Promise to All

October 19

The Book of Acts follows the four gospels of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John convey the miraculous birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message of the gospels is of hope and inspiration and faith in the One who came to save mankind from sin.

But if the ‘good news,’ which is what the word ‘gospel’ means, ended there, it would afford us grace to face death but little hope to face life. The Book of Acts affirms that the glorious message of Jesus—His salvation, His love, His power—does not conclude with the Book of John but continues beyond the story of His life.

The primary difference between the gospels and Acts is that in the former, the story of Jesus’ walk among men is told; in Acts, the continuation of His work through believers is communicated. Jesus affirmed in Luke 24:49 that His followers would receive the power of the Holy Spirit to continue His work when He had returned to Heaven.

Acts 2:39 extends the promise to “…all who are afar off.” All who believe in Jesus may do His work and realize the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. Acts 4:29, 30 should be the prayer of everyone who names His name, “Grant that Your servants may speak Your word boldly by stretching forth Your hand to heal and to do signs and wonders in the name of God’s holy child Jesus.”

May each of us resolve to appropriate the power of His Spirit so His signs and wonders may follow us and His name may be glorified in and through us.