In today’s text we see the boldness of Peter and John as they preached the Gospel to the intimidating leaders of their day. What gave them such confidence and boldness? It was the power and presence of the Holy Spirit of God upon them.

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:” … Acts 4:8

We are reminded in today’s text of 3 great benefits and advantages of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

1. Boldness to preach the Gospel.
2. Authority to speak to authorities
3. The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: “If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12, NKJV.

If we are to live our lives effectively for Jesus Christ we need to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not merely a one-time event or experience. As the believers in the early church, so we also need to be filled and refilled with His power and presence daily.

“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine. but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:17-20, NKJV.
Pastor Mike