2022_11_07 Insight Post- Kim Feld

This week, we wrap up our reading of Acts. The ending of Acts has always left me wanting more. I’ve wondered why Luke didn’t write more of Paul’s story. We know that Paul wrote his letters to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians while imprisoned. Still, we are left wondering if he took a fourth missionary journey to other parts of the world. We know that Paul was imprisoned in Rome again later when he wrote his last letter, 2 Timothy. Luke was still with Paul at that time (see 2 Timothy 4:11).

As I think about the book of Acts, I realize that although I recognize this is Luke’s record of the early church, I’ve always thought of it as a sort of biography of Paul. This is because he’s such a central character in the book. But doing some additional reading and study, I’ve come to see Acts as more of a biography of the Holy Spirit (NIV Quest Study Bible, 2011, p. 1643). The Holy Spirit is THE central character of Acts, as Luke details the power that was on full display in the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. My realization may seem like a “duh” moment, but I feel like God has just broadened my understanding of His word. I’m anxious to go back and re-read Acts through this lens and see what new insights I can gain.

In viewing Acts as a record of the work of the Holy Spirit through the early church, Luke’s ending makes sense. So let’s take a look:

³⁰ For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, ³¹ boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.

When Jesus called Saul, later called Paul, He gave him a mission. In Acts 9, Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision, telling him to go and see Saul, and lay hands on him so his sight would be restored. Ananias expressed concern over this, but Jesus said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Paul accomplished his mission.

I love the Bible, and I love studying the Bible. I am always amazed at how God can bring so much from one book. I know that I will never plumb its depths in my lifetime, but I love how God continues to intrigue, challenge, and love me through His word. As a follower of Christ, my life should be empowered by the Holy Spirit, just as Paul’s was. As I ponder this, I’m asking myself, “Is the Holy Spirit the central character in my story?”

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach

Reference: NIV Quest Study Bible. (2011). Zondervan.