The Day of Pentecost

Acts Chapter 2 is one of the great battlegrounds for controversy in Christianity today. Two great heresies have been propagated in the 20th Century from this chapter. 1. First of all, you are not saved or sanctified until you have the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. 2. Secondly, the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is speaking with unknown (other) tongues. Note: Remember the Feast of Pentecost was one of seven Jewish feasts.

Consider: 1. First of all, there has not been another Pentecost in history where the happenings of Acts Chapter Two are duplicated. 2. There were no Christians present until Acts 11:26 calls them such in Antioch of Syria. Every person here in Acts 2, whether Jew or Gentile, were converts or proselytes to Judaism in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. 3. No one was praying for the gift of tongues or the baptism of the Holy Spirit before or after Pentecost.

4. Only the 12, and not the entire 120, were “filled with the Holy Spirit" and given the ability to “speak with other tongues” (v.4). 5. The 12 were not at the prayer altar trying to pray through under the guidance of some misled spiritual leader. They were “sitting” in a “house” (Acts 2:2). 6. The “tongues” (languages) in which the 12 spoke were listed and understood (vs.8-11). There was no “unknown heavenly language” spoken here. 7. No one received the baptism of fire, but rather, “LIKE as of fire” (v.3).

Note: It was in John 20 that Jesus Christ inaugurated a dispensation where men are baptized into an organic body, the Church  

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Note: It was in John 20 that Jesus Christ inaugurated a dispensation where men are baptized into an organic body, the Church   Note: They were all in one accord.

Note: Throughout the Bible the evidence of the appearance of the Holy Spirit/Ghost would often be manifested by a sound like a strong wind.  

Joh 3:5-8 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Note: In this one time instance, the Apostles appeared to have cloven tongues like as a fire sit upon them. This has never again been witnessed or seen

Note: The disciples here are Filled with the Holy Ghost not Baptized with the Holy Ghost. There is a very significant difference between the two that must be understood.

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

 Purpose for tongues? 1 To lift the temporary curse of Babel 2 To tell all men from all languages about the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Note: The significance of the word Jew in the text (v 5, 14, 22, 29, 36.) The Jews require a sign so the sole purpose of the special events that take place here on the Day of Pentecost was to once again manifest Jesus to the Jews.  

Note: Heard them speak in his own identifiable Language. Note: 16 nations are represented here which pretty much encompassed the realm of the Roman Empire.

Note: Many of these people were Gentile Proselytes to Judaism. Note: The middle wall of partition was being broken down

Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Note: It was an early hint of the future revealing of the mystery “body of Christ” which has yet to be revealed.

Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Note: This is a sarcastic statement as these critics knew these men were not drunkards. It does not give evidence to the fact that New Wine is an alcoholic beverage.