Bible Pathways 11/9/2000
November 9
Acts 1 -- 3
The Feast of Unleavened Bread portrayed the sinless Savior and was celebrated in conjunction with the Passover. The lamb without blemish also portrayed the perfect Lamb of God. The Passover commemorated the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and illustrated the believer who is freed from sin to walk by faith.
The next feast was 50 days later on the Day of Pentecost. On that day, being filled with the Holy Spirit and quoting the Old Testament Scriptures (Joel 2:28-32; Psalms 16:8-11; 41:9; 109:8), Peter boldly made it clear that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Then the crowd said to Peter: Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise (of the Holy Spirit) is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are far off (future generations of Jews and Gentiles), even as many as the Lord our God shall call. . . . Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2:37-39,41).
The offering to the Lord on Pentecost consisted of two loaves of leavened bread (Leviticus 23:17). Leaven is symbolic of sin and was required since only Jesus was sinless. These two loaves represented both Jewish and Gentile believers.
The two loaves of bread consisted of ground grain mixed with oil and leaven and baked in an oven. The separate identities of the grains were now consolidated into a oneness, symbolic of believers who had forsaken the world to lose their individual identities for Christ's sake. One of the two loaves offered on the Day of Pentecost represented the Jewish believers. Later, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit also came upon the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius and the symbolism was fulfilled again. While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision (the Jews) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-45).
It was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that changed these timid followers to become fearless and effective witnesses. They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the Word (8:4), and the critics of the Word said: They have turned the world upside down (17:6). We need to recognize the supreme authority of all the Word of God in our lives. And then the Holy Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth (John 16:13). Paul later wrote: There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile) . . . for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).
Cross References:
For Acts 1:20: See Psa. 69:25; 109:8. Acts 2:17-21: See Joel 2:28-32. Acts 2:25-28: See Psa. 16:8-11. Acts 2:34-35: See Psa. 110:1. Acts 3:22-23: See Deut. 18:15,18-19. Acts 3:25: See Gen. 12:3; 22:18.
Prayer:
Government Officials: Rep. Sherrod Brown (OH) and Sen. Bob Graham (FL) · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on KMXO-AM, Merkel, TX · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by L.C. Cavaletto · Country: Iraq (20 million) in southern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish · Fierce harassment of non-Muslims · 96% Muslim; 3% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you mercy and compassion for others (Jude 1:21-22).
Memory Verse for the Week:
James 1:22
