Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
In the book of Acts, speaking in tongues was the ability to speak in foreign languages so that speakers could communicate with people who didn’t speak the same language.
In Acts 2:8 it, at first reading, seems as if the hearers were able to understand languages that they did not know.
Acts 2:8 “Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?”
If one interprets this as saying that each person heard each other person, then the gift would appear to be on the hearers, not the speakers. If one interprets it as saying that each person heard at least one other person speaking in his own language, then the gift is on the speakers, not the listeners.
This latter interpretation would seem correct when considered in the context of the remainder of the passage as illustrated by these two points. First of all, the fact that some people accused them as being drunk indicates that not everyone understood every other person. Some of the speaking must have sounded as gibberish, because it was a foreign language that the listeners did not understand. Secondly, spiritual gifts are given to believers, not unbelievers, so the gift was given to the speakers (Acts 1:4), not the unbelievers. There is no need for anyone to “speak in tongues” if the miracle is on the side of the listener. If that were the case, the believers could just speak naturally and the listeners could do the interpreting. It would be “hearing in tongues” instead of “speaking in tongues”.
In any case, the important thing to understand is that speaking in tongues in the book of Acts was the supernatural ability to speak in a language unknown to the speaker.
In today’s church there is much debate as to the sign gifts and particularly tongues. In Charismatic churches, the use of tongues is not usually a language that is known by any of the listeners as it was in the book of Acts. Instead, it is typically practiced as a private Spirit-led prayer language. Most non-charismatics do not believe that the use of tongues as practiced today is typically truly tongues, or necessarily even Spirit given.
Historically, the use of tongues faded away in the times of the early church, and were not a common practice in Christianity until around 1900.
The passage quoted in Acts 2 from Joel 2:28-32 adds even more intrigue to this issue.
Acts 2:17a “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
When the whole passage is read, it is obvious that the pouring out of the Spirit in Acts 2 was a partial fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel. Its complete fulfillment will be with the “coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.”
So, what we know for sure is that there was an outpouring of the Spirit in Acts that enabled the followers of Jesus to speak in unknown languages and to perform other miracles. There will also be an outpouring of the Spirit before the coming of the Lord. Whether or not the “tongues” that are practiced in today’s churches are part of this inevitable outpouring is open to debate.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Prayer and the Blessed Virgin Mary (Acts 1:14)
Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Prayer in today’s churches is often relegated to the few. It is certainly not the main event and often not a significant event at all. In stark contrast, the believers in the early church were constantly in prayer.
It should be noted that our lack of prayer is not simply a fault in our practice, but a symptom of our lack of faith. In the parable of the unrighteous judge Jesus gave a parable about a woman begging a judge for justice and he granted it to her just so she’d leave him alone. It is clearly a parable on prayer, but in the very end, he ties in a lack of prayer to a lack of faith.
Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up… “I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” NIV
A separate topic brought up in this verse is the issue of Jesus’ brothers. In Catholic tradition, it is believed that Mary did not have union with Joseph even after Jesus’ birth. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #499)
This may not seem doctrinally significant, but it does run contrary to Matthew 1:25, and may cast doubt on the legitimacy of normal marital relations.
Matthew 1:25a But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. NIV
James, Joseph, Simon and Judas (not Iscariot) are listed as being Jesus’ brothers in Matthew 13:55. Mark 6:3 also lists them as such and also mentions his sisters.
Mark 6:3 “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
In this context it would be a stretch to interpret the use of brothers and sisters as anything but siblings. In Acts 1:14 it also seems clear that “his brothers” refers to his siblings. His followers were referred to as “they” in the first part of the verse, so “his brothers” could not refer to them. In addition, using “his brothers” immediately after mentioning His mother Mary makes it clear that these are his biological kin.
Prayer in today’s churches is often relegated to the few. It is certainly not the main event and often not a significant event at all. In stark contrast, the believers in the early church were constantly in prayer.
It should be noted that our lack of prayer is not simply a fault in our practice, but a symptom of our lack of faith. In the parable of the unrighteous judge Jesus gave a parable about a woman begging a judge for justice and he granted it to her just so she’d leave him alone. It is clearly a parable on prayer, but in the very end, he ties in a lack of prayer to a lack of faith.
Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up… “I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” NIV
A separate topic brought up in this verse is the issue of Jesus’ brothers. In Catholic tradition, it is believed that Mary did not have union with Joseph even after Jesus’ birth. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #499)
This may not seem doctrinally significant, but it does run contrary to Matthew 1:25, and may cast doubt on the legitimacy of normal marital relations.
Matthew 1:25a But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. NIV
James, Joseph, Simon and Judas (not Iscariot) are listed as being Jesus’ brothers in Matthew 13:55. Mark 6:3 also lists them as such and also mentions his sisters.
Mark 6:3 “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
In this context it would be a stretch to interpret the use of brothers and sisters as anything but siblings. In Acts 1:14 it also seems clear that “his brothers” refers to his siblings. His followers were referred to as “they” in the first part of the verse, so “his brothers” could not refer to them. In addition, using “his brothers” immediately after mentioning His mother Mary makes it clear that these are his biological kin.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Ascension (Acts 1:11)
Acts 1:11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
The ascension must have been a spectacular sight. It would seem that watching Jesus float away into heaven would erase any doubt that any of His followers had and make instant converts of any skeptics. In fact, Jesus used this as proof to validate one of His most difficult teaching, that of eating His flesh and drinking His blood.
John 6:61-62 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!
