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We are beginning a new unit on the transformation that the Holy Spirit brings in the lives of those who are followers of Christ. Today we will study the gift of the Spirit which occurs on the Day of Pentecost.
Background Scripture: Acts 1:1-14
Focal Scripture: Acts 2:1-41
If the Gospel of Luke was the record of all that Jesus began to do and teach, then the book of Acts is the account of all that Jesus continued to do and teach through the Spirit after he was taken up into heaven.
In the forty days since the resurrection, Jesus has been meeting with the disciples and teaching them about the Kingdom of God. Jesus instructs the disciples to wait in Jerusalem on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gift which has been promised by his Father.
Even after all that they have experienced in recent days, the disciples still don’t understand. They continue to think in political and national terms, questioning Jesus about the arrival of the kingdom. Jesus tells them this is not their concern but rather they are to focus on an alternative assignment.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Jesus indicates that they should not be concerned about human power but rather they should direct all of their attention to the spiritual power that will come with the Spirit arrives, enabling them to become witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 is not only the theme of the book of Acts, it also provides an outline for the structure of the book, as the gospel moves from Jerusalem all the way to Rome.
None of us can be witnesses in the same way as the disciples were. We did not see the risen Lord in the same way that they did, but we do have a personal experience to share. Our witness is based on our personal experience with Jesus through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
What is the difference in offering a theological perspective about Jesus and an account of your personal experience with him? How does it change your comfort level with being a witness?
Luke tells us that after Jesus was taken up into heaven the disciples went to Jerusalem to wait on the arrival of the Holy Spirit. They gathered with other Christ-followers in the upper room and united their hearts in continual prayer.
Acts 2: 1-13
The fulfillment of Christ’s promise of the Holy Spirit appropriately takes place on the first day of the Jewish harvest festival, Pentecost. Jerusalem was filled with travelers from all over the world who had come to partake in the celebration.
The wind and the fire that accompany the gift of the Spirit are common biblical symbols for the activity of God. The Greek and Hebrew words for Spirit can mean “wind” and “breath.” Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the words are used in relationship to life and new birth. Fire is a symbol of the powerful presence of God. God revealed himself to Moses in a burning bush. The Israelites were led in the wilderness by a pillar of fire at night. In the old covenant, the Spirit dwelled within the community and rested upon leaders for specific purposes. Now the flames rest on each believer individually suggesting that under the covenant established by Jesus and inaugurated at Pentecost, the Spirit has come to indwell each believer individually.
Two things happen when the Spirit comes. The followers of Jesus are filled with the Spirit and begin to speak in other tongues. The disciples praise God in the languages of those who have gathered in Jerusalem. Those foreign travelers were able to hear and understand the words spoken by the disciples.
There are two reactions to the miracle of Pentecost. Some mocked and ridiculed the disciples, saying that they must be drunk, but others heard the sermon preached by Peter and believed.
When we give witness to the work of Jesus in our lives, we can also expect these two reactions. Can you think of a time that you have been rejected because you shared what Christ has done and continues to do in your life? Can you think of a time that others have responded positively to your testimony?
Acts 2:14-39
Peter is no longer fearful. Backed by the other disciples, he stands and gives witness to the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright says that the disciples’ understanding of the cross doesn’t begin with an abstract theory about sin or judgment. “It begins with a concrete and specific awareness: this corrupt generation is heading for disaster, but Jesus stands in the way and can keep them from falling over the cliff.” The message is clear to them and to all who will listen to Peter’s sermon. Be rescued by the grace of God. Peter’s sermon calls on those who hear the message to believe that Jesus is Savior and Lord and receive the forgiveness of God. Peter speaks with an authority that comes from the Spirit. He urges the crowd to make a decision to repent and believe the gospel.
Peter quotes from the Old Testament book of Joel 2:28-32, calling this new era the “Day of the Lord.” The “Day of the Lord” is a reference to the prophecy that in the last days God would fully restore Israel. This is what the disciples had inquired about in their exchange with Jesus prior to his ascension. In the minds of the Jews, the “Day of the Lord” would bring a political restoration to power for the nation, much like the reign of King David. Now, Peter has a new understanding. With the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the last days have begun. Pentecost is the beginning of a new chapter not only for the Jewish nation but for all those who will follow Christ.
The images of Joel will characterize the early church. The community will be diverse in age, gender, and social status. The fellowship will demonstrate the gifts of the Spirit and these activities will be instrumental in how the Gospel spreads to the ends of the earth.
As in the Old Testament, signs and wonders will accompany the proclamation of the Gospel and be a demonstration of God’s relentless, saving power. Everyone will have access to this power. Salvation will be offered to all people. Barriers between people will be broken down as all who call on the name of Jesus will be saved.
What evidence do you see in your own life and the world around you that the Gospel breaks down barriers between those who trust in Christ?
When the people hear the message, they respond by asking Peter what they should do.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39
The word translated repent means to turn around and move in another direction. Peter’s message was to change your hearts and your lives in response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The grace of God has already been poured out through Christ and his forgiveness is available to all who will believe. The new believers would experience the gift of the Holy Spirit on that day. The power of the Spirit would allow them to live the countercultural lifestyle of the early Christian community (Acts 2:43-47).
What do you think it means to change your heart? When you change your heart, how will your lifestyle change?
Peter explains that this gift of salvation is available to all people. The fact that the doors are open to as many as are invited to believe is a foreshadowing that the Gospel will indeed travel to the ends of the earth and the Gentiles will be included in the church.
The gospel is not something only to be discussed. It is a message that demands a personal response and we must not only make our response but also be about provoking such a response in those around us who need to “call on the name of the Lord and be saved.
What will it look like for you to obey the command of Jesus and become a witness to all that Jesus has done and is continuing to do in your life?
