Paul arrived in Ephesus and found about twelve men Luke calls disciples. Disciples of whom? His first question cut straight to the heart of it: did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Their answer told the whole story. They hadn't even heard there was a Holy Spirit. These were sincere men. They'd responded to the message of John the Baptist, a doorway message of repentance and preparation. But they were standing right under the threshold, never having walked through. John's ministry had pointed forward to Jesus. They'd been focused on the address sign instead of walking through the door. Paul connected the dots, baptized them in the name of Jesus, and the Spirit fell. Sincerity matters. Obedience matters. But sincerity pointed the wrong direction can leave you stuck outside the room you were meant to enter.
What is Acts Daily Devotional Podcast?
What if the story of the early church isn’t just history, but a blueprint for following Jesus today? The Acts Daily Devotional Podcast is a 141-day journey through the book of Acts in the Bible, hosted by Pastor Derek. Each short episode combines Scripture and practical teaching to help inspire your daily chair time with God, whether at home or on your drive to work. Starting April 26, discover how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to advance the mission of Jesus from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.