“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.  Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” Acts 2:32-33

Peter was waiting for the Holy Spirit along with the other disciples.  In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and they would receive power to be His witnesses.

Acts chapter 2 describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, then in verse 14, Peter stands up, raises his voice and addresses the crowd.  He begins to preach with boldness, explaining to the crowd the spectacle they are witnessing, the fulfillment of prophecy, and why Jesus came.  In fact, Peter’s preaching demonstrated that the Holy Spirit had indeed come upon him.

In Acts 2:37as Peter continues to speak and after hearing that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” the people were “cut to the heart.”  Peter then challenges them to repent and believe and that they would be forgiven and they would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  He continues to warn and encourage them – and those “who accepted the message” are baptized – about three thousand that day.  Peter’s boldness reflected God’s anointing.

Power came upon Peter.  He boldly witnessed as the Holy Spirit spoke through him and worked in the hearts of the people.  He received power to witness – to testify about Jesus and why He had come. 

The Lord gave the Holy Spirit to us.  He is God’s gift.   He leads us into all truth.  He comforts us.  He empowers us.  Ultimately, He empowers us to be witnesses.  God makes His appeal through us. 

Holy Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on us.  Make us your witnesses – to testify about Jesus and what He has done in our lives.  May we bring glory to His Name.  Speak through us LORD – send us to those who are in need of a Saviour.  Put words in our mouths, help us love deeply from the heart, make us sensitive to Your leading – ears to hear You and hearts willing to obey.  In Jesus’ holy and precious name we pray.  Amen.

TAKE ACTION:

Have you ever thought about why you want more of the Holy Spirit in your life?  Is your heart in tune with His – are you willing to be empowered to be His witness in your world?  Pray, confess, ask – may He come upon you with power to be His witness!