Fulfillment of the Holy Spirit’s Outpouring: Acts 6 and the Seven Chosen Servants

The power of the Spirit is transitioned to the seven men chosen in Acts 6 who were said to be “full of the Holy Spirit.”  Two men are used by Luke as examples of work among both Jews and Gentiles.   Steven preached in the temple (6:7) and performed “wonders and signs among the Jewish people” (6:12).  They could not withstand the wisdom and power of this Spirit-filled man.  This description is one of miraculous empowerment.   Also, Philip went to the Samaritans, who witnessed him casting out demons and healing people by the power of the Holy Spirit.   All could see the difference between the real miracle and the sleight of hand.  Even Simon, the sorcerer, acknowledged the difference, believed the message as authored by God, and obeyed the gospel.   This example supports our view.  We are not left to wonder if they were given the Holy Spirit directly, or if the Apostles laid their hands on them.  The miraculous powers by their hands is explained by Luke in Acts 6:6.   It reads, “And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.”  It is noteworthy to point out that in all the working of the Spirit, nothing points to a non-miraculous measure of the Spirit’s indwelling.   If the gift of the Holy Spirit was a non-miraculous measure, we would not only expect to read more about that promise from the prophets,  but we would also expect to see more descriptions and evidences of its fulfillment since it was promised to believers, i.e. obedient believers .   Instead, we witness a host of miraculous signs and wonders that enabled the early Christians to accomplish extraordinary feats.