Real Hope: A Study of Acts 6 -11Sample

The Holy Spirit At Work

READ ACTS 10

Acts 10 gives us a beautiful insight into the remarkable role of the Holy Spirit in the early church. This chapter shows the Holy Spirit brings wisdom, clarity of calling, and power. Peter, having been discipled by Jesus Himself, receives new wisdom through a vision given by the Holy Spirit (vv 9–16), which enables Peter to, without prejudice, share what he had witnessed with a room full of Gentiles despite it being ‘against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile’ (v 28). In verses 19 and 20, Peter was given a clear calling to go with the men sent by Cornelius. And in verse 44, we see the Holy Spirit come with His power on those who heard Peter speak.

Back when I was at university, I was discipled in my Christian faith through what was then known as Student Life (now called Power to Change). This was when my heart knowledge became better supported by head knowledge as I learnt and grew in my faith and wisdom. An opportunity came to go to India on mission. I just knew I had to go. I had very little money at the time as a university student, but through means beyond my understanding, the funds enabled me to go. This trip to India became a critical part of my life story, launching me on a path to a life committed to mission and giving me insight into my own capacity. In experiences like this across my life, I can see the Holy Spirit working still today as He did in establishing the early church – bringing wisdom, clarity of calling, and power. How has the Holy Spirit given you wisdom, a clear calling, or empowered your life or others through you?

Written by SUSIE HOLT