Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Text: Ephesians 6:17
THE WORD OF GOD
Jesus preached and taught the Word of God most powerfully. But how did the disciples of the Lord Jesus wield the sword of the Spirit? The answer to this question may well lie in the book of Acts.
1. Peter, the leading apostle
The mantle of leadership among the apostles fell upon the shoulders of Peter. The first Gospel message was proclaimed by Peter.
a) Marvelous facility with the Scriptures
Peter showed remarkable knowledge of the Scriptures. He was able to make references to the Book of Joel as well as the book of Psalms (Cf. Acts 2). Peter had learned to wield the sword of the Spirit mightily.
b) Magnificent results
Luke the historian recorded the power of the Word of God preached.
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart…
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized;
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
ACTS 2:37, 41
Nothing less than the mighty sword of the Spirit, the word of God could accomplish such a feat! Hearts were deeply touched. Thousands of souls were saved through the mighty word of God preached soundly and forthrightly.
2. Record of the spread of the Word of God
Luke carefully noted the spread of the Word of God. He tied in the growth of the Church to the spread of the Word.
Then the word of God spread,
and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly
in Jerusalem…
ACTS 6:7
3. Record of non-apostles wielding the sword of the Spirit
Luke also recorded an important truth. The disciples that the apostles made became skillful in the handling of the Word of God as well. One such notable disciple was a man called Stephen. Luke made this observation.
And they were not able to resist the wisdom
and the Spirit by which he spoke.
ACTS 6:10
The Spirit of God was directly involved in the ministry of the Word!