Being a witness to what God has done was the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s effects on believers on Pentecost and part of the transition of the early church. Although many associate Pentecost solely with the New Testament era, its origins are in the Old Testament. Specifically Leviticus 23, where God established the seven biblical festivals, one of which is Pentecost.
Pentecost, one of these festivals, was a prominent agricultural festival observed 50 days after Passover. This is one of the three holy days when male Jews aged 20 and above, if possible, were to travel to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. As people traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, the city’s population swelled several times over. It was during this feast, ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, that God did something special by pouring out the Holy Spirit.
The Wonderful Things God Has Done
For those visiting Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, many would encounter God in a way that would lead them to faith and change their lives. How did this happen? Believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, confidently proclaimed the good news of Jesus. The Spirit actively worked in those listening.
On that day, devout Jews from every part of the Roman Empire were in Jerusalem. When they heard a loud noise, they came running. The believers speaking in their own languages bewildered them. They wondered, “How can this be?” Since the believers were all from Galilee, they were amazed to hear them speak in their own languages. These visitors included Parthians, Medes, Elamites, from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya around Cyrene, Rome (Jews and converts), Cretans, and Arabs—all hearing about God’s wondrous deeds. (Ref. Acts 2:5-11).
The miracle was not merely in speaking, but in the hearing. God made His mighty deeds known in a way each heart could understand. From the rushing wind to the many tongues, the message was unmistakable. The God who acts in power also reveals His works so that all may know Him. God’s wonderful things are too great to be confined to one people or one place. Because they are meant to be heard, understood, and proclaimed to the ends of the earth.
God Wants All to be Saved
God wants all people to be saved and to know about His wondrous deeds, especially Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. John 3:16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[1] The verse explores themes of love, sacrifice, and eternal life.
God’s love is shown as unconditional and universal, reaching out to everyone. This love’s sacrificial aspect is clear in the giving of His “one and only Son,” referring to Jesus crucifixion. This act emphasizes the seriousness of God’s love and Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. The promise of eternal life is central to Christianity. John 3:16 assures believers that trusting in Jesus grants them eternal life, offering comfort, hope, and purpose.
The witness to what God has done is key to coming to faith. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/pentecost-the-church-in-transition
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 3:16). Tyndale House Publishers.