Who Is Jesus? Chapter 59 - - The Holy Spirit is Given

 

Who Is Jesus? Chapter 59 - - The Holy Spirit is Given

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many of his followers over a period of 40 days, proving it was really him and that he was truly risen from the dead. 

Jesus gave them understanding of the Prophesies from the scriptures, about his birth, life, death and resurrection. Jesus then instructed them to wait for the Promise of the Holy Spirit that the prophets had proclaimed, and that they were to go forth in His name, with boldness, in power, preaching, teaching, healing the sick, and casting out evil spirits.

As Jesus departed from them in a cloud ascending into heaven, angels proclaimed this same Jesus that you see going up into heaven shall one day return in glory as you have seen him go up.

So, in obedience to Jesus, His followers went to Jerusalem to wait and pray, in an upper room with about 120 others including Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers. It was the time of the Jewish Feast of Harvest as we now know it as Pentecost. The word Pentecost, meaning “50 days after the resurrection of Jesus.”

And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; that Judas had tried to return the 30 pieces of silver, but the religious leaders refused him. Then in remorse over betraying Jesus, Judas went out and hung himself.

The religious leaders decided to take the 30 pieces of silver and purchase a potter's field for a graveyard to bury the strangers. So that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate and let no one live in it’; and ‘Let another take his office.’

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.  And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen  to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”  And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

And they were all with one accord praying and seeking God, when suddenly the house was shaken and a loud sound as of a rushing mighty wind filled the house and tongues of fire appeared and sat upon each of them, and they began to speak fluently in other languages that they had never learned.

Now for this celebration of the Harvest feast, there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.  And at this loud vibrant sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because they could hear the loud commotion these people were making. By this time many of those in the upper room had come down to the streets where a large crowd was gathering.

What is this that we hear? The people in the crowd asked. How is it that we hear, these simple Galileans speaking to each of us in his own native language? 

Here we are Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians — we hear them in our own tongues telling of the mighty works of God.” 

Some in the crowd began to make fun and say these men are drunk because they are acting very strange. This puzzled them immensely, and Peter explained, these are not drunk as you suppose, because it is only 9 o'clock in the morning, but this is the promise proclaimed by the prophet Joel 2:28. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Peter began to preach about Jesus who had been illegally tortured, crucified and buried, but after three days, Jesus rose from the dead as He had said he would, and Peter and many others were witnesses of this fact.

The crowd began to understand they were privileged to be a part of a wonderful happening, so they asked: What must we do? Peter proclaimed; repent of your sins, and receive Jesus as your savior, be baptized and you shall also receive the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us that 3000 souls became believers in Jesus that day and were added to the church.

Friend: know this that there is more that Jesus offers for you to have from Him; First invite Jesus into your heart if you have not already done so.  Then ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit.  It is His Holy Spirit with power and Holy Spirit is offered to you.  All you need to do is ask and receive. God desires for you to participate in all he has provided for you.

There are precious Gifts of the Holy Spirit available to assist you as you live and serve our Lord Jesus. 

If you are not already doing so, it is good to attend a good Bible Believing Church where you can fellowship and learn more about serving Jesus the Messiah.