Wednesday: The Two Groups of Twelve
WEEK 16
WEDNESDAY
THE TWO GROUPS OF TWELVE
Acts 19:1-7
We are studying the second permanent thing in the coming of the Holy Spirit. The first was purity, and the second was power—power to witness effectively for Christ. Some speak dead truth with no kindling, converting power.
The difference between a group with power and a group without power is seen in the two groups of twelve—the twelve apostles and the group of twelve at Ephesus (see Acts 19:7). The twelve apostles were part of a movement turning the world upside down. The Ephesian group of twelve were turning nothing upside down. They were noncontagious, huddling together for protective purposes. Paul sensed a lack in them, and asked them point blank, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you came to believe?” (Acts 19:2). They replied in words that many modern Christians could use, “We’ve not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit” (v. 2). A Holy Spiritless Christianity is Christianity without witness and without power. It lacks the vital spark. Nothing happens.
Then the Holy Spirit came upon these twelve at Ephesus, and things did begin to happen. “Many of those who had come to believe came, confessing their past practices. This included a number of people who practiced sorcery.” Suppose believers today would come confessing and divulging their practices! A revival would be on! “They collected their sorcery texts and burned them publicly. The value of those materials was calculated at more than someone might make if they worked for one hundred sixty-five years.” (Acts 19:18, 19). When the real thing came, they couldn’t tolerate the spurious. When people are out of touch with God, they will turn to half-gods, any superstition that will get them in touch with anything beyond themselves. For people want God.
This summed up what had happened, “In this way the Lord’s word grew abundantly and strengthened powerfully” (v. 20). Here was the power of contagion, the power to change men and situations. Here was mastery. The difference came when the Holy Spirit came. The spiritual desert began to blossom as a rose. Life was bursting into meaning and power—power to win.
O Holy Spirit, touch the barrenness of our hearts into life and bud and flower and fruit. Make us fruitful through you. Then will be fulfilled your purposes and our persons. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: I will belong to the Ephesus “twelve” after the coming of the Spirit—adequate.