Pentecost - Acts 1-2

We received from Dr Tony Keys a message about “the epoch of God’s grace and power”

and he left us an encouragement… “we tether ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the powers of darkness will be broken in the lives of people and we will see the hand of the Lord lead us into a new era of His grace and power.”

Last week was Pentecost Sunday. And I am lead by the Spirit of God to revisit the events in Acts 1-2.

Read Acts 1-2:24 36-41

Acts 1–2:24 ESV

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “ ‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “ ‘Let another take his office.’ 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Acts 2:36–41 ESV

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “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. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

In Acts 1-2, a new phase begins in the story of the new covenant replacing the old. Jesus, who is now in heaven, keeps his promise and sends his Spirit to the disciples. This is a big moment, as the disciples receive the Holy Spirit and gain the power to share the good news about Jesus' resurrection. The Spirit's arrival also breaks an old curse, bringing people from different nations together through a common Spirit, transcending language barriers. Peter delivers the first Christian sermon, sharing the powerful message of Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and reign. As a result, many people repent and believe. It's an incredible day for the church as it grows rapidly.

The “Promised” Spirit of God. (1:4-5)

(Luke 24:49)

Jesus tells his disciples that there is a special source of power they need to rely on. It's so important that they must stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise from the Father instead of trying to do everything by themselves (Acts 1:4).

Luke wants us to understand that as disciples, we cannot accomplish our mission without the power of Jesus.

In Luke's earlier writings (Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14, 18–19) and in the book of Acts (10:38), it's clear that...

Jesus lived an example to depend on this power, and as disciples, we need to learn to rely on it too.(Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14, 18–19)

The “Preparation” for the Spirit of God. (1:12-26)

Between History and Spirit: The Apostolic Witness of the Book of Acts (Preparation for Pentecost (Acts 1:12–26))

“A key element that frames the section about preparing for the Spirit’s coming is the emphasis on prayer together and unity (1:14; 2:1). Prayer is a frequent theme in Luke-Acts, and often precedes the coming of the Spirit there. Thus of the four Gospels only Luke mentions that the Spirit descends on Jesus when he is “praying” (Luke 3:21–22).”

4:31 - the assembly of believers pray together, they are filled with the Spirit.

8:15, - Peter and John pray for the Samaritans to receive the Spirit.

9:11,17 - Saul is filled with the Spirit after devoted prayer.

10:30,44 - The Spirit likewise falls on Cornelius and his guests after Cornelius had been praying.

Jesus promises that if we ask and persistently seek, God will not hold back His Spirit from us.

The “Presence” of the Spirit of God (2:1-4)

There are many theological parallels found in Acts 1-2. One of which is “fire”, often symbolic of God’s presence in the OT. But what makes this fire remarkable and links to God’s presence is it’s a fire that does not consume.

burning bush.

Ex 19 - God descended on Mt Sinais in fire.

Exodus - the pillar of fire by night in the wilderness wandering.

The fire in the tabernacle.

Fiery furnace in Daniel - the presence of God in their midst.

The point of “tongues of fire” in the Pentecost story is to show that God’s presence has now begun to live within men and women. God has chosen to tabernacle himself with people, to be present and dwell among us (Paul later writes “you are the temple of God”, 1 Cor 3:16-17, 6:19-20).

The disciples believed that the Spirit would come in the future. So when Jesus promised them the Spirit, they understood it as a sign of things to come.

We ought to realise that the Spirit's arrival meant we are being empowered to live a life that reflected the future kingdom, even before it fully arrived.

This is the concept of “already but not yet”.

It's important to see the strong connection Luke makes between the Spirit and the empowerment of the disciples.

In the Old Testament, the Spirit was often linked to giving power to the prophets and enabling them to do their work.

Jesus assures His disciples that the same Spirit who spoke through the prophets would also speak through them, empowering them to carry out their mission.

