Good morning and welcome back! Well, after a beautiful few days- winter is back again for a few days! Gotta love spring in upstate NY!!
Acts 2 has some very familiar stories for us!It is a long chapter- most of it Peter's long sermon!
Luke begins this chapter with the celebration of Pentecost (v 1). Pentecost was a Jewish feast held 50 days after Passover; the Greek translation is Pentekoste ("50 Days") The Jews celebrated with big feasts, so it wasn't unusual that they were all together. It celebrated the first fruits of the wheat harvest. In addition, Jews celebrated the giving of the Law on this day; Jews call this day "shimchath torah", or “Joy of the Law.” For Christians, it is 50 days after Easter (40 days after Easter is Jesus' ascension and then add ten more days to get to Pentecost). So, on the celebration of the first fruits, the celebration of the Hebrew Law, the "Christians" received the Spirit of the New Law! Look back at Acts 1:7- Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come.
Everyone is together and the wind begins to blow (v 2); wind is very symbolic of the Spirit of God-- and now the Holy Spirit. Look at the words Luke uses: suddenly, strong, from heaven, filled-- all images of the majestic power of the Holy Spirit. Fire (v 3) is symbolic of purification- as in the refiner's fire; see also Matthew 3:11! Everyone gathered together begins to speak in unusual tongues, that nobody was taught, but that everyone cold understand. Compare this to the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) where nobody could understand anything. I think the significance is the spreading of the Gospel story to all people of all nations. Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit when your church celebrates Pentecost? I think we have lost lots of the majesty and surprise behind it!
Peter then begins to take control and begins his sermon! Peter stands up (unusual since rabbis usually sit when they are preaching!) and begins to defend- quite a contrast from his denial of Jesus just a few weeks ago! The assumption is that this is a spontaneous Spirit driven sermon- no preparation from Peter. When you talk with others about God/Jesus/ the Holy Spirit- do you prep or are you spontaneous?
Peter begins with a prophecy from Joel (vv 17- 21) and focuses on God’s promise to pour out God's Spirit on all flesh. God's Spirit was "poured out" not just sprinkled on all people= men, women, young, old, slaves, free, Jews, Gentiles-- all people! This was a wonderful emphasis on Pentecost. Under the Old Covenant, certain people were filled with the Spirit at certain times for specific purposes. Now, under the New Covenant, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is for all who call upon the name of the Lord. Do we sometimes "hide" God's Spirit from some people?
And Peter keeps going wit his preaching...
Peter had not yet spoken about the saving work of Jesus on our behalf (vv 22-24). Everything until this point had been introduction, explaining the strange things they just saw. Now Peter would bring the essential message. Peter did not flinch at saying, “You crucified this Man who God sent.” His first concern was not to please his audience, but to tell them the truth. The Spirit-filled Peter was a different man than the Peter who a few months before, even knowing Jesus and denying his presence! Does the Holy Spirit do that for you-- give you courage?
And Peter keeps going...
David (vv 25- 29) talks about someone greater than he. Everyone thought David was the "One", but David realized that there was someone greater coming. David talks of death and resurrection- Peter reminds us (v 29) that David is still dead and buried! Peter really drives home the power of resurrection and that Jesus was the only one that did this!
And Peter keeps going quoting Psalm 110 (vv 32- 37)...
The line "The Lord said to my Lord..." is the most quoted piece of Hebrew scripture quoted or refereed to on the New Testament (close to 25 times!) It is proclaiming and defining the divinity of the Messiah-- God is God, the Messiah is God. In this section, Peter is essentially saying "You were all wrong about Jesus. You crucified Him as if He were a criminal, but by the resurrection, God proved that He is Lord and Messiah!" Do you think people might be starting to "get it"?
I like the response by the people in v 37- "What should we do?" The Holy Spirit was active in the crowd as the people had been inspired by Peter! Do you ask that after your preacher preaches a sermon?? It is interesting that the question comes after Peter preaches the Gospel- not after the tongues of fire, or the speaking in tongues or the great wind! What does that say about your witness to people?
Peter responds (v 38- 39) with words we have heard from John while baptizing- "Change your hearts!" (some translations use the word "repent")- not just feel sorry for what you've done, but truly change who you are and be better! Peter goes on saying "Be baptized!" Baptism was a clear statement of "ownership" by God. Gentiles, when converting to Judaism, would be baptized as a symbol of being accepted into the family of Jews; Christians use baptism as a symbol of being accepted into the Christian faith and family of God. Did you know that Jews had a baptismal ritual and that it is not unique to Christians?
The result of Peter's preaching was that 3000 people (v 41) were baptized into Christianity! The most baptisms I did in one day was about 15-- Peter was good! And the important part comes after that (v 42) "they spent their time learning the teachings, sharing, breaking bread, and praying." How many times do we baptize people and then "forget" about them? Read your church's baptismal liturgy- are there any responsibilities for you in the congregation for these newly baptized people?
