Memory Verse: Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
This day of Pentecost was a traditional Jewish holiday which was observed 50 days following the Passover. It came 10 days after the ascension of Jesus to heaven. It was known as the Feast of First Fruits and Feast of Harvest. The apostles were assembled together. This fire (Holy Ghost) caused them to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. The Spirit gave the interpretation or they spoke by way of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the gift of God that the believer receives upon acceptance of Jesus and the conversion of one’s life. (Acts 2:1-4, Leviticus 23:15-16)
The coming of the Holy Ghost involved:
1. Sound to hear – “sound from heaven as a rushing mighty wind”
Wind is symbolic of the sovereignty of God and unpredictable movements.
2. Sight to see – “appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire”
Fire is symbolic of the strength, the burning and the enthusiastic in which they spoke; this demonstrates the supernatural power of an omnipotent God.
3. Miracle to experience – “all were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues”
In the old testament, the Spirit came upon certain men and women; not all people were blessed to be either in the presence of the Spirit or the indwelling of the Spirit. (Exodus 28:1)
Many came together and were heard in their own tongue. People came from Parthian, Mesopotamia, Judea and Asia. There were strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes. They were understood to be praising God. (Acts 2:5-11)
The speaking of tongues on this day of Pentecost is widely misunderstood. God has a plan and it is always on time. The traditional day of Pentecost had come to an end and a new era of refreshing had indeed begun, the manifestation of the Holy Ghost. They were amazed and did not understand the meaning of what was happening. God is not an ordinary God! When he moves, he moves. He makes his presence known. Jesus promised that he would send another Comforter. (Isaiah 40:21-22; John 14:26)
Speaking in tongues is not evidence of having the Holy Spirit. With so much emphasis in religious teaching given to speaking in tongues as evidence of the Holy Spirit, a very important message has been overlooked. The only must to having the Holy Spirit is acceptance of Jesus Christ. He alone is able to give us power to do extraordinary things. The manifestation of the Holy Ghost on that great day meant that salvation will be preached throughout the world. It was the beginning of the salvation plan put to work in a mighty way. (Matthew 28:19-20)
For those who did not understand the plan of God it had seemed that the men were drunk. But Peter called the attention of the men and pointed out that the men were not drunk. He recalled the scriptures of Joel when God said that he would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh. The sons, the daughters, the servants and the handmaids will have power to know and understand the things that are of God. (Acts 2:12-18; Joel 2:28-29)
It is taught that the men tarried after the ascension of Christ for the Holy Ghost. They were not tarrying but observing the feast of first fruit and at the same time anticipating the promise of the Father that Christ spoke of. There will be no more ceremonial holidays to bring people to acceptance with God. No more yearly offering of one’s first harvest as a token of a new beginning. When we accept Jesus Christ has our Lord and Savior and his Holy Spirit fills our living temple, it is a new beginning that will last until he returns for us. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Instead of tarrying for the Holy Ghost, people should ask and pray for the Holy Ghost power. He may not come has he did that day, but when the power comes we will know it. We need the Holy Ghost power to work the ministry. Many people have the Holy Spirit, but we need that fire, that fresh anointing, everyday to do God’s work successful. Our walk and talk will be different. Our spiritual growth will be taken to deeper and higher dimensions. The Holy Ghost power will help us to stand firm on our belief, to speak bold and to pray effectual, as Peter did. (Jude 20-21)
In conclusion, the day of Pentecost was not a day of confusion. The newly formed church was not behaving in an unruly manner of falling on the floor, turning over church furniture, etc. God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. The present day church is need of Pentecost. We need a strong presence of God in our life. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we need the working of the Holy Ghost power, that anointing to do the work. Throughout these lessons, we will study and see how the Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are referenced in the scripture. We will see more clearly the powerful gift that God has given to us, the Holy Ghost power! (Luke 12:12)
Pastor Tylvia E. Koromah The Path of Righteousness Church in Christ
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