Everything the Lord does on earth, He does through the Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Many may argue that the baptism in the Holy Spirit automatically comes at conversion.

While the Holy Spirit definitely does come to the believer at conversion relative to regeneration and does so automatically, that is not what Jesus is talking about here. He is speaking of the baptism in the Holy Spirit which gives power to the believer (Acts 1:8).

There is a vast difference in being “born of the Spirit,” than being “baptized in the Spirit.”

Acts 1:5 NASB95

for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

THE HOLY SPIRIT. “You will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” Jesus Himself is the one who baptizes His believers in the Holy Spirit (see Jn. 1:33).

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

One of the cardinal doctrines of Scriptures is the baptism in the Holy Spirit (see Ac. 1:4).

Concerning the baptism in the Holy Spirit:

The baptism in the Spirit is intended for all who profess faith in Christ, have been born again and have received the indwelling of the Spirit.

One of Christ’s key goals in His earthly ministry was to baptize his followers in the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:11; Mk. 1:8; Lk. 3:16; Jn. 1:33). He instructed His disciples not to begin witnessing until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and “clothed with power from on high” (Lk. 24:49; Ac. 1:4-5, 8). Jesus Christ Himself did not enter His ministry until He had been “anointed . . . with the Holy Spirit and power” (Ac. 10:38; Lk. 4:1, 18).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an operation of the Spirit distinct and separate from His work of regeneration. Just as the Spirit’s sanctifying work is a distinct work complementing His regenerating work, so the baptism in the Spirit complements the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Spirit. “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn. 20:22). Later Jesus told the disciples they must also be “clothed with power” by the Holy Spirit (Lk. 24:49; Ac. 1:5, 8). One can be regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but still not be baptized in the Holy Spirit (Ac. 19:6).

To be baptized in the Spirit means to be filled with the Spirit (Ac. 1:5; 2:4). This baptism occurred only at and after Pentecost. Concerning those filled with the Spirit before Pentecost (Lk. 1:15, 67), Luke does not use the term baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial outward sign accompanying the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Ac. 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6). Baptism in the Holy Spirit is linked so closely with the external manifestation of speaking in tongues that this should be considered the norm when receiving the baptism.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit will bring boldness and power of the Spirit into the believer’s life in order to accomplish mighty works in Christ’s name and to make his or her witness and proclamation effective (Ac. 1:8; 2:14-41; 4:31; 6:8; Ro. 15:18-19; 1 Co. 2:4). This is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit by which Jesus and His glory and works are present with His people (Jn. 14:16-18; 16:14; 1 Co. 12:7).

Other results of a genuine baptism in the Holy Spirit are: enhanced sensitivity to sin that grieves the Holy Spirit; a manifestation of the various gifts of the Spirit (1 Co. 12:4-10).

God’s Word cites several conditions by which the baptism of the Holy Spirit is given. Christians should have a deep hunger for the baptism in the Spirit (Jn. 7:37-39; Isa. 44:3; Mt. 5:6; 6:33. We often receive this baptism in answer to prayer (Lk. 11:13; Ac. 1:14; 2:1-4; 4:31; 8:15, 17). We should expect that God will baptize us in the Holy Spirit (Mk. 11:24; Ac. 1:4-5).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is sustained in the believer’s life by prayer (Ac. 4:31), worship in the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-19). However powerful the initial coming of the Holy Spirit on the believer may be, if this does not find expression in a life of prayer, the experience will soon become a fading glory.

The baptism in the Spirit occurs only once in a believer’s life and points to the consecrating of the believer to God’s work of witnessing in power and righteousness. The Bible teaches that there may be new fillings with the Holy Spirit after the believer has been baptized in the Spirit (Ac. 4:8, 31; 2:4; 13:9; Eph. 5:18). The baptism in the Spirit brings the believer into a relationship with the Spirit that is to be renewed (Ac. 4:31).

The Holy Spirit could not come into the heart and life of the believer in the realm of baptism until Jesus died on Calvary.

The Holy Spirit definitely helped followers of the Lord. “He (the Holy Spirit) dwelt then with believers” (Jn. 14:17).