The effect of the Holy Spirit continues as the people felt great respect for God (v 43). Do people respect God today? I love the ending of this chapter- seem to be describing a Utopian type gathering of God's people! Imagine life if these verses (vv 43- 47) were true today!
Great chapter on the beginning growth of the church! Peter continues doing work in the next chapter!
Enjoy the day- stay warm!!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
You know, after reading the last chapter about Jesus being on earth for about 40 days, and Jesus' last words on the cross (which I knew but when you do a Bible study you do get to analyze), I don't think I will be able to say that part of the Affirmation again - because it is not my affirmation. Catholics have an affirmation very similar to ours but does have the part in it that you mentioned the Lutherans did! This was a great chapter - very uplifting with a happy ending. 3,000 souls - how wonderful!! I often wonder why we baptize babies - who cannot make a conscious decision to repent, change, or even accept! It seems like it should be more like the Baptists and Jews - 13 or older - with some education. But I do agree, I quickly forget what we say when a child is baptized. I find it curious that if the miracle was that the apostles could speak in different languages - languages they did not know previously - how did everyone understand Peter? Maybe that was part of the miracle - that everyone could understand Peter? Good point on Peter, just 50 days previous, went from denying ever knowing Jesus to telling thousands of strangers how they crucified the Son of God (how brave) 50 days - during a Jewish holiday when a great many people would be in Jerusalem - God decides to have the Holy Spirit perform his miracle. God certainly has good timing. And, yes, they talk to all Jews, all Gentiles, all people - not just those the apostles feel are appropriate. A lesson to us today? The Holy Spirit pours out onto all! I have to admit that Pentecost has lost it's "magic" for me - but then, I am reading/hearing this along with all other miracles and acts of faith. Not over years and years - like Jesus' ministry. Or I am sure for many of the Jews there in Jerusalem at that time who had never seen any of Jesus' miracles or heard any of his messages. I have often prayed to Jesus/God to send the Holy Spirit to visit people that I know that I feel need a little "push" to turn to God. In my Bible "the Lord says to my Lord" means The Lord (God) said to my Lord (the Son of David, the Messiah). Does that mean it is a conversation between God and Jesus? I do not (and I think others feel the same way) have to ask my Pastor what can we do after his message! His messages lately have been telling us - if you are not doing this.....behaving this way..... then you should! My favorite messages! Vs 46 - what a wonderful verse...."gladness and singleness of heart."
ReplyDeleteHmmm...so what part of the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creeds do you disagree with? Interesting fact- the Lutheran version of the Apostles Creed was a big discussion item during the Protestant Reformation with Calvin!
DeleteBaptism- another interesting Reformation concept difference between Luther and Calvin! The Methodist view is that all are accepted and then we confirm that faith in confirmation at a later age. The view you express is more of the Anabaptist view.
That was the miracle= that everyone could understand!
The Lord says to my Lord is a conversation between God and Jesus showing the Jesus is divine- as if God is addressing God.
Hahaha- touche on the pastor thing! Maybe he is maturing in his preaching skills!
Good questions and comments! Thanks Donna!
Well I was confused as to when the Holy Spirit came I thought it was when Jesus ascended into heaven Not 10 days later. I would have been a little frightened what with the wind and fire, plus the speaking in different tongues of different lands and areas, which I think was a way to let everyone know the Holy Spirit was for ALL people.
ReplyDeletePeter who had denied Jesus prior to the crucifixion now seems to be the leader and "rock" He tells how it was told in the OT how the spirit of god would come and how Jesus was the proven Messiah There were 3000 believers that started the Christian church and were baptized I do have a question about baptism, we were baptized as babies or children before we understood about Jesus or God Once we heard of the gospel and the Good news should we not then be baptized again because we understand about God now?
The people continued with their prayers and meetings and continued to grow they however met in the temple and still followed some of the rituals of the Jewish religion at this time. What did the other non believers of the old ways think of them? Were they accepted? I think not.
So, this is what the disciples and others experienced...Good Friday- Jesus is crucified and buried. Easter- Jesus visits them in the upper room and then he leaves again. A few days later they see him (various stories) and last time they see him is at his ascension- then he is gone again. 10 days later is the Pentecost story. Imagine their feelings and emotions!
DeleteGood question about Baptism- a big discussion point in many denominations as to when they baptize. A huge point in the Protestant Reformation!
Martin Luther believed in infant baptism as a symbol of God's acceptance of the person into Gods kingdom; Luther;s belief faith is a gift from God that we receive when we are born. Calvin and Zwingli argued that people needed to know faith (faith was not a gift, but something people had to learn and work at) before they could be baptized- and thus the Baptists typically do adult baptism. Methodists think more like Luther here and perform infant baptism with confirmation of our faith as a teen. Probably more than what you wanted to know about baptism!
