November 2, 2020 | Acts 2:1–47

DEVOTIONS

This Month’s Issue

When I was a boy, I would eagerly count off the days until my birthday. This wasn’t because I was in a hurry to be one year older; it was because I wanted presents. It is customary for people to receive gifts on their birthday, and the church was no different. The day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the church, the day Jesus fulfilled His promise to send the one He called the “Advocate” (sometimes translated counselor or comforter) and “the Spirit of truth” (John 15:26).

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

ACTS 2:47

People witnessed the descent of the Spirit upon the assembled church through audible and visible signs. There was a sound like that of a violent wind and what looked like tongues of flame that separated and rested upon each of the disciples. They began to speak about God in foreign languages (vv. 1–4). The sound attracted the attention of those who were visiting Jerusalem “from every nation under heaven” (v. 5). They were amazed to hear the disciples speaking their native languages (vv. 6–12).

Jesus promised that the coming of the Spirit would empower the disciples to tell others about Him (Acts 1:8). The effect upon Peter was evident as he stood boldly and explained that what these visitors were seeing had been predicted by the prophet Joel (vv. 14–16). Peter preached the gospel, emphasized the resurrection, and called them to turn to Christ. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (v. 38). He promised that all who did so would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The first church exhibited outward signs of their inner transformation as believers. Describe the characteristics of the early church included in the closing verses of this chapter, verses 42–47. Do you think today’s church reflects the passion and dedication of those early believers?

CPD post credit: TITW