“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
Acts 8:55
The Holy Spirit was sent from heaven to continue Jesus’ ministry on earth. God’s presence (which is still with us now!) was pictured in the Bible with the images of wind, fire, water, and dove — earthly things that help us grasp who the Holy Spirit is and what He is like.
These images refer to the actions and qualities of the Holy Spirit. “Like wind, the Spirit is invisible, but has powerful effects; like wind, the Spirit is mysterious, unpredictable, and uncontainable …. Like fire, the Spirit imparts the warmth of God’s love, the purity of God’s holiness, and the light and understanding of God’s truth. The Spirit is like refreshing, life-giving water, which Christ gives his people to drink. Like a dove, the Spirit is … a sign of God’s covenant of peace” (John Jefferson Davis, 2022).
The Bible says that Stephen was “a man full of God’s grace and power” (Acts 6:8). The Holy Spirit was evident in him, even to his dying moments as a martyr for his faith. This same Holy Spirit empowers you and fills you with gentleness and joy in the Lord.
These images refer to the actions and qualities of the Holy Spirit. “Like wind, the Spirit is invisible, but has powerful effects; like wind, the Spirit is mysterious, unpredictable, and uncontainable …. Like fire, the Spirit imparts the warmth of God’s love, the purity of God’s holiness, and the light and understanding of God’s truth. The Spirit is like refreshing, life-giving water, which Christ gives his people to drink. Like a dove, the Spirit is … a sign of God’s covenant of peace” (John Jefferson Davis, 2022).
The Bible says that Stephen was “a man full of God’s grace and power” (Acts 6:8). The Holy Spirit was evident in him, even to his dying moments as a martyr for his faith. This same Holy Spirit empowers you and fills you with gentleness and joy in the Lord.
Scripture Focus
Acts 8:54-60
Insight
You have the promise of God’s presence in your life. By His Holy Spirit you are helped, comforted, and led.
Bible In A Year
- Judges 9
- Psalm 113
- 1 Corinthians 3-4
