Some have said that rather than it being called “The Acts of the Apostles” that the book in our Bible which follows John’s gospel would be better referred to as “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” True enough. While Dr. Luke’s record captures how Jesus’ original band of believers were used to proclaim the kingdom “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts. 1:8), that the message was received and believed . . . that the church grew . . . is so clearly the work of a God determined to redeem a people to Himself. Though it was the “acts of the apostles” that took the gospel out, it was the “acts of the Holy Spirit” that brought believers into the fold. Reminded of that this morning as I was reading in Acts 14.

. . . they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.   (Acts 14:26-27 ESV)

The “they” in these verses are Paul and Barnabas. Back from their first set of “gospel meetings,” they have much to report. Stories of the gospel preached . . . the gospel opposed . . . and, most importantly, the gospel believed. And while “they” had done a lot, Paul and Barnabas acknowledge the work was really God’s . . . that He had opened the door.

God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. The acts of the apostles were but the mechanics for the working of the Holy Spirit. God, through the active agency of the Third Person of the Trinity, opened the way for many to be added to their number . . . He swung wide the door that those who believed might enter. He had opened a door of faith.

By God’s grace, the mouths of the apostles were opened. By God’s grace, the hearts of those dead in trespasses and sins were opened. And by the power of God’s Spirit many, by faith, entered the open door to salvation.

No credit to be taken by the preacher . . . no boasting to be made by the believer. For God opens the door. Because of His great love . . . compelled by His great mercy . . . through the abundance of His great grace, God opens the way and beckons all to enter it by faith.

Though the apostles “act” . . . though the people hear . . . it is the Spirit who works . . . bringing unbelievers to belief that they might enter the kingdom of heaven.

O praise God, all you who have entered, for the open door!

To Him be all glory . . .