Paul Is Filled with the Holy Spirit

This meditation is based on a passage for September 2, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Acts 13:1-12

Reflection and Question: When a Roman official asks Paul and Barnabas to explain their faith, a magician denounces them, provoking Paul to turn the sorcerer blind, just as Paul had been on the road to Damascus. Witnessing all this causes the Roman to believe: “for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.” But what Paul did was not teaching, it was action — making a man blind. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit there is no distinction between faith and practice. When the Spirit fills someone, what have you seen happen?

Prayer: Holy Spirit of God, You sent Paul and Barnabas across Cyprus to preach and teach. You filled Paul, inspiring him to confront Elymas and even to strike him blind. When we are blind, lead us. When we speak, may those who hear believe. Amen.