Jesus died the Friday of Passover week. He was laid in the tomb before Passover began at sundown. The next day, Saturday, was the Sabbath. Sunday the priest would offer the First Fruits offering in the temple. Christ arose from the dead on that day becoming the first fruit of a great harvest of all who have died. (1 Cor 15:20)
Jesus appeared to the disciples and many others for forty days and then they watched Him ascend into heaven. He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift the Father had promised. So they gathered together and prayed and waited. They selected a new disciple to fill the vacancy left by Judas. They added Matthias. They are now twelve again. Suddenly, on the tenth Sunday after the resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended on the believers. The first body of believers in Christ was formed.
Scripture says that at that time there were devout Jews from every nation in Jerusalem. They were outside and began hearing their own language spoken. They could not believe what they were hearing. Peter came out and began to explain to them the wonderful story of Christ and invited them to repent of their sins and receive Jesus as their Savior. Those who believed what Peter said were baptized that day and added three thousand to the church.
Thought For Today:
It is so amazing how God works all things out. That there would be Jews representing every nation in Jerusalem at that time was not a coincidence. That the Holy Spirit would enable the disciples and first believers, gathered in a room waiting and praying, to speak every language represented in the city…Amazing. The message of Christ went with those who believed on that day, eventually went back to their homes in other nations, to be spread even further.
They initially were thought to be drunk, but Peter quickly informed them what was happening. Seems that even now when believers speak boisterously about Jesus, there are those that think something is wrong with us too. Guilty as charged.
Nope, just a love of Jesus. Joy over the forgiveness of our sins. Rejoicing in the message of Christ that has carried through the ages for two thousand years!
One other thought. Peter left that first trial of Jesus and wept bitterly. He had denied “even knowing” his beloved Jesus. But Jesus forgave Him and now he presents as a humble but extremely bold man of God, follower of Jesus, preacher of the word, to all who will listen.
Every believer has the responsibility to do likewise. Christianity has not survived two thousand years by dropping the message along the way. It has been passed from generation to generation by the faithful beginning with the twelve on the Day of Pentecost AD 33.
Scripture For Today:
Acts 2:36-41
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and 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. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. (NLT)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! Everyday presents a new beginning. Opportunities to make corrections. To minister to someone about the love Jesus has for them. The opportunities are endless. We must be busy about Your business just as that first community of believers. It is because of them we have scripture and confidence that our faith is well placed in Jesus, the Nazarene, our Messiah, Your Son. We pray for the boldness of Peter in speaking up. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.