The Bible Course预览

The fire, the tongues and a new community – Pentecost

Reflect:

The story of Pentecost speaks of a new normal. It was a moment that meant the world would never be the same again. Pentecost invites us into a new normal as well, a life of fresh purpose and unshakable hope.

What happened to the disciples at Pentecost?

Pentecost was an important Jewish festival celebrating the beginning of harvest. So imagine the streets of Jerusalem crowded with pilgrims from many different nations. Meanwhile, 120 of Jesus’ followers had gathered to pray. Suddenly, a sound like rushing wind filled the room and ‘what seemed to be tongues of fire … came to rest on each of them’ and they began to speak in other languages (verses 2–4). What on earth was happening?

Firstly, the tongues of fire symbolised God’s presence: remember Moses at the burning bush (Genesis 3) – unable to come near and told to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground, in the presence of the great ‘I AM’. Remember Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), calling on the Lord to send heavenly fire and make his presence known to all the people as the one true God.

But whereas there was a distance between people and the fiery presence of God in the Old Testament, on the day of Pentecost, this same holy fire came to rest on God’s people. God was taking up residence in the hearts of those who believed in Jesus.

And it wasn’t just the 12 apostles who were filled with the Holy Spirit, but more than a hundred ordinary Christians. Whereas in the Old Testament, the anointing of the Spirit was reserved for kings, priests, and prophets, now all God’s people can experience this life-changing power.

Secondly, the foreign languages they began to speak symbolised international unity. As the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in other languages. They were able to declare the wonders of God so that everyone in the international crowd that was gathered in Jerusalem could understand.

In a dramatic reversal of the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), people from different tribes, nations, and tongues are being reunited in God. About three thousand people accepted Peter’s message and joined the believers that day (verse 41). The gospel hadn’t even been spread beyond Jerusalem yet, but this gave a glimpse of a future day when people from all nations on earth will worship as one.

What does Pentecost mean for us today?

Pentecost shows us that we can have real courage and community. The Holy Spirit set Peter free from fear and brought together a community of believers that served and supported each other like no other.

Respond

If you took a red-hot coal out of the fireplace and put it on its own, it would quickly grow cold. Position yourself in community with followers who are full of the fire of the Holy Spirit today and stay hot!