LITMIR.BIZ

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      “After Jesus said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” In biblical imagery, this appears to be a symbol of divine glory (cf. Exod. 16:10). No less visible for that reason.

      The ascension thus provides an important addition to the gospel narrative. It may be likened to the return of a victorious military leader to the acclaim of the populace. After which, he is able to intercede on behalf of his followers.

      Accordingly, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:15–16). More expressly, Jesus promises to dispatch the Holy Spirit (cf. John 15:26).

      When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same lace. As a reminder that the role of discipleship eventuates in community. To experience life together. Available to others, and for their ministry in return.

      “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them” (Acts 2:2–3). Like and seemed to be suggest that his resembled but was not identical to natural occurrences.

      “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.” It is not clear whether all or some spoke in other tongues. The reference could be to ecstatic utterance, an actual language, or a combination of the two. Since some heard them speak in their language. It would seem to rule out the first of these options.

      Studies have shown that one may express sounds of a foreign language during times of ecstasy. Although not necessarily knowing its meaning. Which would provide a plausible solution. In any case, this appears to symbolize the reversal of the diffusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel. Thus a coming together for righteous purposes.

      So it was that Peter reminded those observing the event that the Lord had promised to pour out his Spirit on all people. “With many other words he warned them, and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” This constituted a remarkable response.

      “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” “This teaching was authoritative because it was the teaching of the Lord communicated through the apostles in the power of the Spirit. For believers of other generations the New Testament scriptures form the written deposit of the apostolic teaching.”32

      The apostolic fellowship found expression in a number of practical ways, such as the breaking of bread and prayer. As for the former, this may have included both a common meal and communion. As for the latter, both private and public prayer. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

      When approached by a crippled beggar, Peter responded: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). Taking him by his hand, the apostle helped him to his feet. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Prompting Peter again to share the good news.

      Not all were pleased with this turn of events. Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, which ordered them to desist from their labors. “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God,” they replied. “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19–20). After further threatening them, the authorities allowed them to take their leave.

      “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.” On a voluntary basis, as the need dictated.

      As their numbers were increasing, the Grecian Jews complained that their Hebraic counterpart was receiving preferred treatment in the distribution of food. So the Twelve observed: “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them, and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2–4). This suggestion was met with approval.

      Stephen was one of those chosen. When brought before the Sanhedrin to answer to charges brought against him, he gave a spirited defense. “You stiff-necked people!” he exclaimed. “You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute?” (Acts 7:51–52). When they heard this, they were furious. And when he reported seeing the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, they dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him. While they were doing so the martyr prayed: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And Saul was there, giving approval to his execution.

      Saul continued to threaten the disciples. He went to the high priest and asked authorization to bring any of those belonging to the Way in Damascus back to Jerusalem. But as he neared his destination, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, and he heard a voice saying: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). It was the voice of Jesus. Consequently, the aggressive persecutor of the Christian fellowship became its zealous advocate.

      Our attention is drawn back to Peter. There was at Caesarea a God-fearing Gentile named Cornelius, who was approached by an angel. Informed concerning the apostle, he sent a delegation to invite Peter to visit him.

      About noon the following day as the delegation was approaching their destination, Peter fell into a trance. In which he saw heaven opened and something resembling a large sheet being let down to earth. It contained all kind of creatures. Then he heard a voice saying, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat” (Acts 10:13). When protesting that he had never eaten anything unclean, the voice enjoined:Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

      So it was that when the delegation arrived, the apostle agreed to accompany them. As a result, he concluded: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” While still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on those assembled. Upon learning what had transpired, the believers in Judea “had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life’” (Acts 11:18).

      Now those who were scattered by the persecution concerning Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, sharing the good news with Jews. Some of them, however, began to include Greeks as well. When this was reported to the church at Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to investigate the matter. He was favorably impressed with the results, and went to Tarsus to enlist Saul in the ongoing efforts.

      It was about this time when Herod arrested some of the disciples. He put James, the brother of John, to death. When he saw this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter as well. So Peter was kept in prison, while the church continued to intercede on his behalf.

      Suddenly an angel appeared, urging the apostle accompany him out of the prison. Then, when they had made their escape, the angel left him. Leaving him to make his way to where certain of the disciples were met in prayer. When he could not be found, Herod had the guards executed. The ruler soon joined them in death. “But the word of God continued to increase and spread” (Acts 12:24).

      While the leaders of the church at Antioch were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit enjoined them: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2). So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them on their way. After considerable success, they returned.

      Some men had come down from Jerusalem to Antioch, and were insisting: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved: (Acts 15:1). Paul (Saul) and Barnabas took issue, and so a delegation was sent to Jerusalem to explore the matter. As a result, the council declared:

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