Holy Spirit pt. 6

Acts 2:1-13

15. When did the Holy Spirit arrive? Day of Pentecost. The word Pentecost in Greek means “fiftieth.” It refers to a Jewish spring festival (Feast of Weeks – Deuteronomy 16:9-12) celebrated fifty days after the beginning of the autumn grain harvest. Pentecost was the last day of grain harvest (late May, early June.) On Pentecost, all Jewish males were required to come to the temple in Jerusalem to give a freewill offering “in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you” followed by community celebrations. Pentecost is comparable to our Thanksgiving. Remember, all Jewish males from wherever they called home in the world were requires to attend.

16. How did the Holy Spirit make known His arrival? A) a noise like a violent rushing wind. Remember the Greek word for Spirit? Pneuma – associated with a movement of air like breath or the wind which can be felt but not seen. B) tongues as of fire that separated themselves and rested on the heads of the believers gathered in the upper room. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit appearing as tongues of fire? a) Tongue in the Greek is glossa – 1) a member of the body used for speech; 2) a language or dialect. b) Fire represents cleansing. Burning away of impurities. The hearts of the believers were being refined/purified by fire to be an abode/house for the “Holy” Spirit of God.

17. After they were filled with the Holy Spirit, what did the followers of Jesus begin to do? Speaking other languages.

18. Who were in Jerusalem at the time? Devout Jews from every nation – Jews and Gentiles who converted to Judaism (see verses 9-11) Why were they there? To celebrate Pentecost ( see question 15) What was their reaction to the followers of Jesus speaking in other languages? Most were amazed. Others mocked. Accused the followers of Jesus of being drunk.

19. Who refuted the accusations of the mockers (vs. 14)? Peter. Read Acts 2:14-41 this week. Verses 16-21 – Peter declares that what was happening was a fulfillment of a prophecy made by Joel. Verses 17-36 – Preached the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pointed finger at Jews for putting Jesus to death but also offered them repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Result – In one day, 3000 souls became followers of Jesus.