SUNDAY August 14, 2022
Dunamis Power
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
In the book of Acts, there are places where we can see the word [dunamis] power used in its context. The words miracles, wonders, and signs are all encompassed in the word power that is found in Acts 1:8. In Acts 2:22, it is used: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by [dunamis] miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know–”
Remember, the word power brings about action––something happens. The Christian life is exciting; God is at work! Something miraculous takes place. In Acts 4:7, Peter and John were arrested for preaching the Gospel. The Sanhedrin, Jewish elders, questioned them: And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what [dunamis] power or by what name have you done this?” They asked them, “By what authority do you preach the Gospel?” The name they gave them was Jesus Christ!
Once again, we see the word dunamis used when God’s favor and grace were upon all the apostles and believers in Acts 4:33: And with great [dunamis] power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Stephen was not a pastor. He was a deacon, a common fellow who served tables, but God used him tremendously. He was filled with the Spirit: And Stephen, full of faith and [dunamis] power, did great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8). Notice the word power again and the actions seen––miracles and wonders.
Simon the sorcerer was amazed to see the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit at work. He sinfully thought the power of the Holy Spirit could be purchased! Peter strongly rebuked him, saying: “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!” (Acts 8:20) God’s Spirit working in your life is for His glory alone.
Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.
~J.I. Packer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
