4 Lessons from the Characters of Pentecost

We know that the Bible is the inspired Word given through the Holy Spirit to a human to record. In the case of Pentecost, along with much of the New Testament, Luke was the chosen vessel to record such astounding truths. From Luke's life, we can learn the importance of documentation with accuracy. As the Bible Project describes, "Luke, the author of Acts, is a historian, not a news reporter. He's telling us what happened by drafting a story that intentionally maps onto repeated Old Testament patterns and themes."

Although Luke was not present at the Pentecost, he was the one God used to describe what occurred that day. With this mindset, we are reminded that although we were not present at Pentecost, the Ascension of Christ, or any other biblical account, that does not limit us from receiving the experience in our spirits. Let us, like Luke, see all God has done and claim it as truth to live a changed life.

Peter, a disciple of Christ, led and offered leadership through Pentecost to all those who were present. It must have been quite mysterious, perplexing, and perhaps frightening, but Peter stood firm in the truth. It is evident through this event that Peter was indeed carrying out his Jesus-given name of Peter, meaning the rock of the Church, instead of his former name, Simon. In this circumstance, Simon meant "to hear," but Peter moved not only to hear but to stand as the rock of the early Church. As believers today, we can draw encouragement to live out our calling, in some cases the literal call of a new name, upon our lives from Jesus. We can also take every opportunity to speak the truth in situations. Peter did not downplay or lessen the experience that day to a coincidence, to delusion, or to drunkenness. He stood firm that God was doing a great work. He also affirms God's Word previously to them in referring to the promise given in Joel.

In Acts 2:14-16, Peter defines the truth of what had just occurred: "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: 'Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.'"

He continues in Acts 2:22-24 to offer the heart of God's plan through Christ, "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

Lastly, he offers a call to repentance in Acts 2:38-39, " Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

It is vital that we draw from these clear waters the refreshment and renewal that can only come from Christ. Peter did not run in fear of what was occurring at Pentecost. He discerned what was happening by God's Word and Spirit and concluded glory to the Lord from it. We may experience circumstances in our own lives that are peculiar or unknown. By seeking God's Spirit to define such events, we then have the option to experience the supernatural glory of God. We can also seek to make the most of such miracles to share the salvation found in Christ with others (Ephesians 5:16).

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From the start of the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1, we are told that the disciples were gathered in the "Upper Room."

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place." In Acts 1 it is explained that Judas, the one who betrayed Christ, was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:12-26). The disciples can inspire us to know that when we have walked with Christ (they did in the flesh and later in the Spirit, we do in the Spirit), we are to share with others the truth we have had the privilege and joy to know. Let us take a nod from them and not cover this precious gift of salvation under a shade. Let us share the good news with others.

It was not only the disciples present the day the great winds arose, and languages of many nations were uttered; there were other witnesses as well. Peter addresses the crowd and offers to them explanation of the miracle they were all witnessing. Many in attendance that day, we are told, came to repentance and baptism: "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." (Acts 2:41-41). The lesson to adopt from the crowd is the conviction not to delay repentance and to live a changed life. When we know what is right, we ought to do what is right, for there is no time like the present. It is vital that we do not put off walking in the right way. We do not know if this day will indeed be our last. More than anything, it is not walking with Christ out of fear of death but rather for the joy of living a life of fullness in Him.

Colossians 2:6 encourages us: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Just as many souls in the crowd that day chose not to waste another second on this earth living without Him, so we can decide this very day to do the same. Let us root, build, and truly live a life built in Christ.