By Acts chapter 9, the early church had experienced remarkable growth and tremendous difficulty. Jesus had commissioned His followers to be His witnesses and empowered them with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). At Pentecost, thousands came to know Jesus—but opposition quickly followed.

The apostles were arrested and beaten. Sin brought judgment within the church. Rapid growth caused some people to feel overlooked. Stephen became the church’s first martyr, and Saul began ravaging the church. Even after Saul’s dramatic conversion, many believers remained uncertain and afraid of him.

Yet the church continued to grow and multiply. How? Acts 9:31 reveals an often-overlooked ingredient: They were walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

When I hear the word comforter, I picture the large, soft blanket on a hotel bed. You can wrap yourself in it, rest, and feel secure. But the comfort of the Holy Spirit goes much deeper than physical ease. It is the divine encouragement and strength that come from knowing God is with us.

The Spirit did not remove every difficulty the believers faced, but He strengthened them to walk through those difficulties with courage. He gave them peace amid persecution and strength amid uncertainty. The church was empowered because it was comforted by the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit is not distant, impersonal, silent, or detached. He is present, powerful, and comforting.

Be encouraged by Jesus’ words:

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” —John 14:18 (KJV)

Jesus does not abandon us in our pain. Through the presence of His Spirit, He comes near. When needed, He convicts us; when we are hurting, He comforts us. Sometimes, He does both at once. He’s good like that.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…” —2 Corinthians 1:3–4