The Holy Spirit could not occupy those in covenant as a temple.

The Holy Spirit can now come into a cleansed temple and there abide.

“But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence,” spoke of the coming day of Pentecost.

The Holy Spirit could not be sent, until Jesus ascended back to heaven.

The Holy Spirit coming on the Day of Pentecost signifies that Jesus did in fact, ascend to the Father.

Actually “baptized” means that the believer can be immersed in the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit immersed in the believer.

Under the Old Covenant “water baptism” was basically a ceremony or ritual, referred to as “John’s baptism” (Acts 19:3). This baptism of John’s was the result of the sinner’s repentance.

“Water baptism” was introduced by John, because it was commanded by the Holy Spirit in order that Jesus be manifested as the Messiah to Israel (Jn. 1:25-31).

Water baptism was and is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Whenever the believer is put under the water in baptism, that is the symbol of the death and burial of the Representative Man.

When he is brought out of the water, that is symbolic of the resurrection of the Representative Man.

That which Jesus does (baptizing the believer in the Holy Spirit), is not ceremony or ritual or symbol.

The Holy Spirit is a Person and not something impersonal such as water.

Jesus is the One who does the baptizing in the Holy Spirit (Mat. 3:11).

Jesus causes the Holy Spirit to take up His permanent residence in our hearts. The “baptism in the Spirit” takes the believer a step further respecting “power.”

This baptism is potential in its nature. The mere indwelling of the Spirit does not guarantee the full efficacy of His work in us.

The Spirit has been sent to the believer’s heart to make His home there. The Christian can make Him feel at home by giving the Holy Spirit absolute liberty of action in his heart.

This means the believer is to yield himself to the Spirit’s control, depend on the Spirit for guidance. Then will the potential power resident in the Presence of the Spirit in the heart of the believer be operative in one’s life.

“The believer is immersed into the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is immersed into the believer.”

The Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into Christ, whereas in one’s Spirit baptism, Jesus baptizes the believer in the Holy Spirit (Mat. 3:11; 1 Cor. 12:13).

“You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit” is the source of the phrase “the baptism ‘in’ or ‘with’ the Holy Spirit.” Many understand this as a work distinct from conversion, which is seen as being referred to in 1 Cor. 12:3, where the Holy Spirit is the Agent performing the baptizing work.

The Trinity is a concept describing the unique relationship of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus would be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent so that God would be with and within His followers after Jesus returned to heaven The Spirit would comfort them.

The Holy Spirit was made available to all who believe in Jesus. We receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit must be understood in light of Hos total work in Christians.

Receiving the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience. We cannot be Christians without His Spirit (Rom. 8:9); we cannot be united to Jesus without His Spirit (1 Cor. 6:17); we cannot be adopted as His children without His Spirit (Ro. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:6-7); we cannot be in the body of Christ except by baptism in the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13).

The Holy Spirit provides the unique power of our new lives. The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ.

Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as an advocate. The Holy Spirit guides us.

The Holy Spirit unites the Christian community in Christ (Eph. 2:19-22).

Acts 1:6—God’s presence and power dwell in believers in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:7—Get baptized in the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit nothing will be done for God.

The Holy Spirit is given to us for many and varied reasons.

Acts 1:8 NASB95

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

The primary purpose of the baptism in the Spirit is the receiving of power to witness for Christ so that the lost will be won over to Him and taught to obey all that Christ commanded.

Luke emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s power included the authority to drive out evil spirits and the anointing to heal the sick as the two essential signs accompanying the proclamation of God’s kingdom (Lk. 4:14, 18, 36; 5:17; 6:19; 9:1-2; Ac. 6:8; 8:4-8, 12-13; 10:38; 14:3; 19:8-12). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is God’s provision for releasing the power of the Holy Spirit into the believer’s life.

Luke here does not relate the baptism in the Spirit to personal salvation and regeneration.

