[:en]The Holy Spirit Comes at the Time of Pentecost (vs. 1-13)
Jesus was crucified at Passover and He ascended to heaven 40 days after His Resurrection. The Holy Spirit came 50 days after the Resurrection, 10 days after the ascension. Many Jews from all nations gathered in Jerusalem and celebrated the Passover, Festival of Harvest and Festival of thanksgiving. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house. Then came the tongues of fire that came upon them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (vs. 2-4) Many were amazed and perplexed.
Peter Addresses the Crowd (vs. 14-41)
Peter gave a powerful spirit filled message to an international audience which resulted in a tremendous harvest of new believers to Christianity. He quoted the words as spoken by prophet Joel and David concerning Christ Jesus which had been fulfilled. About 3000 became new believers.
The Fellowship of the Believers (vs. 42-47)
The new believers devoted to the apostles’s teaching and they gathered together in fellowship communion and prayer meeting. They saw many wonders and miraculous sings done by the apostles. They recognized the other believers as brothers and sisters in the family of God by sharing all they had.
Things to ponder:
- Jesus had ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit will come to be with the believers. Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your heart?
- When the people heard about the message of Peter, they asked: “What shall we do?” Peter replied: “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (vs. 37-38). Have you repented of your sins and believe in the name of Jesus Christ?
- Fellowship of the believers is needed to learn God’s word, to pray and mature in faith. Are you in fellowship with the believers?
- The early Christians came together and shared all they had. As part of God’s spiritual family,we must also share the material wealth that God has given us in every possible way.
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