GETTING STARTED
Some say dandelions are flowers while others call them a weed. But what all can agree on is the nature with which they spread. If you mow over a few in your yard, chances are you will see them tenfold in your lawn in just a few days. Taking one out just causes it to multiply all the more. So it is with the gospel. Even as the life of Christ was taken on a cross and he ascended to heaven, his gospel was set to explode through the power of the Holy Spirit. Join us today as we continue reading the account of this incredibly unique time in redemptive history.
- God chose to begin his church in a distinctive way. If it had been solely up to the disciples, how do you think they might have chosen to do it?
- How do the ways of God often differ from the plans of men and women?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 2:1-13 (ESV)
2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
(Note: Today’s questions cover 2:5-13. Verses 2:1-4 were covered previously.)
- Name some of the many nationalities that were living in Jerusalem.
- Though they came from many places, what was the tie that bound these different peoples(vs. 5)?
- What did God do to ensure these devout Jews heard the gospel? What does this tell you about the heart of God?
- What kinds of reaction did the crowds have as they heard about the mighty works of God? How do these mirror responses to the gospel today?
- Though the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, not all are empowered and directed by him. Are you relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to serve as God has called you? If not, confess your sins, yield your will to his, and ask God to empower and direct you with his Spirit.
RESPOND TO GOD
Jesus outlined his plan of outreach in Acts 1:8: first to those in Jerusalem, then to those in Judea and Samaria, and finally, to the world. Early in the book of Acts, we see a new chapter in redemptive history unfolding. God will do what it takes to spread the gospel and build his church, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. From age to age, God’s heart and purposes remain the same. As he sent out the Holy Spirit to empower believers to spread the gospel and start the church, so he continues to empower and equip believers in these same tasks today.
- Praise God for the power of his Spirit and his mighty ways.
- Pray for the gospel to go out in power where you live through Spirit-filled and Spirit-led believers, starting with yourself.
