Acts 2: 01-13 Church and the Holy Spirit
2: 1-3 Seekers of the Holy Spirit
2: 4-12 Speakers of the Holy Spirit
2: 13 Mockers of the Holy Spirit
This passage talks about the approach of the people to the Holy Spirit. The early Church had to tackle three kinds of people in the Church and society.
Acts 2:1-3 Seekers of the Holy Spirit :
The disciples who were present on the day of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. They have had seen, have had heard Jesus speaking to them about the promise of the Holy Spirit. He told them not to leave Jerusalem and tarry over there until they could receive the Spirit (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4). All stayed in one place with one accord for the incoming of the Holy Spirit. They waited eagerly and sought the anointing of the Holy Ghost from the heavenly places (Ezekiel 36:27, Joel 2:28, John 14:17). The Holy Spirit descended upon the seeker of the Holy Spirit. They had filled with violent wind and rested upon them as tongues of fire (Matthew 3:11, Luke 11:13). It had happened on the day of the Pentecost. We can remember the promises of Jesus Christ about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, 16:7).
Acts 2: 4-12 Speakers of the Holy Spirit:
Those disciples who were filled by the Holy Spirit began to utter prophecies to the crowd. They probably spoke in other tongues about the promises of God, birth, and deeds of Jesus Christ. They preached the Gospel of Salvation by citing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven, notably, more than 15 countries were watching and listening to their utterances. They were amazed, perplexed, and wondered what was happening. They were inquiring about the meaning of this sudden incident on the day of Pentecost. We have many examples in the Old Testament about the Holy Spirit descending upon the saints and how they spoke prophecy (Numbers 11:25, Numbers 24:2, Judges 3:10, 6:34, 14:6, 1 Samuel 10:10, 1 Samuel 16:13, Luke 2:25).
Acts 2: 13 Mockers of the Holy Spirit
We have seen earlier the earnest seekers of the Holy Spirit, enthusiastic speakers of the Holy Spirit. They spoke about and with the Holy Spirit. Now we see a third group of people in Jerusalem who were mockers of the Holy Spirit. Every generation has this complicated group. They are within the Church and outside the Church. It’s very plain to understand that anyone speaks against the Holy Spirit is not of God. They grieve the Spirit (Isaiah 63:10), Sin against the Spirit will not be forgiven, it will be an eternal sin (Matthew 12:31, Mark 3:29). So do not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Do not put away the fire given by the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Spirit of the Lord may depart from the Sinning souls (1 Samuel 16;14, Psalm 51:11).
Discussion:
1. Discuss the Key words as noted by the members.
2. Discuss on the day of Pentecost for the Jews.
3. Discuss the above three kinds of people: Seekers, Speakers, and Mockers of the Holy Spirit.
4. What is your take away today?
(Dear readers kindly refer the series for further study...)
