One of the most pronounced effects of Pentecost was the bringing of the disciples into a closer and more vital relationship with Jesus as their risen Lord.
Acts 6:5, “This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit….”
One of the most pronounced effects of Pentecost was the bringing of the disciples into a closer and more vital relationship with Jesus as their risen Lord. This unity of spirit was disrupted by a dispute over the daily administration of bread. Seven men were chosen to take care of this ministry to the widows. They were called deacons. The word deacon means to wait on tables, but it was not just limited to that. The first deacons were used to minister in spiritual matters.
John Hyde was on his way to India as a young Presbyterian missionary in the fall of 1892. A few hours after his ship had sailed out of New York harbor, a letter was delivered to him. It was written by a friend of Hyde's father who had wanted to become a missionary overseas but was not permitted to go. The man had written to Hyde in care of the ship. We don't know the exact words, but the writer asked young Hyde if he had received the filling of the Holy Spirit, adding, "That is the great qualification for mission work."
Hyde read the letter, crumpled it up in anger, and threw it on the deck. Did the man think he would go to India without "this equipment"? Then better judgment prevailed and Hyde picked up the letter and read it again. "Possibly," as he later reported, "I did need something which I had not yet received." He gave himself to prayer for the rest of the voyage, and "these prayers on shipboard were finally answered in a marvelous way." He became known as "Praying Hyde," and God used him in a great revival in the Punjab. One man was filled with the Holy Spirit and a whole nation was touched.