Following the instructions of Christ, the disciples stayed in Jerusalem. The upstairs room seems to have been a specific and well-known place. This may have been the same room in which they had eaten the Last Supper with Christ, as well as the location of many of the post-Resurrection appearances. At this time it became the first meeting place of the church.Luke took special note of the fact that the disciples were joined by Mary the mother of Jesus and several other women, likely the ones who had been present at the Crucifixion and at the empty tomb. Also present were the brothers of Jesus. During his lifetime, Jesus’ brothers (Mary and Joseph’s other sons) did not believe he was the Messiah and actually thought he was out of his mind. But Jesus’ resurrection must have convinced them otherwise.
Peter put the events concerning Judas’s betrayal and suicide into biblical perspective by explaining how it was necessary for the Scriptures to be fulfilled, and then he called the believers to the task of choosing Judas’s replacement, something he likewise said was necessary. Peter gave a great lesson in healthy biblical leadership: it is a combination of insight from the word of God and corresponding practical action.
Although Jesus predicted this betrayal and bitter end, it was Judas’s choice. Those privileged to be close to the truth are not necessarily committed to the truth.
Peter pointed out the qualifications of the one who was to be chosen to replace Judas. Notice that it had to be someone who had been with Jesus and the other disciples throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth. Such eyewitness involvement was absolutely necessary for the credibility of the person bearing witness to the words and the works of Christ. This one would join the other apostles in being a witness of Jesus’ resurrection. What this witness said would be a testimony to the credibility of the life of Christ and the words of Christ. It is clear that, in addition to the twelve disciples, many others had consistently followed Jesus throughout his ministry on earth.
The Twelve were his inner circle, but many others shared deep love for and commitment to Jesus. It was now simply a matter of finding the one who would be elevated to the title of apostle.
Matthias was chosen to be the twelfth apostle. That may seem odd because Paul (who is also called an “apostle”) is not mentioned here. Remember that all of this occurred prior to Paul’s conversion. Paul’s calling was unique. To begin with, he did not meet the qualifications spelled out by Peter. Thus, though Paul was not technically one of the Twelve, he clearly was designated an apostle with authority equal to any of them.
The day of Pentecost was an annual feast celebrated on the day after the seventh Sabbath after Passover (Leviticus 23:15-16). Since the date was determined by the passing of a “week” of weeks (seven weeks), it was often called the Festival of Weeks. The word “Pentecost” means “fifty,” so named because this festival was celebrated fifty days after Passover. Pentecost was one of three major annual festivals celebrated by the Jews (along with Passover, fifty days earlier, and the Festival of Shelters about four months later).
Jesus was crucified at Passover time, and he ascended forty days after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit came fifty days after the Resurrection, ten days after the Ascension. As the believers were gathered, they heard a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm. The wind is a good analogy for the Spirit: it is not seen, though its effects are, and it can be found everywhere in never-ending supply.
At Pentecost God confirmed the validity of the Holy Spirit’s ministry by sending fire. And while at Mount Sinai fire had come down on one place, at Pentecost fire came down on many believers, symbolizing that God’s presence is available to all who believe in him.
In principle, the filling of the Holy Spirit can be distinguished from the term “baptism” of the Spirit. “Baptism” is the theological, objective term referring to the Spirit’s initial work in a believer’s life, beginning the relationship, and—like water baptism—is not a repeated act.
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believe in Jesus. Believers receive the Holy Spirit (are baptized with him) when they trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.
The Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience. No one belongs to Christ without his Spirit; no one is united to Christ without his Spirit; no one is adopted as God’s child without his Spirit.
The Spirit is the power for the new life. He begins a lifelong process of change as believers become more like Christ. Those who receive Christ by faith begin an immediate personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit works in them to help them become like Christ.
The believers could speak in these other languages because the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. This is the clear teaching of the New Testament—that the Holy Spirit sovereignly determines which gift(s) a believer will have (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). Furthermore, these gifts are meant to be used to build up the body of Christ.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit today. May everything I do and say bring honor and glory to You. May everything I do and say be a blessing to others. Lord, use me to build others today. Use me to build Your kingdom today. Use me to build my family today. Use me to build COV. Lord, may I be less and may you be more today (John 3:30).
Lord, teach our people, show our people what their spiritual gifts are. Teach them and show them how to use their gifts to build others and Your church. And Lord, You know the needs of our church. Lay those needs on the hearts of Your people and Lord, even in these difficult financial times, teach them how to be faithful to giving and tithing.
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