v1 Pentacost came while everyone was together sitting. It came like a VIOLENT rushing WIND
v4 we speak as the Spirit gives utterance when praying in tongues
v5-8 The Jews and others from the nations HEARD the Spirit-filled folks in their native language. It doesnt say that they spoke in their native languages.
v11 The subject matter was the “mighty deads of God”
v13 “But others were mocking and saying , ‘They are full of sweet wine‘”. Often, folks who dont have the ears to hear what the Spirit of God is saying accuse us of being drunk or crazy or worse. Just because a person cannot hear God’s voice doesnt make it that God doesnt speak. In this case, power was released to the masses. Imagine the confrontation of many believers hearing and speaking in the Spirit vs. many non-believers. This was quite a showdown. Peter, in the next verses, preaches a mighty sermon that leads to many converts. This sermon comes on the heals of accusation and the release of God’s power. When we see God move, it is time to speak and act, no matter what the opposition proclaims.
v15 “For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour (9am) of the day.” Inference, wait until later, and these men will be drunk but not yet. It’s too early.
v16 “But this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:”
v17 “And it shall be in the LAST DAYS”
The last days were happening at Pentacost. Many folks say that they are coming. No, they are here and have been for 2000 years.
God says:
1) He will pour forth His Spirit
2) Sons & Daughters shall prophesy
3) Young men shall see visions
4) Old men shall dream dreams
5) Even bondslaves (men and women alike) shall get the Spirit and prophesy
6) There will be wonders in the sky above
7) And signs on the earth below (blood & fire and vapor of smoke)
8) The sun will be turned into darkness; the moon into blood
BEFORE the great and glorious day of the LORD shall come.
And, it shall be that EVERYONE who calls on the NAME of the LORD shall be SAVED.
v36 God made Jesus BOTH LORD and CHRIST :: he is OUR LORD and SAVIOR. We must not just settle for salvation.
v37 When people are “pierced to the heart” with the Gospel message and want to know what to do, the answer is REPENT and be baptised in the NAME of JESUS. They are then promised the gift of the Holy Spirit
v42 For NEW Believers:
1) Continually devout yourself to apostolic teaching and fellowship
2) to the breaking of bread
3) to prayer
v43 “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.”
Unity, gladness, generosity, sicerity of heart and praise for God are results of the Spirit’s power.