“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” – Acts 10:38
I’ve heard this verse quoted in many sermons. Most often, the preacher was stressing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. He or she would apply it to the present day to inspire confidence that Jesus still heals. There’s hope for the sick!
The verse I quoted above is part of a message delivered by the apostle Peter in Caesarea to a Roman centurion named Cornelius, along with his friends and family. You can find the whole message in Acts 10:34-43.
Now in the preceding chapter, God used Peter to heal two individuals: Aeneas (Acts 9:32-34) and Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41). And these miracles resulted in many becoming Christians.
“All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” – Acts 9:35
“This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” – Acts 9:42
Although Peter didn’t heal anyone in Caesarea, the group got saved anyway!
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47‘Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ 48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.” – Acts 10:44-48
While in Joppa (Acts 9:43, 10:9) did Peter ponder the relationship of healing and salvation?
The apostle could remember all the times he saw Christ healing the sick and casting out demons. He could also reflect on his own recent experiences. How could he do what Jesus did? How was that possible?
It was the anointing of the Holy Spirit!
But Peter doesn’t stop there. In verse 38, when referring to the Lord’s ministry, he describes what we call the Trinity. God, Jesus, and the Spirit.
Peter didn’t have this term, but he didn’t need it. He had something better–experience of the Father, Son, and Spirit. And as a result, his trinitarian understanding of God accounted for Christ’s ministry and his own.
Ours, too.
Anointed by God’s Spirit, Jesus defeated the devil by liberating people from his grip. And that deliverance continued in the deeds of the Lord’s disciples. Only the power of the Spirit is a match for the power of the enemy. By ourselves, we can’t overcome him, but we’re not on our own. God was with Jesus, and He’s with us.
By His Spirit!
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