We often get fixated on the external manifestation of this power, which could easily result in neglect of the internal personal workings of God’s Spirit within us - to know (“ginosko”) our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ whom He sent. (John 17:3)

The Pentecost story reminds us that the power is not given in isolation of God’s presence. We experience God’s power because His presence through His Spirit is within us. (callback to the “promised” Spirit and Exodus 33 - we want more of God’s presence)

We don’t rely on the power, we rely on God’s Spirit within us.

the power is gonna be meaningless if neglect His presence within us. Let us not end up to the category in Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21–23 ESV

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

He inspired the prophets

Ne 9:30; Job 32:8; Is 48:16; Mic 3:8; Heb 1:1

He empowered the first Christians

Ac 1:8; Ac 2:16–17; Ac 8:17; Ac 10:44; Ac 11:15; Ac 19:6

He empowers God’s people today

Jn 14:16; Ro 8:26–27; 1 Co 12:3–7

The "Peoples” of Spirit of God. (2:5-13)

We learn in Genesis 11, the events of the Tower of Babel that Yahweh disowned the nations of the world as His human family in favour of electing Israel, whom Yahweh planned to bring back the nations and make them His own again. (Deut 32:8–9; 4:19–20; compare Isa 2:1–5; Hos 1:8–11).

(The Age of the Spirit Begins)

The nations were divided as a punishment for their rebellion, arrogance and self-exaltation. People spoke different languages, causing confusion and separating them into distinct groups and nations. This separation led to conflict, suffering, and violence throughout history. Even Alexander the Great's attempts to unite the world (through the spread of Greek culture and language) couldn't overcome this tragedy.

But at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), something incredible happened, it overturns an old curse. We have another theological connection where its a reversal of the events of the Tower of Babel.

The supernatural event of “speaking in tongues” was a powerful moment when everyone heard the message of the Gospel in their own language. This miracle showed that God was undoing the divisions between different cultures and ethnicities that were created back at the Tower of Babel.

It taught us that being a true member of God's chosen people, Israel, is not about the language we speak or the culture we belong to. Instead, it is about having a shared faith in the Messiah.

Through the miracle of tongues and the proclamation of the gospel, people were brought together by a power greater than language or culture.

The Spirit of God fixed the division caused by different languages, creating a new community of God's people that is diverse and unified.

The gospel, empowered by the Spirit, brings together people from different ethnicities, languages, and cultures into one beautiful, united family.

The “Preaching” in the Spirit of God. (2:14-36)

Peter explains the significance of the disciples speaking different languages. It's not just something impressive, but it's the next important step after Jesus' death and resurrection. In fact, the Joel prophesied this event in Joel 2:28-32.

Peter's sermon focuses on God's promises to save his people, send his Spirit, and bless all nations. He looks at the crowd and declares, "This is it. The time has come. The promises have come true."

Peter's sermon provides proof that God has addressed the disciples' question about when the kingdom would be restored to Israel.

Peter now proclaims that God's kingdom is present in Jerusalem and will start to expand as Jews who attended Pentecost go back to their own countries.

Luke believed that God gave the Spirit to His people so they could preach the message of Jesus to different cultures.

Peter also tells the people how they can call upon the name of the Lord. He says they should be baptized in the name of Jesus.

Between History and Spirit: The Apostolic Witness of the Book of Acts (The Preaching of Pentecost (Acts 2:22–40))

This instruction is challenging because baptism was usually done for pagans who converted to Judaism. By demanding baptism, Peter is asking for a bold public declaration of their conversion, which may cause offense and cost them their reputation. He wants them to show a genuine commitment to their faith, rather than simply asking for salvation without any conditions or commitment.

God poured out His Spirit so His people can boldly and unashamedly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ even in the midst of a hostile environment.

But many of us prefers to share the message of Christ resorting to our own terms and conditions:

controlled environment

without offense

with training

I think this would be a classic case of over-complication, when we “over-analyse, we become paralysed”, when we over-analyse every situation, words to speak before sharing the gospel, we end up not sharing the gospel because fear and a sense of lack overwhelms us.

I for one have felt the neglect of “preaching” in the Spirit of God that sincerely relies on Him.

When we preach and share the message of Jesus, we often focus on preparation and delivery, connecting with our listeners, and applying the truth of the Bible. These things are important, but they alone cannot bring salvation.

What truly brings salvation is the power of the Spirit working through our preaching.

It is wrong to assume that this is exclusive to preachers, the pulpit. It is for all followers of Jesus regardless of the specific gifting we have received.

So, Whenever we speak about Jesus, we can have confidence that it is the Spirit's power in the words we speak and others hear that brings people to believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

CONCLUSION

Pentecost event in Acts was past but yet ongoing for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Jesus promised the Spirit of God to be present within us.

Preparing our hearts and make our lives ready for His work.

The Spirit's presence, we are given power to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ across different cultures.

It's a mission that can change lives and bring hope and unity to all people in Jesus Christ.

