“FILLED AND EMPOWERED”
(Acts 18:18–19:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18)
“And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.“ – Acts 19:6
While passing through Ephesus, Paul encountered a group of disciples who had only received John’s baptism and had not heard about the Holy Spirit. When Paul laid hands on them, they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, resulting in speaking in tongues and prophesying (Acts 19:6). This experience in Ephesus echoes other key moments in Acts: at Pentecost, the Spirit fell on the disciples, and they spoke in tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4), and when Cornelius’ household received the Spirit, they too spoke in tongues (Acts 10:44–46). Speaking in tongues accompanied the baptism in the Spirit and served as a visible and audible sign of God’s empowering presence.
When the Spirit comes, ordinary believers become instruments of God’s power, speaking, serving, and prophesying in ways that testify to His glory. Like the Ephesian disciples we meet in Acts, we are invited to open our hearts fully to the Spirit’s work and allow Him to equip us for His purposes. In Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian believers, he indicates that God initiates the desire and every act prompted by their faith, and that God empowers us to work for His glory. (2 Thess. 1:16-17).
In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian believers, he reminds them that by God’s power, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, they can fulfill every good purpose and every act promoted by faith (2 Thess. 2:16-17). It is not their human effort, but the work of the Holy Spirit, that they can love and be victorious in tribulations.
Simple Truth:
Being filled with the Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly for Christ and bear witness through words, deeds, and spiritual gifts.
Reflections:
- How do the signs of speaking in tongues and prophesying demonstrate God’s presence and power?
- How has the Holy Spirit empowered you for service and ministry as well as given comfort and help during trials?
Application Points:
- Pray for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, asking God to empower you for boldness in faith and service.
- Be attentive to God’s gifts, remaining open to the Spirit’s work in prayer, worship, and ministry.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we ask that You make us worthy of Your calling and by your power bring to fruition every desire for goodness and our every deed prompted by faith. Thank you for loving us and for the eternal encouragement and good we have because of Your grace. Now encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good deed and word. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (2 Thess. 1:11-12; 2:16-17, NIV)
About our Author
Marcia Rainey is a wife, mother, Nana, and retired educator who served eight years as principal and 11 years as a middle school Bible and science teacher at Hawthorne Christian Academy. She now spends her days with her grandson and enjoys baking, long walks with her husband, and the view from any mountain or beach. She is thrilled to be part of the TLC family serving with the children’s, life group, and women’s ministry teams.
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