The Promised Spirit and the Birth of the Church - Acts 2:1-13

In the first chapter of the book of Acts, we read of Jesus’ promise to the apostles that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit. Here, as we begin the second chapter of Acts, we see this glorious promise come to pass. On Sunday, Pastor Michael preached on Acts 2:1-13, showing us that the church is the new covenant people of God entrusted with the mission of God.

In this passage, we read about the coming of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, when the disciples were gathered together, a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind flooded the place in which they were. The disciples saw what appeared to be tongues of fire settle on each one of them. Just as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit indwelt the disciples and filled them with power. They began to speak in various human languages previously unknown to them as the Holy Spirit empowered them.

With all this occurring on the day of Pentecost, Jews from all over the world were gathered together in the area. The multitude heard the sound and came to behold what was taking place. To their amazement, they heard the disciples proclaiming God’s mighty works in their own languages. The people’s responses to this miracle were mixed; all were amazed and perplexed, but some mocked.

As Michael pointed out, this passage shows us that the church is the work of God. It was not by mankind’s effort or willpower that salvation was accomplished and promises of the new covenant were fulfilled. Salvation is entirely God’s doing. The church — the new covenant people of God — are saved through faith in Christ, who died and rose from the dead. The church is born of the Holy Spirit. While the event that took place that day of Pentecost was unique, all Christians today are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

This is in fulfillment of a new covenant promise spoken of in Ezekiel 36:26-28, which reads (ESV),

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

All Christians throughout the world today — Jew and Gentile alike — have been born again by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has indwelt them, and they have been given new life and granted repentance. They have also been given a mission.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples spoke in various languages of the mighty works of God. The church is called to make disciples and to share the gospel. When we share the gospel, we can expect to meet both resistance and receptiveness. Some mock, while others repent and believe. The Lord alone grants salvation, and He has chosen to use His church to reach the nations with the gospel and call people to repentance. Let’s be faithful to obey this great mission.

Resources:

Reflection Questions:

  • What are some of the blessings of the new covenant?

  • Why is it important to recognize that the Holy Spirit indwells all believers today?

  • How can you grow in sharing the gospel?

Delight in the WordJohn Giulianichurch in saline, church near me, church in ypsilanti, churches in ann arbor, church, church plant, churches near me, church plants near me, churches in ypsilanti, church in ann arbor, Church Plant, churches in saline, local church, new church, great commission baptist churches, great commission baptist church, great commission baptist church near me, great commission baptist churches near me, baptist churches near me, baptist churches, Treasuring Christ Church, treasuring Christ church, southern baptist church, southern baptist churches near me