David Hathaway

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit recorded in Acts chapter 2 came upon the 120 believers, but there is no question that God's purpose was for the Holy Spirit to come upon all who believe. As Christians, we need a personal testimony and a powerful witness – that is the strength of our preaching. In many churches today, we have deacons who are not ordained to preach but are appointed to serve and support the ministry. Yet one detail in Acts has always stood out to me: although these men were not leading the spiritual ministry, they were still required to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Stephen was chosen as one of these deacons, described as a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit." But he did far more than administrative work. By Acts 6:8 we read that, "full of faith and power," he performed great wonders and miracles among the people. It is clear that these deacons were not merely serving practical needs. They were ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit - praying for the sick, seeing miracles, an