Introduction
We are going to take a walk through the Book of Acts. Now, the Book of Acts can be called the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, or the Book of the Acts of the Church. However, I would like to call it the Book of the Acts of the Holy Spirit. We could say that the Old Testament focuses on God the Father, the Gospels focus on God the Son, Jesus and the Book of Acts focuses on the Third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit. He is, of course, mentioned throughout the Bible, as we can see from Genesis 1:1-2
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless, and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And we know that He was with certain people in the Old Testament in a specific way, as Joseph in Genesis 41:38
So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man (Joseph) in whom is the spirit of God?”
Moses and the 70 elders, in Numbers 11:16-17 The Lord said to Moses, “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.”
Joshua, in Numbers 27:18
So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit.”
Gideon, in Judges 6:34
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.
Samson, in Judges 13:25
And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he (Samson) was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zoraha and Eshtaol.
Saul, in I Samuel 10:9-10
As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.
David, in II Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
Elijah and Elisha, in II Kings 2:9 When they had crossed Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit as double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
Isaiah, in Isaiah 48:16 Come near me and listen to this: From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret, at the time it happens, I am there. And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me, with His Spirit.
Ezekiel, in Ezekiel 2:1-2
He said to me, ”Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” As he spoke the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard Him speaking to me.
Daniel, in Daniel 4:8 Finally, Daniel came into my (Nebuchadnezzar’s) presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him).
We can see from these examples that the Holy Spirit would come upon certain people such as leaders, judges, kings and prophets for a particular reason. But He did not come upon everyone.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the title I like to give to the Book of Acts?
2. Who is the focus in the Old Testament?
3. Who is the focus in the Gospels?
4. Who is the focus in the Book of Acts?
5. In which Bible passages in the Old Testament is the Holy Spirit mentioned?
6. Based on these examples, who did the Holy Spirit come upon at the time of the Old Testament?