PENTECOST 2 FOLLOWED THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

The apostle Peter told how the Holy Spirit showed David that the risen Lord would be seated at the Father’s right hand in glory. He clearly foresaw that the Lord would descend into Hades, the hidden realm of departed spirits and deliver them who were awaiting the resurrection call of their Lord. David also knew that the Father would not allow His Son to see corruption or decay, because Christ was sinless as the Lamb without blemish and spot. ( Acts 2:27) Therefore, death had no hold on Him. These majestic truths about their Messiah, recently rejected and despised , rocked the Jewish people. And now He had triumphed over the dead.

Peter referred to Jesus Christ as having been born of the virgin Mary and being a descendant from David’s line. ‘David knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He should raise up the Christ to sit on the throne.’ It is important for us to know Old Testament prophecy, and its harmony with the events of Christ’s life. Do we?

Peter showed his authority with ‘This Jesus, God ( the Father ) has raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. He no longer cowered before others, nor flinched when a girl recognised him. He was now a witness, the same word as ‘martyr’ , for ultimately Peter died forHisLord whom he now preached. Sanctified courage.!

Peter revealed a mind-blowing event in heaven when the Trinity decided that the Lord Jesus should be placed at the right hand of the Father in honour of His triumphant sacrifice; how Christ received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit to indwell the saints on earth until the Lord Jesus returns at the end of the age of grace; And that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on His blood-bought church - as you see and hear.’ This noteworthy scene described the benefit for every believer in all generations Thousands present must have been profoundly touched as Peter preached.

The Holy Spirit had activated Peter’s preaching, moving the stony hearts of the Jewish people, and ‘cutting them to the heart’, The Spirit of God showed that their guilt was greater than they could bear. as they cried, ‘ Men and brethren what shall we do?’ Oh, that in our day we should hear our friends crying out to the living God. In times of revival, many call out to God in helplessness, and find relief from sin’s shame and peace with God.

Peter charged the house of Israel with the criminal crucifixion of the Son of God.

‘Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both LORD and CHRIST. It was a solemn national charge. While I was teaching this theme, an ethnic interpreter stopped, cried and sobbed. What could I do. The congregation was silent. Putting my arm around my interpreter, I prayed, seeking courage and strength for him. We resumed teaching, knowing the Holy Spirit convinced the hearers. I learned that my interpreter was a messianic Jew.

His anguish was greater than he could bear, My people - my Messiah!

Peter responded, ‘ Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; with this glorious promise, ‘ You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ Change your life-style, whether addicted to alcohol, sexual lust, covetousness, pornography , literary or internet. Peter clarified his call. The penitent must humble himself, being baptized, symbolising his death with Christ in entering the water; his burial when hidden beneath the surface; his rising again as he emerged from the watery grave. Oh, the brutal crucifixion of Christ had shocked the people of Jerusalem. Now, they clearly identified with their Lord in His death and rising again. They understood when they were called to repentance.

‘The promise ( of remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit ) is to you and your children and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.’

( v39) Our forgiving God made this generous offer to each generation. Have you asked the Lord to forgive you and pour out His Holy Spirit in your life?

Joy flooded many lives that morning in Jerusalem, as ‘ those who gladly received his word were baptized, and that day about 3000 were added to them. ‘ The bible does not detail the baptisms . They identified themselves with the Lord of glory in the simple, yet beautiful, baptism.

God’s Spirit directed these converts in an orderly worshipful pattern, as ‘they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine; and fellowship; in breaking of bread ( Holy communion ) ; and in prayers. ‘As the Lord established his perfect, ordered creation so He precisely structured His blood-bought church. Amazing launching!

Reverence was born at Pentecost where ‘ Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.’ ( v43 ) Oh, that we could know that same awe in our daily living and worship.

God’s Spirit brought a remarkable sharing of material belongings, so that ‘they had all things in common.’ They sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all; as every one had need,’ (v35 ) This is more commonly practised among developing nations rather than in the developed world, where love of possessions may dominate the life above the spiritual.

Summarising this great chapter. God sent His Holy Spirit fifty days after the miraculous, bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Every language group visiting Jerusalem heard the gospel in their mother tongue. Peter quoted from prophets Joel and David, speaking of Christ’s death, resurrection, victorious ascent into heaven; and the descent now of the Spirit of God. Deep conviction gripped the people, with 3,000 repentant and being baptized. They were soon organised into fellowship groups. Joy pervaded the newly-formed church. Make sure you are truly saved!