The Holy Spirit’s personal work in witnessing and proclamation concerns His coming upon believers for power and His testimony to Christ’s saving work and resurrection (2:14-42).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit not only imparts power to preach Jesus as Lord and Savior, but also increases the effectiveness of that witnessing because of a strengthening and deepening relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that comes from being filled with the Spirit (Jn. 14:26; 15:26-27).

The Holy Spirit discloses and makes more real to us the personal presence of Jesus (Jn. 14:16-18).

The Holy Spirit witnesses to “righteousness” (Jn. 16:8, 10). We who have received the witness of the Spirit to Christ’s redemptive work will necessarily manifest Christlikeness.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the initiation point whereby Spirit-filled believers receive the power to witness for Christ and to bring conviction of sin.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit can be given only to those whose hearts are turned toward God in repentance from their wicked ways (2:38; 3:26).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a baptism into the Spirit who is holy (“Spirit of holiness,” Ro. 1:4). If the Spirit is truly at work in us in all His fullness, we will live in greater conformity to Christ’s holiness.

We who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit will have an intense desire to please Christ in whatever way we can; the fullness of the Spirit complements the saving and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Those who claim the fullness of the Spirit, yet live a life contrary to the Spirit of holiness, are deceived and untruthful. Those who display spiritual gifts, yet lack true faith, are operating not by the Holy Spirit but by an unholy spirit not from God (Mt. 7:21-23; 24:24; 2 Co. 11:13-15).

The Holy Spirit who is God, literally comes to abide in the believer (Jn. 14:17).

This perpetual power which needs no outside source, has come into being in the believer, in the form of God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was with the believer.

This means that the same power Jesus had in His public ministry, now is ensconced in the heart and life of every single Spirit-filled believer. “For if I go not away, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will not come unto you” (Jn. 16:7).

The Spirit-filled believer is to preach the Gospel.

“After the Holy Ghost has come upon you,” specifically states that this “power” is inherent in the Holy Spirit.

Only Spirit-filled believers have this power. It is not possible for any true work for God to be accomplished without the power of the Holy Spirit resident in the believer’s life.

Millions claim they are baptized in the Holy Spirit at conversion.

The “born again” experience, while certainly bringing one salvation, and is brought about by the Holy Spirit, does not equip one for service. That is done through the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is not possible for the sinner to be baptized in the Holy Spirit at the moment he is saved. “Even the Spirit of truth” (Jn. 14:17).

While the believer can definitely be baptized in the Holy Spirit moments after salvation, the temple must be washed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus before the entrance of the Holy Spirit.

One cannot properly witness unto Jesus without being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is meant to equip one for service. And if a believer does not obey Christ in this regard, which means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues, their service for the Lord will be inconsequential.

About 120 did obey and were present on the Day of Pentecost, and were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Most of the remaining 380 may have received the Holy Spirit a little later (1 Cor. 15:6). To those who did not obey regarding the baptism in the Holy Spirit, one can be certain that their lives counted little for God as far as His work and service were concerned.

It would be in Jerusalem and Judaea, where the Holy Spirit would move first of all.

“The Holy Spirit . . . upon” one is an important concept in Luke and Acts, and Jesus is a primary example of the work of the Holy Spirit within and upon us. Jesus’ life was conceived by the Spirit, and the Spirit working within Him brought forth the fruit of good character (Luke 2:52). Later the Spirit came upon Jesus to bring forth a ministry of power (Luke 3:22; 4:18). The distinctive purpose of the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts is to empower the church for ministry.

In the OT only those uniquely called or anointed of God received the Holy Spirit. But under the New Covenant every believer is offered the Promise of the Father (Luke 24:49), the active presence of the Holy Spirit. It is by this activity of the Spirit’s fullness in the life of every believer that the ministry of Christ in His church continues.

The disciples became convinced of Jesus’ resurrection, and discovered their power source—the Holy Spirit. We can receive His power through the Holy Spirit to be new people.

Those preaching the gospel were empowered by the Holy Spirit to take it all over the world.

The power believers receive from the Holy Spirit includes courage. You can have the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

The disciples were told to wait first for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). God has important work for us to do for Him, but we must do it by the power of the Holy Spirit.