Following Jesus’ miraculous resurrection, He remained on the earth for an additional forty days before His ascension. During this time, He made more than several appearances, always unannounced, to individuals, small gatherings, and one time, even a group totaling over five hundred. These sporadic visits may seem random, but were incredibly intentional, and in a sense strategic. You see, the sole reason Jesus extended His time on Earth before returning to the Father was to prepare His followers for a God-sized mission. And this was one they never could have imagined in their wildest dreams.
The Promised Power
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NLT)
These were the parting words of Jesus before His ascension, and from this time forward, His sudden appearances and unannounced visits would cease. Although He’d told His followers He’d be returning, they honestly had no idea when. Uncertain of their next step, and to encourage and console one another, the disciples huddled together and recounted Jesus’s final instructions to them.
Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5 NLT)
While this was somewhat comforting, it was also confusing, as the disciples still had so many unanswered questions.
Wait for a promise from the Father? What exactly is this promise, and precisely how long is the wait time? Baptized with the Holy Spirit? What does this even mean?
The truth is they had absolutely no idea, and in that moment there’s no way they possibly could have. At this point in their story, the disciples are collectively perplexed, yet they sincerely believe in Jesus’s words. Although they lack understanding, they continue to trust that somehow, in some way, Jesus’s promise will come to pass. They’re just not quite sure how or when.
Ten Days Later
Ten days later, the scripture records “[they] were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1). This is a critical piece of information, inferring unity amongst the disciples. And this positive action positioned them for the gift they were about to receive.
In addition, the believers remained productive during their wait time by replacing Judas’ open position with Matthias, thereby restoring the number of their group to its original twelve.
I can imagine Day 10 of “we’re all waiting for something, but we’re not quite sure what” began like each of the nine days prior, most likely with prayer, worship, communion, and scripture reading.
It’s not uncommon when waiting for something with no promised date of delivery to experience weariness, uncertainty, and potentially even a feeling of doubt. This is why it’s altogether reasonable to consider the believers “in waiting” were more than likely experiencing some mixture of these emotions.
And then it Happened
Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. (Acts 2:2-4 NLT)
After ten long days of waiting, wondering, praying, and hoping, the promised gift had finally arrived, far exceeding the expectation of everyone present. The beautiful, powerful Holy Spirit supernaturally entered the hearts of everyone present, empowering them to speak in various languages with clarity and confidence. It was a magnificent God-sized miracle radically transforming the disciples, propelling the early church forward, and revolutionizing believers in Jesus forever!
At that Time
The scripture records “at that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem” (Acts 2:5). Oh, how I love this power-packed phrase, as the time referred to is not merely coincidence or happenstance. Instead, it reveals a highly specified preordained date in history, selected by God to display His power and glory to the watching world!
When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers….“How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!
Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” (Acts 2:6-11 NLT)
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 NLT
Scoffers
In complete contrast to the declarations of praise, awe, and amazement by the majority, there were additionally negative opinions expressed by the minority. But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” (Acts 2:13 NLT)
And although this was an incredibly negative response to an obvious work of God, it’s unfortunately not an uncommon reaction when the supernatural intersects the natural.
However, what happened next in the story I can only imagine silenced every scoffing tongue. Simon the fisherman, also known as Simon the fearful, cowardly, impulsive, and even denying, stands to His feet. However, he is now empowered as Peter or petros, meaning rock. This is the same rock Jesus had previously proclaimed He would build His church upon that the powers of hell would never conquer (Matthew 16:17-18).
The Apostle Peter
…Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people’…(Acts 2:14-17 NLT)
This was merely the beginning of Peter’s Spirit-filled, convicting, convincing, and thoroughly compelling apologetic defense in response to the supernatural act of God that had just occurred. As Peter addressed the crowd with a newfound freedom and power, the word that Jesus had previously spoken, “…you [will] receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses… (Acts 1:8 AMPC) became a physical and visual reality!
[As Peter spoke his words] pierced their hearts [of everyone present], and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” (Acts 2:37 NLT)
And Peter boldly responded, “Each of you must repent of your sins…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.” (Acts 2:38 NLT)
A Miraculous Response
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. (Acts 2:41 NLT)
Don’t you just feel like applauding? Shouting? Singing? Isn’t this just the most amazing story, not to mention the stupendous, grand finale to an already incredible day for the people of God and in the life of the church?
And while the Day of Pentecost was indeed a historical phenomenon, it didn’t end there. Instead, the gift that was initially poured upon the disciples in an upper room is alive and active in the world today.
How? It’s through ordinary people like you and me who trust in Jesus and rely on His strength. People who believe that His extraordinary promise of accomplishing even greater works is in the power of His Name and by His Holy Spirit (see John 14:12).
This promise spoken 2,000 years ago is as real today as it was on the day of Pentecost. [And it is for] “you…your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:39 NLT)
Extend grace to others!
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Question of the Week
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The disciples and other believers waited ten days for the fulfillment of God’s promise. What aspect of waiting would you find the most challenging if you had been with them?
Reflect
In response to the disciples’ faulty assumptions regarding the reason a man was born blind, Jesus shared the following, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins….This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:3 NLT).
What truth does this reveal to you about God’s plan and purpose to use our trials and struggles for a higher purpose?
Pray
Gracious Father, thank you for always keeping your promises. Thank you for sending your wonderful Holy Spirit as a gift to equip and empower your church corporately and your people individually. And finally thank you that, as your children, we are never alone as you are always with us.
Please work mightily in and through us as we commit to reflect your light and love to our world.
We ask this In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
