READING: Acts 7-8
It’s easy to assume that the book of Acts is filled with dramatic stories of spiritual warfare and demonic defeat, but that’s not the focus of the book. The book is about the power of the Spirit of God and the corresponding defeat of the enemy — in that order.
A quick review of today’s reading takes us to that truth. Stephen dramatically told the story of God and His people, and he then trusted God as he died at the hands of his persecutors. Throughout the account of his martyrdom, he was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:55). So completely led by the Spirit was he that he even prayed for those who murdered him (Acts 7:60), just like his Lord had done previously.
Philip, too, lived under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He proclaimed the gospel in the city of Samaria, and Samaritans believed and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:4-17). He met an Ethiopian eunuch who was in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah, but he met him because the Spirit connected the two: “The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it’” (Acts 8:29). Later, Philip disappeared after the eunuch’s baptism when “the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took [him] away” (Acts 8:39).
In just these chapters, then, the Spirit led Philip to a place and from a place, and He comforted and strengthened Stephen at his death. The Spirit gave life, guided through life, and granted peace at the end of life. In the midst of these stories, demons fled at the commands of God’s people: “For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many” (Acts 8:7) — but those power displays were not the story. Even Simon the sorcerer learned that obsession with power was not of God (Acts 8:9-23).
As you and I walk with God, it is not the victories over the enemy that should grab our attention. Instead, it’s the power of God. It’s the unbelievable truth that the eternal Creator actually lives within us.
ACTION STEPS:
- Ask God to overwhelm you with His Spirit today.
- Throughout the day, watch for people who need a gospel word of encouragement or witness. Follow the Spirit's leading.
PRAYER: “God, thank You again for Your Spirit. Lead me today to speak to others who are just waiting to hear good news.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Acts 9-10