So let's prepare ourselves, embrace the Spirit of God, and boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

Between History and Spirit: The Apostolic Witness of the Book of Acts (The Purpose of Pentecost (Acts 2:41–47))

Luke contends that God poured out the Spirit to empower his people to evangelize cross-culturally; but what was the anticipated outcome of this cross-cultural evangelism? God intended to create a new community in which believers would love one another and demonstrate to this age the very image of the life of his kingdom.

In Luke-Acts, true conversion involves repentance and commitment to a new Lord. Such commitment to the new Lord also involves commitment to one’s new siblings in the new community (11:30; 12:25).

God empowers his people with the Spirit to cross cultural barriers, to worship God, and to form one new, multicultural community of worshipers committed to Christ and to one another.

The Holy Spirit equips God’s people

He inspired the prophets

Ne 9:30; Job 32:8; Is 48:16; Mic 3:8; Heb 1:1

He empowered the first Christians

Ac 1:8; Ac 2:16–17; Ac 8:17; Ac 10:44; Ac 11:15; Ac 19:6 The outpouring of God’s Spirit begins to extend beyond the Jews.

He empowers God’s people today

Jn 14:16; Ro 8:26–27; 1 Co 12:3–7

The Holy Spirit accomplishes the mission of God

He convicts of sin

John 16:8 ESV

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

See also Ac 2:37; 1 Co 14:24–25

He directs mission

Acts 13:2 ESV

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

See also Ac 8:29; Ac 10:19–20; Ac 13:4; Ac 16:6–10

He inspires witnesses and speakers

Acts 6:9–10 ESV

9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

See also Mt 10:19–20; Ac 2:14; Ac 4:31; Ac 11:15; Ac 13:9–10; 1 Th 1:5; 1 Pe 1:12

He gives signs and wonders

Romans 15:18–19 ESV

18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;

See also Jn 1:50; Ac 5:13; 2 Co 12:12; Ga 3:5; Heb 2:4

The Holy Spirit’s missionary activity is ongoing

He cares for God’s people involved in mission

Jn 16:13; Jn 16:7; Ac 15:28; 1 Pe 5:7

He sanctifies God’s people

Ro 8:10; Ro 8:14; Ro 15:16; 2 Th 2:13

He encourages God’s people

Ro 8:16; Ro 8:27; 2 Th 2:17; 1 Jn 3:24; 1 Jn 4:13

1 John 4:13 ESV

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

John–Acts (2:5–13. The Age of the Spirit Begins)

This event, at least implicitly, also overturns and overcomes an ancient curse. Before the promise for the nations made to Abraham in Genesis 12, Scripture records how the nations were separated. As a punishment for ongoing and increasing sinfulness, particularly pride and independence from God, man’s one language was turned into many languages, which created immediate confusion and led to separation into groups and, ultimately, distinct nations (Genesis 10–11). This confusion and separation, fueling the estrangement between human beings that began at the fall (Genesis 3), led to untold and unimaginable war, suffering, and barbarism throughout history. Alexander the Great attempted in the fourth century BC to unite the world through the spread of Greek culture and language. He had some success, providentially creating a common trade language that assisted the spread of the gospel. Humanly speaking, however, the tragedy at Babylon (the Tower of Babel) could not be overcome. Yet the miracle of tongues and the proclamation of the gospel at Pentecost reunites people with a power greater than language or culture, creating a bond that transcends any such barrier. The separation of the human race by language, and all that such separation entailed, is mended by the Spirit. The gospel, empowered by the Spirit, creates one new multiethnic, multilingual, multicultural people of God.

In Acts 1-2, reveals to us the significance and purpose of the Spirit's empowerment for global mission. The foundational event in Pentecost reminds us of the importance of the Holy Spirit, who brings about the fulfillment of God's plan and gives us the power to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our preparation involves coming together in prayer to receive the Spirit's empowerment with faith. The signs of Pentecost, including speaking in tongues, symbolize the Spirit's power for spreading the message across different cultures. The diverse group of people present at Pentecost, even though they were Jews from various regions, foreshadow the future mission to the gentiles and may also symbolize a reversal of the confusion at the Tower of Babel. This passage emphasizes that the mission is meant for all people, regardless of their background or origin.

Jesus Christ promised the Spirit of God, teaching to prepare our hearts and lives for the Spirit’s presence in us, empowering us to preach His gospel to all people.

The Holy Spirit (Spirit of God) directs and strengthens believers in their mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit helps us tell others about Jesus and prepares people's hearts to believe in him.