Acts 2

The Holy Spirit comes to the apostles in chapter 2. The day is Pentecost, a Jewish festival.  Something happens. Notice that the best that could be described uses the word "seemed." A lot of Bible speech uses images to convey an indescribable experience. They all filled with this experience/presence/power and begin to utter ecstatically.

Since this was a time of a festival, Jerusalem was filled with Jews from everywhere making a pilgrimage. The people were amazed that, on this occasion, everyone heard people speaking their native language. They all are praising God. Some asked,   "What does this mean?" People reply that they guess everyone is drunk. Peter gets up and addresses the crowd.

 

It is important to remember that there was no TV or high-tech equipment at the time. Peter's speech was probably recreated as best as could be. Speeches in Acts usually mean to the reader, "Stop, pay attention, this is important. Get it!" Peter tells the crowd that what is happening was foretold in prophecy. This is God's Day, a new day for everyone. Jesus then tells folks about Jesus and how Jesus was expected too. Peter says that Jesus (remember Jesus is risen and ascended now) was made Lord and Christ by God.

 

There is only one thing to do if this is the case, repent and be baptized. Repent means to change direction in life and move back toward God. Baptism is a public sign that we have taken on a new life directed by Jesus. Notice that, at this early date in the Church, people are baptized in Jesus' name and not in the name of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.) God power and presence come to each person baptized in the person of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand people take Peter up on this.

 

The fellowship of these new believers includes (note that it is more than coffee or a meal) learning about the faith, prayers and, probably, the Lord's Supper. People did great, if not impossible things because of their commitment and the power of God. The followers shared things with each other and sold what truly was not needed and shared the proceeds. This was the Church. And in all cases, they gave God credit. Notice that they still went to their Jewish "church" (Temple/synagogue.) As a result of their changed lifestyle, they magnetically attracted more followers. Does our church magnetically attract people? Why or why not? What could you do to make it more magnetic? How would you get God involved with that?