Explosive Growth with the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2
A group numbering about a hundred and twenty were meeting in an upper room, being addressed by Peter. Acts 1:15 They selected Matthias as a replacement for Judas, it seems in the counsel of Heaven there had to be twelve apostles. No gaps were to be left in their ranks!
Acts 2, begins ‘the day of Pentecost came’. That was a new day for the whole world, though only one small group in Jerusalem experienced it at first. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit had come, just as Jesus had promised.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem GOD-FEARING JEWS FROM EVERY NATION UNDER HEAVEN. (Only two peoples, God-fearing or God-less) 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Acts 2
The outpouring of God’s Spirit immediately drew people, JEWS FROM EVERY NATION. The coming of God’s Spirit was felt by the Jews from many diverse lands;
9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!’ 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’
They couldn’t explain it but they knew something unusual had happened and they were touched by God’s presence!
Peter spoke to them and explained that it was the fulfilment of the words of the prophet Joel;
17 In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.
God’s Spirit poured out on all people and salvation for everyone who called out to Him.
Peter explained to the crowd about the crucifixion of Jesus and they asked him what they should do.
38 Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, 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. 39 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
A new way to God was opened up, that didn’t involve keeping Law, but did result in a change of heart. Salvation from the inside, not the outside.
41 Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
A small group of Jesus’ disciples, anointed by the Spirit, saw three thousand souls come to faith in the Lord from many nations! This news was going to be spread far and wide, God had chosen this day for the launch of His Church on earth.
Will we who are alive today see a greater outpouring of the Spirit on all nations? God said that He would bring Jesus’ bride from every land and people. The best is yet to come.
God bless and keep you today.