After Pentecost: The Disciples DeployedSample

Empowering Others

For a while, the apostles did everything for the Church, but the Church soon grew beyond their ability to manage it. Instead of stifling the Holy Spirit by trying to limit the Church’s ministry to what they could handle alone, the apostles shared their responsibilities and authority with others, selecting only those whose conduct and reputation proved their utter dependence on the Holy Spirit. By focusing on the tasks for which they were best suited and assigning the rest to qualified people, the apostles multiplied their ministry and freed the Holy Spirit to continue the viral movement that had begun on the day of Pentecost. 

Stephen, in particular, was an extraordinarily gifted young man. Instead of questioning his ability or holding him back, the apostles gave him and others like him the same opportunity to learn and grow through practical experience that Jesus had given them. 

Had Jesus not given the apostles this opportunity to ‘go it alone’ with the Holy Spirit is help, they may not have been prepared to handle the work their mission would require later or to delegate responsibility when the time came. As it was, the apostles were ready for both. Their training under Jesus had taught them that the Holy Spirit can work through any surrendered soul and there’s no substitute for hands-on experience in ministry. 

The apostles’ selfless wisdom coupled with Stephen’s obedience and passion led to another wave of refreshing among the people, and this one included a large group of priests who had not responded to the Gospel when the apostles preached it. 

Although this wave of refreshing may not have seemed as spectacular as the day of Pentecost to those who were present at Pentecost, it was every bit as significant to those whose lives were changed by it. To every person changed by God, the day of their spiritual rebirth is a catalytic event, the beginning of a significant movement of God. 

What about you? Which is more important to you, giving the Holy Spirit freedom to work or controlling the size and scope of the ministry God’s given you? Are you confident in the Holy Spirit is ability to work through any surrendered soul? Are you willing to delegate responsibility and authority to those who have proven themselves qualified? Are you humble or prideful in your leadership?