The Church Empowered

ACTS 2:1-4

THERE were occasions when Jesus was with his disciples in person that a measure of dissension existed among them. They strove among themselves, for example, as to who would have the chief place with him in the kingdom. (Mark 9:33; Luke 9:46) But while they waited in the upper room in Jerusalem for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit, they were all “with one accord.” The loss of their Master in death, his resurrection, and his strange appearances to them—particularly his last one when they saw him ascend into heaven—had changed their outlook. Now they realized how helpless they all were without Jesus, and in humility and prayer waited for the Holy Spirit which he had promised.

There was an outward demonstration of power associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This was essential at the beginning of the age, even as there was a demonstration of divine power at the time the Law was given to typical Israel. It was necessary that the disciples be made to realize that although Jesus was no longer personally present with them, they did have divine blessing and support, that in fulfillment of his promise the Master had “shed forth” this evidence that he had appeared in the presence of God for them, and through the Holy Spirit would be with them always, even unto the end of the age.—Acts 2:33; Matt. 28:20

The “cloven tongues” were probably symbolic of the fact that the Holy Spirit gave them authority and ability to speak as “witnesses of Jesus, and for the Word of God.” (Rev. 20:4) And it is well to note that the outward manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives was their zeal to proclaim the good tidings. The account reads, “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The ability to speak with tongues was a very practical need at that time. Jews were assembled in Jerusalem from the whole known world and apparently it was the divine will that these should receive a witness concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, this was made possible. This was one of the “gifts” which later the Apostle Paul explained would pass away, and it did.—I Cor. 13:8

As the witness of the Gospel reached the various language groups of the then known world, there would be believers in each who could carry on the work, hence the need for ability to speak in tongues gradually ceased. But before it did, there were apparently some in the Early Church who misunderstood the purpose of this gift, hence the Apostle Paul’s admonition that it was best not to speak in an unknown tongue unless someone were present who could interpret it for the benefit of the whole company. (I Cor. 14:27,28) Thus we see that those today who claim ability to speak in tongues have misconstrued the divine purpose of this gift which meant so much at Pentecost and for a little while thereafter.

ACTS 2:14-17

The Adversary, Satan, the god of this world, always has his representatives on hand to misrepresent the works of the Lord, and so it was at Pentecost. And, under his influence, people seem capable of believing most unreasonable things. No one had ever been given the ability to speak an unknown language simply by drinking intoxicating liquor, yet this was the absurd charge that was made against the disciples at Pentecost.

Peter, of course, denied the charge, and took occasion to explain that what they saw occurring was a partial fulfillment of one of the Old Testament prophecies. (Joel 2:28-32) He quotes much more of the prophecy than was actually fulfilled at Pentecost. For example, the statement that “the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,” was quoted by Jesus and applied to a time near the close of the Gospel age.—Matt. 24:29; Acts 2:20

Joel prophesied that in the “last days” the Lord would pour out his Spirit upon “all flesh.” This evidently is a reference to the out-pouring of the Spirit during the thousand years of Christ’s kingdom. See Micah 4:1-4 as an example of the fact that the “last days” applies to the time of that kingdom. However, in Joel’s prophecy he also speaks of a time when the Lord would pour out his Spirit upon his “servants and handmaidens,” and it was evidently this part of it that had its fulfillment beginning with Pentecost.

ACTS 2:37-41

The Apostle Peter’s Pentecostal sermon was in the power of the Holy Spirit, and it carried conviction. There were some who opposed, as is always the case, but there were many who did not, and of these it is written that they “were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

It is well to remember that unless and until those to whom we witness display this attitude of heart and mind, there is no point in trying to tell them what they should do about the message. But those who do have a hearing ear will seek information as to what they should do about the truth. Peter’s message to those at Pentecost simply was that they should “repent” and be baptized for the remission of sins.

These were Jews. Their repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, therefore, were essential steps to restore them into covenant relationship with the Lord under the Law Covenant. With this relationship restored, they could then be transferred from the house of servants under Moses, to the house of sons, under Christ. (Heb. 3:5,6) Water baptism for Gentile converts is not for the remission of sins, but is a symbol of the burial of the will into the will of the Head, Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Three thousand Jews responded to Peter’s Pentecostal preaching on that memorable day. This, however, was due largely to the preparatory work of Jesus and the disciples prior to his death and resurrection. Doubtless many of those who believed that day had been witnessed to by Jesus. Probably many of them had benefited either directly or indirectly by his miracles. They had perhaps been friends or halfway followers of the Master, but were not willing to stand with him in his hour of trial. Now that they had the situation explained so convincingly, they were glad it was not too late to enter the Gospel garner.

QUESTIONS

Is there any significance in the fact that when the disciples were waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, they were all “with one accord”?

What is one of the first manifestations of a Spirit-filled life?

Is there any need for speaking in tongues today?

What is one reason there is always someone to oppose the truth?

What part of Joel’s prophecy (2:28-32) was fulfilled at Pentecost?

Why were the believers at Pentecost told to be baptized for the remission of sins?

What contributed to the fact that three thousand accepted the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost?

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