* A sound like a violent wind
* What seemed to be tongues of fire
* The apostles beginning to speak in other tongues, recognisable as people's own languages.
They were clear symbols of God's promise that the Spirit's coming would lead to power, utterance & universal testimony. The Spirit was given to help fulfill the promise that the apostles would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, all of Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
The reaction of the disciples, crowd and mockers to the Holy Spirit varied. The disciples joined in with His work and as result continued moving forward in God's work, buoyed by the presence of His Spirit. The crowd were amazed and perplexed. The mockers however simply made fun of them and made wrong accusations. The question of what my response would have been revolves around how willing I am to listen and respond to the voice and work of God, or whether I operate on my own agenda?
3 OT passages quoted in Peter's sermon (v14-36) & gospel facts he supports with them:
Joel 2:28-32 - God's Spirit would be poured out. It will lead to all generations responding, God will show signs and wonders, and everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.
Psalm 16:8-11 - Jesus will not be abandoned to the grave, but instead will be raised.
Psalm 110:1 - Jesus is sat at the right hand of the Father, until such a time as His enemies become His footstool.
The OT has a vital place in today's church. We cannot do without it - the OT and NT are unseparably interwoven.
In his preaching, Peter shows a boldness - he stands up and raises his voice. He is unashamed to call Jesus His Lord, to associate himself with Him. The cross and the resurrection were at the centre of the change in Peter's life.
The two-fold offer made in v38 is to repent and be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins & they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for them and their children and for all who are far off. It is for those whom God will call.
The features marking the lives of the new believers and early church was their devotion to the apostle's teaching, to fellowship (with each other), breaking of bread and prayer. They had everything in common, were willing give to anyone who had need (selling their possessions and goods to help) and continued to meet. They did all this gladly, sincerely, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. People being saved were being added to their number daily.
No comments:
Post a Comment