Our scripture this morning is Acts 19:1-6.
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
In yesterday’s scripture we heard of Peter bringing the Good News to those who had not yet heard it. Today we read of Paul visiting a community of believers who aren’t quite there yet. He encourages them and when he lays hands on them, they receive the Holy Spirit.
These Ephesians had been baptized for repentance but had not heard the story of Jesus and accepted Him. When they did, they were blessed to become part of His ministry. Turning from our sin is necessary, but there is more to a life in Christ.
Church father John Wesley said first, do no harm, then do good. Not sinning is obviously important but doing good is the next step. God wants us to be active in the kingdom work He has for us, using His gifts for the good of the world.
Heavenly Father, we are humbled and grateful to be part of Your eternal plan. Bless us to go in Your name, spreading the Gospel everywhere. Amen.