Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under Heaven. Acts 2:5 (Acts 1-2)
The Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke, give the history of the first 30 years of spreading the Good News and the work of the Church. The disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. The Feast of Pentecost, or The Feast of the First Fruits followed 50 days after Passover. It was a required celebration so Jerusalem was filled with Jews from all over the known world, each with his/her own native language. Peter began to preach Jesus as the Messiah and resurrected Savior. Miraculously, everyone begins hearing the message in a tongue they understood. Peter indicts the Jews for demanding and allowing Jesus to be crucified, but followed with the hope of forgiveness. Thousands repented of their sin and are baptized.
This event marks the beginning of the Church. There was an immediate sense of community for sharing and sustaining one another, The Body of Christ began to live life to its full.
Jesus knew the perfect moment in time and place to present a message that would go throughout the world. It is known that many of those who came to believe that day, returned to their homelands and waited years before the first missionaries came and helped them build congregations to teach and encourage. Yet, they persevered because their lives were transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and a message that was not bound by man’s language. Heaven’s Love, Mercy and Grace brought a new life’s order, hope worth waiting for and a faith that could endure for all time.
Never forget, YOU too, are the church. YOU are one of them!
Love,
Gretchen