Jesus had promised, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised --- in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit". Again Jesus said, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you ---." Acts 1:4 - 8
So the apostles and the other Christ followers waited and prayed. Prayed and waited. What were they expecting? How would they know when the Spirit came? Would they be aware of what God was doing? What would God by His Spirit expect them to do?
We know that for a few weeks they prayed and waited. We know that they chose a man to take the 12th apostle's place vacated by the traitor, Judas. What we are not told, but I think is certain: they spent long hours studying their Old Testament scrolls and "paging" through the many parts of the OT that they had memorized. They were especially looking for teaching and promises about the Spirit of God. They were preparing through prayer and the Word for what God would do. One brief OT book must have been referenced many times as they waited for the Spirit. God had provided powerful comforting words through the prophet Joel which included a strong word about pouring out His Spirit in the future.
Therefore, when the Spirit came and apparent "chaos" broke out - many believers speaking many languages all at once - they were not shocked. Peter could reference Scripture and explain to the Jewish crowd that gathered: "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel". Acts 2:16 Then he quotes those powerful prophetic words from Joel, concluding with "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21, Joel 2:32
Those who know the Bible, can best understand the times and best understand what God is doing. Too often believers are perplexed and asking questions, when Scripture has clearly provided the answers. If we read and study the Scriptures we will increase our understanding of what God has done, is doing and will do. Then, like Peter, we will be prepared.
So the apostles and the other Christ followers waited and prayed. Prayed and waited. What were they expecting? How would they know when the Spirit came? Would they be aware of what God was doing? What would God by His Spirit expect them to do?
We know that for a few weeks they prayed and waited. We know that they chose a man to take the 12th apostle's place vacated by the traitor, Judas. What we are not told, but I think is certain: they spent long hours studying their Old Testament scrolls and "paging" through the many parts of the OT that they had memorized. They were especially looking for teaching and promises about the Spirit of God. They were preparing through prayer and the Word for what God would do. One brief OT book must have been referenced many times as they waited for the Spirit. God had provided powerful comforting words through the prophet Joel which included a strong word about pouring out His Spirit in the future.
Therefore, when the Spirit came and apparent "chaos" broke out - many believers speaking many languages all at once - they were not shocked. Peter could reference Scripture and explain to the Jewish crowd that gathered: "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel". Acts 2:16 Then he quotes those powerful prophetic words from Joel, concluding with "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21, Joel 2:32
Those who know the Bible, can best understand the times and best understand what God is doing. Too often believers are perplexed and asking questions, when Scripture has clearly provided the answers. If we read and study the Scriptures we will increase our understanding of what God has done, is doing and will do. Then, like Peter, we will be prepared.
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