Be Filled!

       After Jesus was raised from the dead, He appeared to the disciples on many occasions.  One of those times He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Father’s promise- the Holy Spirit.  He said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses…” (Acts 1:8) 

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 

…and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. Acts 13:52 

       To be filled with anything is a phrase denoting that all the faculties are permeated by it, engaged in it, or under its influence. (Barnes Notes)  The first two "filled"s are the word ‘eplesthesan’ which means all were under the full influence of the Holy Spirit.  The third is ‘eplerounto’ which means they were continually filled.  Eph. 5:18 says, …but be filled with the Spirit; which is ‘plerousthe’ meaning you be constantly and fully influenced (crammed) by the Holy Spirit.

       The obvious intent here was not one ‘filling’ of the Spirit since the disciples had many, but for us to be continually under and influenced by the Holy Spirit.  I guess it’s kind of like the Bible.  Reading one passage once doesn’t keep you healthy the rest of your life, you must have the living Word daily to survive.  So also we need fresh filling of the Spirit in our lives. The Spirit teaches us (John 14:26), gives us power to witness and speak God’s Word with boldness, and brings us peace, joy and hope. (Rom. 14:17; 15:13)

       And personally, the Spirit keeps life interesting.  Just try obeying all the things He would have you do, some of them out of your comfort zone, and you’ll see what I mean.  Occasionally a person will immediately react to the words you speak or actions you take and you know beyond knowing it was really the Holy Spirit leading you.  But… there are times when there is little reaction at all and you walk away wondering “Did I really hear right?” or perhaps you are even too timid to allow Him to fully influence you into action.  Like I said… always interesting.

Lord, help us to understand the Spirit and His place in our lives.  Help us to be open to His fully and continually filling us so that we function in His influence.

       As an extra note, I’d like to say that, twice stated, the disciples were in one accord (2:1; 4:24)- being of one mind or agreeing in opinion or determination- when they were filled.  Perhaps that is why, as a body, the Spirit’s presence is not so evident today.