One of the major lessons I have learned as a follower of the Lord is to allow God to do what He does in my life. I find peace when I step back and let the Lord lead. It’s tempting to seize control, grab the wheel, and try to steer my ship. Unfortunately, when I do, I often create a mess and find myself walking in frustration and chaos.
The early Church grappled with similar desires in its infancy. However, when they stepped back and allowed the Spirit of God to take the lead, they grew and became strong. Luke commented on this in Acts 9, which chronicles the conversion of Saul. Before his conversion, Paul zealously targeted believers, hunting them down to kill or imprison them. He had scattered the church in Jerusalem and was on his way to Damascus to continue the disruption when God called Paul to cease his persecution and become His final apostle.
Verse 31 makes an observation that serves as encouragement to me and many who follow the Lord. The verse simply states that the church enjoyed a time of peace as they lived in reverence and were “encouraged” by the Holy Spirit. However, that translation does not fully capture the essence of the verse or the role of the Holy Spirit.
The term “paraklēsei” comes from “paraclete,” which means the one who comes alongside and helps. This term is the term adopted for the Holy Spirit, as Jesus told us that when He ascended, He would send a “paraclete,” a “helper” to comfort and guide His chosen.
In verse 31, Luke conveys that the Church grew when it lived in the Fear of the Lord and was “paraklēsei” by the Holy Spirit. In effect, the church was living in reverence and allowing the Holy Spirit to fulfill His role. As followers of the Lord, we understand that this is so much more than mere encouragement.
The Holy Spirit comforts those in pain and teaches those seeking knowledge. He imparts strength to the weak and bravery to those who fear. He serves as our guide, our compass, and often our spokesperson as we seek to share the Word of God.
When Luke explained the work and growth of the Church, he was telling us that as the church stepped back and allowed the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purpose, there was peace and growth.
As we go through our days, we must step back and allow God’s “paraclete” to fulfill His role in our journey. Similar to the early church, we will face trials and struggles. However, as we permit the Spirit to do His work, we too will experience His strength, His peace, and growth in our walk with God.
God Bless You.
31
παρακλήσει
paraklēsei
Then, the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.