Acts 2:1-13 — The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:14-47 — Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost, Fellowship of Believers
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
Pentecost, “the fiftieth day” the second of the three great Jewish feasts, celebrated at Jerusalem yearly, the seventh week after the Passover, in grateful recognition of the completed harvest. Source Link.
On the day of Pentecost, Jerusalem was filled with “God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). “God-fearing Jews” were assembled, people that knew the scriptures, so Peter (through the Holy Spirit) quotes from writings they would all know well. The Holy Spirit filled the apostles with knowledge and led them to speak in such a way that each heard the message in their own language. They heard the scriptures quoted extensively and many are compelled to listen, then they heard the Gospel preached and are convicted. Yes, they knew about Jesus, the “miracles, wonders and signs” (2:22). They knew he was crucified, though they probably didn’t think they, “with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross” (2:23). Yet the words are convincing, they penetrate the hearts of stone that these devout Jews had. They finally hear the prophesies of Jeremiah, the words of David, all in a totally different light. Some 3,000 got it that day! (2:41) and more in the days to follow (2:47). Sure, “some, however, made fun of them” (2:13), but many finally heard the Gospel they had long awaited. Even though they played a part in the crucifixion of Jesus, they were now invited to “repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (2:38). What a great and glorious day!
The unity of this brand new church was never better than in these first days. In six verses, Acts 2:42-47, the word “together” is used three times to highlight the spirit of a unified group. This alone is amazing. People from all parts of the world, from diverse cultural backgrounds, customs and courtesies, all together “with glad and sincere hearts” (2:46). What a joyous time this must have been. A glimpse of heaven on earth.
Lord may your spirit speak boldly through me this day in whatever language and whatever words you would have for the people of this place. May your love penetrate the hardened hearts of people everywhere and may your humble servant follow your will wherever it may lead.
p.s., The NIV Study Bible has an interesting map that shows the nations listed in Acts 2:9-11…pretty cool to see.