There was probably lots of tension between the "old Jews" and the "new Christians"!
Great comments Clara! Thanks!
After reading this chapter,about Peter preaching,and not have to prepare because God helped him in what to preach, how great is that. When I heard the winds this morning's I thought how great it would be to suddenly have the Holy Spirit decent on us. God spoke and said who calls my name will be saved. Sometimes I think he has forgotten us, to hear of the miracles he did back then. But I like being with believers, doing good things for others. Maybe someday,suddenly the Holy Spirit will pour on our church. Will make the pray beads, sounds like they will help in praying more.
ReplyDeleteFunny you mention the wind- I was thinking the same thing when it was blowing here! The Holy Spirit was active yesterday!!
DeleteIt is common for people to think that God has forgotten about us- especially now! God is active- maybe we are just too busy to see the miracles and things God is doing?
Great thoughts Rose Marie!
If we were reading this yesterday with all the wind we had we would have thought it was the spirit of god!
ReplyDeleteAs I have said before I am always moved by baptism. To baptize 3000 in one day into your Christian faith must have been very fulfilling. The question do we forget about them after baptism I hope not! It makes me think of when my husband and I went to the Catholic Church we along with several other couples ran the precana classes for the couple’s who were getting married. We really enjoyed doing this. When we started each class we would go around the room and each couple had to tell an enduring quality about their partner. Everyone always said such nice things it made me sad that the divorce rate is so hi. Don’t get me wrong I know sometimes divorce can’t be avoided. We often wonder about all those couples and I do continue to pray for them.
Peter working so hard to spread the word of Christianity reminds us that you can make amends.
Yes, the wind/ Holy Spirit was active the other day!!
DeleteI do hope people remember the vows that they take when someone is baptized. In the Methodist liturgy, we (the congregation) promises to nurture the child in Christian faith. Unfortunately, I think this is forgotten by many! Prayer is good- but there also should be more!
Good point about making amends and Peter! I wonder if this was part of his thought process?
Good comments Cindy!
It seems that the new ways are starting to take off. More and more people are listening to the teachings of the apostles. Vs. 43 "Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles."
ReplyDeleteI think the wind that we have been hearing lately is a scary sound. I think of the Holy Spirit of comforting and helpful- a light breeze swirling around me (even though I know that the Bible says that it was a violent wind). When I pray that the Holy Spirit comes to me and helps me I think of breathing in this breeze. I guess I don't understand how it came to be that the Holy Spirit came to all of us. Pentecost is the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and it sounds very dramatic.
The liturgical color of Pentecost is red. Years ago we used to ask everyone to try to wear something red to church and we used red paraments. That can make the day seem a little special.
Great thoughts on Pentecost. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red- good point. Red is symbolic of the fire of the Holy Spirit. In the Methodist church we also use red for our ordination ceremonies- again symbolic of the Holy Spirit resting on the people being ordained.
DeleteI think of the holy Spirit as a gentle breeze- but sometimes we need a hurricane wind to wake us up!
Good comments Cathy!
Just a quick word about Jesus's siblings. I, too, didn't know he had brothers until this Bible study. Of course, the brothers must have been Joseph's children and Jesus, as we all know, was the son of God.
ReplyDeleteI also was unaware of the wind and the tongues of flame until I read this chapter. Rhea told me that this is, in fact, the Pentecost. In the Episcopal church, we called the season after the ascension Trinity, and that lasted until Advent. I had never heard of the term "Pentecost" until I became a Methodist and I thought it was synonymous with Trinity. We had Sunday School and Vacation Sunday School, but I don't remember Bible studies in the Episcopal church. I'm sure they must have had them for adults, but not for us kids. This is the reason that I want to do this - I know so little about the Bible, but that is being rectified.
To all, if you get fearful of the wind in New York, you should come see us in Montana. We have wind!!! 30 to 40 MPH wind with gusts over 60 is not uncommon. I am sure that our wind was not as violent as that described in Chapter 2.
The story in this chapter was not familiar to me, probably for the reasons I put forth above.
he baptismal liturgy in the Methodist and Episcopal churches have some similarities, at least for what the responsibilities of the congregation are. You are right, I cannot remember the name of the last person you baptized before we left last year. This is awful and it goes to show that we are just reading the words in the hymnal and not making any effort to understand them. I am guilty as charged, but, in all honesty, I don't see it changing.
Hmmm....didn't know that about the Episcopal church! I have always known it as "after Pentecost" and I thought everyone did that! Thanks Jack!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to get some new knowledge Jack!
Methodist and Episcopal are offshoots of the Anglican church, so there will be some similarities in liturgies. We both kept many of them from the Anglican church- a high church feeling!
Jack- we are all guilty of forgetting the baptismal vows! Too often we do just tread the liturgies and not know what they say. That is one reason why IO like to change the words and statements occasionally- to keep us more in a thinking mode!
Great comments Jack! Thanks!