Bible ReadingActs 8:14–17 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
[42:29]Acts 1:4–8 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
[55:14]Acts 2:1–4 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[01:02:30]Acts 10:44–48 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
[01:06:05]Joel 2:28–29 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”
[44:00]Luke 11:13 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
[01:15:15]Observation questions- In Acts 8, what had the Samaritan believers already received and done before Peter and John prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit? [42:37]
- According to Acts 1:8, what is promised when the Holy Spirit comes upon believers, and where are they sent to be witnesses?
- What do Acts 2:1–4 show about the believers’ unity, their location, and the way the Spirit gave them utterance? [01:02:50]
- In Acts 10, what happened while Peter was still speaking, and why were the Jewish believers who came with him amazed? [01:10:10]
Interpretation questions- Acts 8 speaks of believers who had received God’s Word and been baptized, yet the Holy Spirit had not fallen upon them. How does this passage shape the question believers should honestly ask about receiving the Spirit’s power? [43:20]
- Jesus connects the Holy Spirit’s coming upon believers with power to be witnesses. What does faithful witness look like beyond merely winning arguments or speaking loudly about faith? [01:11:19]
- Acts 10 shows the Spirit falling on Gentiles before water baptism and without a planned altar call. What does this reveal about God’s freedom to give His gift and His lack of partiality? [01:10:43]
- Luke 11:13 says the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. How should believers hold together asking expectantly, trusting God’s Word, and refusing to demand a certain feeling or formula? [01:22:05]
Application questions- Have fear, past church experiences, tradition, or uncertainty ever made you hesitant to seek more of the Holy Spirit? What specific concern do you need to bring honestly before the Lord? [40:42]
- Where do you most need the Spirit’s power right now: freedom from a repeated sin, courage to witness, strength to obey, restoration of love for God, or something else? What would a real change look like this week? [58:01]
- Truth without the Spirit can become powerless, while spiritual activity without truth can become unstable. Which side are you more likely to drift toward, and what simple habit could help you keep God’s Word and the Spirit together? [59:54]
- The disciples waited together and devoted themselves to prayer before Pentecost. How could this group become more united and more devoted to prayer for one another rather than only discussing spiritual things? [01:01:13]
- Faith receives God’s promise because of His Word, not because a person first feels something dramatic. When have you delayed obedience because you were waiting for a feeling, and what would trusting God’s Word look like in that situation? [01:22:45]
- The Holy Spirit is a Person—holy, comforting, and able to lead God’s people. What would fellowship with Him look like in your daily life through prayer, repentance, worship, Scripture, and obedience? [01:45:38]
- An unconditional yes to God means giving Him the right to direct a life He purchased with Christ’s blood. Is there an area of comfort, reputation, schedule, relationship, or future plan where your yes to God has conditions attached? What would surrender look like there? [01:52:55]
