The Work of the Holy Ghost
Strong’s definition of “Comforter” is G3875 translated paraklētos which means summoned, called to one’s side or called to one’s aid (Blue Letter Bible). Jesus describes the work of the Comforter in John 14:26 when he says that the Comforter will teach them. Strong’s definition of the word “teach” as used in this passage of scripture is G1321 that is translated didaskō which means to teach; to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses (Blue Letter Bible). It is the work of the Holy Ghost to teach and instruct us individually. While Jesus taught standing before multitudes of people in the temples and synagogues, believers receive private instruction through the Holy Ghost to address particular needs. How wonderful is that?
The book of Acts establishes a pattern of what is to take place inside of the church. The Acts of the Apostles is filled with the works of the Holy Ghost in the lives of the believers. In this article we will use some examples from the book of Acts to show how the Holy Ghost functions in the lives of the believers.
The Holy Ghost convicts the world of sin. In his teaching on the work of the Holy Ghost, Jesus tells his disciples, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). Popular Bible commentaries prefer to use the word “convict” instead of “reprove” in their comments on this portion of the scripture. The world is convicted of sin by the witness of Jesus Christ. Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost gave witness of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and afterwards about three thousand souls received the word and were baptized (Acts 2). The remainder of the verse describes the three steps that will accomplish the conviction of sin, and are defined fully in John 16:9, 10, 11.
The Holy Ghost guides us to God’s truth. Jesus says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). The word “guide” in this passage of scripture means to “point out the way.” The Holy Ghost points us to God’s truth. God used a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals to confront Peter’s prejudice, and to reveal God’s desire for all nations to be saved (Acts 10:11-15).
The Holy Ghost Speaks God’s truth. The voice of the Holy Ghost will speak God’s truth. The Holy Ghost will represent God to the world. It is recorded in John 16:13, “. . . for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak . . .” The Holy Ghost speaks the things he hears from God. Paul writes, “Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13).
The Holy Ghost reveals things to come. It is the work of the Holy Ghost to reveal things to come. John 16:13 says, “. . . and he will shew you things to come.” One example of this in the book of Acts is when Agabus signified by the Spirit that there would be a dearth in the world (Acts 11:28). There are many scriptures that could be used to describe this function of the Holy Ghost, however the most notable is the Revelation of John concerning the future kingdom of God.
The Holy Ghost fully reveals Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is a witness of Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:14). The Holy Ghost is our witness that through the blood of Jesus Christ we have remission of sins, and have been granted access into the presence of God (Heb. 10:15-19). In Acts, Chapter 4 Peter and John preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and many signs and wonders were done through Jesus’s name. It is recorded in Acts 4:33, “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
The Holy Ghost sanctifies. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, “. . . God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13). Paul tells the Corinthians, “. . . but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11).
The Holy Ghost regenerates and renews. The instruction of Paul in Colossians 3:10 reads, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Paul says that it is not by our works of righteousness, but by the grace of God that, “. . . he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5).
The Holy Ghost comforts. Prior to his conversion, Saul, later called Paul, was a zealous observer of the Law of Moses, and was zealous in persecuting the church (Acts 22:3-5). It is not a coincidence that after the conversion of Paul, the scriptures record, “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31). However the time of rest would not last because other zealots of the Law would take Saul’s place in persecuting the churches.
Judgment is a work of the Holy Ghost. Jesus gave his disciples authority to execute judgment. After His resurrection Jesus breathed the Holy Ghost on his disciples and said to them: “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained” (John 20:23). Acts, Chapter 5 records the story of Ananias and his wife Sapphira who sold their land and lied about the price they received for it (Acts 5:1-2). The Holy Ghost revealed their deception to Peter and Ananias and Sapphira both dropped dead within hours of each other following their deception (Acts 5:3-9).
The Holy Ghost guides. In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers (Acts 13:1). It is recorded that as they sought the Lord, the Holy Ghost gave them guidance. Acts 13:2 reads, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
The Holy Ghost empowers. Paul writes, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will” (Heb. 2:4). The Bible records of Stephen who was stoned, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). It is important to note of this event that the witnesses of Stephen’s stoning laid down their clothes at the feet of Saul. like Jesus, Stephen’s last words were a plead to God for their sins to be forgiven. Had it not been for God’s mercy on sinners, we may have never known Saul, later called Paul, as the author of most of the New Testament.
These works of the Holy Ghost may seem like a lot, but it only scratches the surface of the function of the Holy Ghost in the lives of believers. If you would like to have a personal relationship with Jesus, you must be born-again according to Acts 2:38 which reads, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Please share your comments and questions in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
Diane Margo Penny is an author, content creator, social media specialist, and Web Designer.
Works Cited:
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Giant Print Reference ed. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Publishers, 1990.
Blue Letter Bible.org. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.
Image Citation:
pentecost-7213642_1920. Geralt. Pixabay.com. Web. 21 Nov. 2023.
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