This passage describes the time the Holy Spirit made quite a splash with Jesus’ followers and those looking on. This was a pivotal moment, and the Christian church was born! Pentecost is still celebrated today by Christians around the world, and the Jews now celebrate the 50 days after Passover as Shavuot.
Jesus had promised he’d send a Helper, and this is the moment. Don’t you wish you could have been a fly on the wall as the Holy Spirit entered that place? What a memorable experience to see tongues of fire and hear the mighty wind and people speaking in different languages for the first time. Peter’s sermon would have been powerful to hear firsthand, witnessing Peter’s boldness and determination to share Jesus’ life-changing message.
Peter was quick to defend his friends, clearing up the assumption they must be drunk to be acting in such a manner. Instead, Peter points to Scripture, to the prophecy of Joel, which would be familiar to the Jews gathered. Peter speaks of the “last days” and how what the people are seeing has already been described. We are now officially in the “last days,” as Peter suggests.
Peter also carefully points his finger at those who had a part in Jesus’ death. Even though God planned it, he had help to make it happen. Peter said, “With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.” That strong statement stings a little bit. But it’s true and not the end of the story.
The Holy Spirit arrived that day in a profound way. As God said through the prophet Joel, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.” We are included in that “all people.” The Holy Spirit is available for us, too. Have you experienced the Holy Spirit entering your life? You may not have had such an obvious flame or wind appearance, perhaps felt energized to do some work for Jesus when you were otherwise depleted.
Whether you are sure or not, you can always ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart. I have been known to ask multiple times a day when I am feeling extra stressed. Some people describe feeling a warmth coursing through their veins. Some people feel light on their feet, almost like they’re floating. Others feel confident in their faith like never before.
The Holy Spirit knows how to help us. It’s our part to simply ask for that help. Most of the time, we simply need to be reminded that we are not alone and have been given access to this great power. Peter’s sermon quotes King David and says, “You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.” King David knew the peace and power of having the Holy Spirit. That makes sense because King David was a mighty warrior king who trusted God with his life.
The people were moved by Peter’s sermon and wanted more. Peter told them exactly what they needed to do to get the Holy Spirit, too. “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” About three thousand people believed Peter and followed his invitation. Talk about a surge in church attendance!
Verse 42 is such a beautiful picture of a church, the first church. “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” If only our churches today were that pure and focused on Jesus. The apostles would have taught like Jesus taught. We have the Bible account. Think of the stories the apostles may have been told by Jesus that didn’t make it into the Bible!
We can learn a lot from the early church. They had such generous hearts. I have been blessed to have supported many great ministries over the years, in addition to the churches we have been part of. There is great joy in giving to the needs of others. Now, as a missionary working with La Ola Ministries’ orphanage, I see the other side of how ministry donations can be used to make a difference and save a life.
This was a longer reflection than normal, but I love the Holy Spirit. Be sure to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power in your life today.
Let’s pray. Father, may I recognize your Spirit moving inside me. Forgive me again for how I have fallen short of your plan for me. I trust you, Jesus, for all that I say and do. Thank you for the power you have given me access to. May I never take that for granted, but be generous and loving like the first believers were. Help me stay focused on you when the powers of evil try to disarm me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
