To another he gives the power to do miracles, or to prophesy, or to tell spirits apart, or to speak in different kinds of languages they hadn’t known before. And to still others he gives the ability to explain what was said in those languages.
But the Father will send the Helper or Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, in my name to help you. The Spirit will teach you all things and remind you of everything I’ve said to you.
So Ananias went over to the house and went in. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here has sent me. He wants you to see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Some of us were Jewish by birth, while others have converted to the Jewish faith. There are even Cretans and Arabs here. We all hear these people speaking about God’s wonders in our own languages!”
The prophets were shown that they weren’t serving themselves. Instead, they were serving you when they spoke about the things that you’ve now heard from those who preached the good news to you with the help of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
I’d like all of you to speak in unknown languages, but I’d rather have you prophesy. The person who prophesies is more helpful than the one who speaks in an unknown language, unless someone explains what they’re saying; then the whole church can be built up.
This plan pleased everyone. They chose Stephen, a man who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. They also chose Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, who was a convert to the Jewish faith.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest point on earth.”
because he will become such a great man in Lord’s sight. He must never drink wine or other alcohol. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit before he is even born.
It never came simply because a prophet wanted it to. Instead, the Holy Spirit guided the prophets as they spoke. Although the prophets were human, what they said came from God.