Thoughts for the Day

The coming of the Holy Spirit

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, 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 Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

Peter Addresses the Crowd

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

“In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

With the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples (which I have looked at many times before) we see Peter taking up his leadership role among the disciples once more. Just weeks before, Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times out of fear, but after encountering the risen Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit he is able boldly to proclaim the Gospel in a powerful sermon.

By using the words of the Prophet Joel Peter connects the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost with God's promises to His people in the past, for it has been hundreds of years since they have heard from a Prophet. Now Peter shows that God’s plan is continuing and is being fulfilled through the ministry of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but God's Spirit is offered to all people, regardless of age, gender, or social status. The disciples are to be His witnesses to the entire world.

As if that were not radical enough Peter turns to look at Joel's prophecy about the signs and wonders that will precede the day when the Lord will return to settle His account with His world, at the end of times. God offers, he says, salvation for all people who repent and call on the name of the Lord Jesus.

Peter's message should challenge us to be bold in our faith, particularly as stewards and messengers of the Gospel in this day and age.

Lord Jesus Christ,
as children of God,
keep us faithful to our baptismal promises
and mindful of our role as messengers
of the Gospel.
Increase our faith,
and give u courage and stamina
to share the good news with others.
Amen.