SPIRIT
The story of Acts begins with the promise of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus ascends, He tells the disciples not to rush ahead but to wait for the gift the Father promised.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Ten days later at Pentecost, the Spirit arrives with the sound of a violent wind and tongues of fire, filling men and women alike. Suddenly the followers of Jesus are speaking in languages they never learned, declaring the wonders of God.
From that moment forward, the Holy Spirit becomes the driving force of the story. In crisis moments He gives boldness to speak. In ministry He empowers service. In mission He directs the path forward. The book often called Acts of the Apostles might more accurately be called the Acts of the Spirit, because the Spirit is present everywhere, empowering the people of God and advancing the mission of Jesus.
START
When the Spirit arrives, something new begins. The church is born.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter stands up and explains the resurrection of Jesus. When the crowd asks what they should do, his answer is simple:
“Repent and be baptized… in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Three thousand people believe and are baptized in a single day. A new community forms around Jesus.
The early believers devote themselves to four rhythms that still shape the church today:
- The apostles’ teaching
- Fellowship
- The breaking of bread
- Prayer
They gather in homes and in the temple courts. They share what they have with those in need. They worship with glad and sincere hearts. And day by day, the Lord adds to their number.
This is the start of the church, a Spirit-filled community centered on Jesus and devoted to life together.
SCATTER
For a time the believers remain gathered in Jerusalem, but God’s plan has always been bigger.
After the martyrdom of Stephen, persecution breaks out and the believers are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. What looks like tragedy becomes the turning point for mission.
Those who are scattered do not hide.
They preach the word wherever they go.
The gospel begins moving outward. Samaria hears the message. Travelers carry the good news to other regions. One day Philip meets an Ethiopian official on a desert road, explains the Scriptures, and baptizes him. That moment sends the message of Jesus toward the ends of the earth.
Sometimes the church grows not only through gathering but through scattering.
SAUL
In the middle of this movement appears a fierce opponent named Saul.
He approves of Stephen’s execution and begins destroying the church, going from house to house, dragging men and women off to prison. Driven by zeal, he travels toward Damascus to arrest even more followers of Jesus.
But on the road to Damascus everything changes.
A blinding light stops him.
A voice calls out:
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
The persecutor meets the risen Jesus.
Saul’s life is completely transformed. The man who once hunted believers becomes one of the most passionate proclaimers of the gospel. Even his name changes. Saul, a name associated with strength and stature, becomes Paul, meaning small or humble.
From persecutor to servant, Paul will carry the message of Jesus across cities, cultures, and eventually all the way to Rome.
A Story Still Moving
The movement that began with the Spirit, marked the start of the church, spread as believers scattered, and was advanced through the transformation of Saul continues today. The same Spirit still empowers the people of God to live deeply with Him and to carry the good news of Jesus here, there, and everywhere.
Message recap adapted from the March 15, 2026, message by Minister Mark Ashton.
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