In Acts chapter 2 the day of Pentecost had arrived. There came a sound as a great rushing wind that filled the house where they were staying. Tongues that looked like flames of fire came and descended on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability. There were Jews living in Jerusalem that were from every nation on Earth. They gathered together in confusion because they heard them all speak in their own languages. They knew the men speaking were Galileans, but they were hearing them in their native languages. People from every area and region were hearing them speak the things of God in their own languages. They wondered how this could be and attributed it to wine. Peter then stood up and told everyone that he would explain. He said that these people are not drunk; it was only nine in the morning. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the prophet Joel. Joel wrote about God pouring out his spirit in the last days. Young men will see visions and old men will dream dreams. Slaves will prophesy and there will be signs on the earth and in the heavens and all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Peter told them that Jesus of Nazareth was a man that was confirmed by God through many signs and miracles. Though it was all part of Gods plan, lawless people took him and nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God raised him up from the grave because death couldn’t hold him. David foretold that Gods Holy One would not be left in Hades or see corruption. The people knew with confidence that David had both died and been buried, but because he was a prophet he knew God would raise up one of his descendants to sit on his throne. Peter told them that God had raised Jesus from the grave and they were all witnesses of it. Now Jesus is seated at Gods right hand and God has sent his Holy Spirit. All of Israel can know with certainty that the same Jesus that they had crucified has been made both Lord and Messiah. When the people heard this they were convicted and ask Peter and the others what they needed to do. Peter told them to repent and be baptized in Jesus name for the forgiveness of sin and to receive the Holy Spirit. This promise is to as many as the Lord will call. The people were greatly encouraged to be saved from this corrupt generation. So those who accepted the message were baptized, about three thousand that day. They devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship together, to breaking bread and prayers. Many signs were performed through the hands of the apostles. They sold their possessions and divided them up as each person had need. Every day they met together in the temple complex and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joy and humility, praising God and having favor with all the people. And God added to their number daily, those being saved.
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 09:00:00 +0000
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