Acts 2

The Feast of Pentecost was one of three celebrations that brought the Jews to Jerusalem. It was a celebration of harvest and had come to be considered a celebration of the giving of the law (old covenant) on Mt. Sinai.

The Book of Ruth was traditionally read during this feast. (Can you say kinsman redeemer?)

The arrival of the Holy Spirit served as a completion of the new covenant made possilble by Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.

In Acts 1 Jesus told the his disciples to wait in Jerusalem and to "be his witnesses" throughout the world. The disciples obeyed and stayed in Jerusalem (What blessings have we missed when we don't obey?) And on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit "filled the whole house", they were filled, too.

God's usual amazing timing is evident because he was able to reach Jews from the entire known world with that single event. They came from all over to celelbrate the Feast of Pentecost. Luke tells us where they came from so we have a sense of how many different regions would be impacted by this.

When people began to question the source of this miracle, Peter stepped up and took the opportunity to explain what was happening. He quoted God's written word (Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 110:1) and told about the Word (Jesus).

Many (about 3,000 men) heard, repented, and were baptized. Then they became disciples and followed the apostles (24/7). They were "together and had everything in common". They met in the temple courts daily, ate together and praised God.

Is it any wonder that they enjoyed the favor of "all the people"? People were added to their number daily by the Lord.

We serve the Lord. Our efforts alone will never save people.

~Carolyn