The Spirit of New Life

Reflections on Acts 2:1-18

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 

12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” 

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 

17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

This week, we are starting a series of readings on the Holy Spirit. There is great confusion and ambivalence over the person and role of the Holy Spirit. Very often He is referred to as an 'it'. The Holy Spirit is not a man, but He is certainly not an It! We also wonder at the role of the Holy Spirit. Some of us may feel that the Holy Spirit is exotic or unruly - only leading to charismatic outbursts or divisive fringe activities.

If we feel doubt and ambivalence over the Holy Spirit, we are likely to forget the power and wonder of the third person of the Trinity. That's a tragedy. The Holy Spirit is God In Us, the promise of Jesus to be with us, always.

In this passage, we see the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - the birthday of the church. Note what the Holy Spirit does:

1. The Spirit gives confidence to the frightened disciples.
2. The Spirit teaches the disciples to speak the heart language of the people. This is not mystical speaking in tongues, but a miraculous sign that God is committed to the unity of God's people.
3. The Spirit enables Peter to preach the first good news. The Spirit of truth is all about the message of Jesus. Everything the Spirit does is aimed at pointing people to Him.

What questions do you have about the Holy Spirit? Ask God for a new understanding of God's Spirit in you.

And here's a treat for the bold...www.adventuresoftheholyghost.tumblr.com/