Lessons on the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ and His Apostles
Lesson No. Twenty-Seven

The Greatest Gift Mortal Man Can Enjoy

The Acts of the Apostles (Acts) is a book in the Bible that shows how the Lord Jesus Christ guided His Church, after His resurrection and ascension, by the gift of the Holy Ghost as given to His apostles.  The following are examples of this found in the beginning chapters of Acts:

The distinction between the gift of the Holy Ghost and the power of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2) – On the day of Pentecost the apostles received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (See Vs 1-4)  They became changed men, no longer hesitant but powerful in their testimony of and commitment to the Lord and His work:   

“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven…about three thousand souls” (Vs 5, 41) who after hearing the testimony of the apostles were “pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter…what shall we do?  Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost…Then they that gladly received his word were baptized…And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Vs 37-38, 41-42). 

At this time, through testimony given and received and by the power of the Holy Ghost, three thousand people were converted to the Lord.  “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Vs 47).  This account is an example of operation of both the power of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The Bible Dictionary explains:  (My comments are italicized and in parenthesis) 

“The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The power can come upon one before baptism and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true.  By the power of the Holy Ghost a person receives a testimony of Jesus Christ and of His work and the work of His servants upon the earth.”  (Those who heard the testimony of the apostles were “pricked in their heart” and converted by the power of the Holy Ghost.  See Acts 2:37) 

“The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands as in Acts 8:12-25 and Moroni 2.”  (These converts, by the power of the Holy Ghost, accepted the invitation to repent, to be baptized, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  See Acts 2:38, 41) 

“The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin” (Bible Dictionary, Holy Ghost).  (Those new members received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and they “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).  In other words, they believed and followed the apostles; they enjoyed the fellowship and confidence of their leaders; they partook of the sacrament weekly; and they were diligent in their personal prayers.  Doing exactly what these members of the ancient Church did is the key to our own happiness and success now and in the eternities)

The gift of the Holy Ghost brings courage, faith, comfort, and hope in facing adversity (Acts 7) – “But [Stephen] being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God…And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.  And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:55-60).

The gift of the Holy Ghost gave Stephen and many other members of the ancient Church great peace and comfort even as they were martyred.  “The Holy Ghost is the Comforter…It is the office of the Holy Ghost to lift burdens, give courage, strengthen faith, grant consolation, extend hope, and reveal whatever is needed to those having claim on his sacred companionship (Moses 6:61)” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol 2, Holy Ghost).

The Holy Ghost is a revelator and a discerner of truth (Acts 8) – The power of the Holy Ghost enables investigators to discern the truth of the gospel when they hear it.  Many Samaritans followed Simon, a sorcerer, but when they were taught the gospel they felt the power of the Holy Ghost and they, including Simon, believed and were baptized.  (See Acts 8:5-13)

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ, if they have the gift of the Holy Ghost, enjoy the great blessing of being able to know the truth of the gospel and of the teachings of living prophets.  They are able discern the many falsehoods and half truths that are so common in modern society.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred by the laying on of hands by those with authority (Acts 8) – “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying give me this power that whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee…Repent therefore of this wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:14-22).

The gift of the Holy Ghost brings strength, diligence, and determination in serving the Lord (Acts 9) – Three days after Paul had his vision and conversation with the Lord his sight was restored and he arose and was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  He was taught the gospel “and straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that his is the Son of God.”  He increased in strength, proving that Jesus is the very Christ.  (See Acts 9:1-22)

After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, Paul’s life was completely and totally changed.  He is a wonderful example of a disciple of Jesus who showed extraordinary strength, diligence, and determination in doing the will of the Lord.  The ministry of this great apostle is recorded in considerable detail in Acts and the epistles.

The greatest gift mortal man can enjoy – “The Holy Ghost is such an uplifting power and source of necessary gospel knowledge that to have his constant companionship and influence is the greatest gift a person can receive in mortality (see D&C 121:46).  It is reported that on one occasion, when the Prophet Joseph Smith was asked, Wherein [the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints] differed from the other religions of the day, he replied, that it was in ‘the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying-on of hands…[and] that all other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost (History of the Church 4:42)’” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism 2:650).