Rather than focusing on the gravity of the event, the angels immediately focused Jesus’ followers’ thoughts to His return. Whether it was from this moment or from the teachings of Jesus, this emphasis was not lost on the disciples. They believed that Jesus’ return was imminent. In light of that, “momentary afflictions” (2 Cor. 4:17) were just that—momentary and passing.
It is also worth noting that His return will be similar to his ascension. Don’t let anyone trick you into thinking that Jesus has appeared in some remote place or has reincarnated as some public figure. When Jesus returns, it will be as obvious and spectacular as when He left.
Luke 17:23-24 [Jesus said,] “Men will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. 24For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.” NIV
The ascension must have been a spectacular sight. It would seem that watching Jesus float away into heaven would erase any doubt that any of His followers had and make instant converts of any skeptics. In fact, Jesus used this as proof to validate one of His most difficult teaching, that of eating His flesh and drinking His blood.
John 6:61-62 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!
Rather than focusing on the gravity of the event, the angels immediately focused Jesus’ followers’ thoughts to His return. Whether it was from this moment or from the teachings of Jesus, this emphasis was not lost on the disciples. They believed that Jesus’ return was imminent. In light of that, “momentary afflictions” (2 Cor. 4:17) were just that—momentary and passing.
It is also worth noting that His return will be similar to his ascension. Don’t let anyone trick you into thinking that Jesus has appeared in some remote place or has reincarnated as some public figure. When Jesus returns, it will be as obvious and spectacular as when He left.
Luke 17:23-24 [Jesus said,] “Men will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. 24For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.” NIV
Friday, June 24, 2011
Holy Spirit Power (Acts 1:8)
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples. To what end did He do this? Was it so they could build a big church? Was it so they could be prosperous and make a lot of money? Was it so they could have an easy life? Not at all! The Holy Spirit gave them the power to be witnesses: people who told others what they had seen and experienced.
John gives us a great example of what it means to be a witness.
1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched — this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Peter was an eyewitness:
2 Peter 1:16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Jesus also asked Paul to be a witness.
Acts 26:16 “Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.”
As followers of Christ we have also been given the mission being witness to what we have learned and experienced in following Jesus.
The Great Commission is given here in a slightly different form than he gave it after His resurrection or in Galilee. Jerusalem capital of Judea, and was the city they were in when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 2:5), Judea was the southern part of the Israelite nation, and Samaria was the middle part. So it would be somewhat analogous to saying, “You will be my witnesses in Denver, and in all Colorado and Wyoming, and to the ends of the earth.” In other words, they were to start where they were, spread the gospel out from there, and take it to the world.
In a similar way, the gospel should go out from us—starting where we are, going into our spheres of influence, and on into the world as we give our lives to spreading His message. It sounds improbable if not impossible, but that is exactly why the Spirit empowers us!
The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples. To what end did He do this? Was it so they could build a big church? Was it so they could be prosperous and make a lot of money? Was it so they could have an easy life? Not at all! The Holy Spirit gave them the power to be witnesses: people who told others what they had seen and experienced.
John gives us a great example of what it means to be a witness.
1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched — this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Peter was an eyewitness:
2 Peter 1:16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Jesus also asked Paul to be a witness.
Acts 26:16 “Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.”
As followers of Christ we have also been given the mission being witness to what we have learned and experienced in following Jesus.
The Great Commission is given here in a slightly different form than he gave it after His resurrection or in Galilee. Jerusalem capital of Judea, and was the city they were in when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 2:5), Judea was the southern part of the Israelite nation, and Samaria was the middle part. So it would be somewhat analogous to saying, “You will be my witnesses in Denver, and in all Colorado and Wyoming, and to the ends of the earth.” In other words, they were to start where they were, spread the gospel out from there, and take it to the world.
In a similar way, the gospel should go out from us—starting where we are, going into our spheres of influence, and on into the world as we give our lives to spreading His message. It sounds improbable if not impossible, but that is exactly why the Spirit empowers us!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Baptism of the Spirit (Acts 1:5)
Acts 1:5 “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Unfortunately, there is a huge rift between the charismatics and the non-charismatics. There are a number of doctrinal differences, but the primary question is whether or not the “sign gifts” such as tongues, prophecy, and healing are still active today. Charismatics believe they are, and non-charismatics believe that they were primarily signs or proofs given to the early church which are no longer needed or active today.
Hebrews 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. NIV
The question is not whether or not such gifts existed, but whether or not they are still active in the church today.
How bad is this rift? It’s so bad that some charismatics don’t think that non-charismatics are Spirit filled, and some non-charismatics feel a little uncomfortable even saying the words “Holy Spirit.”
Regardless of your position on the sign gifts, you must understand that the Holy Spirit is key to the life of a Christian. Amazing things happen in the book of Acts, and they start here, with the Spirit.
Unfortunately, there is a huge rift between the charismatics and the non-charismatics. There are a number of doctrinal differences, but the primary question is whether or not the “sign gifts” such as tongues, prophecy, and healing are still active today. Charismatics believe they are, and non-charismatics believe that they were primarily signs or proofs given to the early church which are no longer needed or active today.
Hebrews 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. NIV
The question is not whether or not such gifts existed, but whether or not they are still active in the church today.
How bad is this rift? It’s so bad that some charismatics don’t think that non-charismatics are Spirit filled, and some non-charismatics feel a little uncomfortable even saying the words “Holy Spirit.”
Regardless of your position on the sign gifts, you must understand that the Holy Spirit is key to the life of a Christian. Amazing things happen in the book of Acts, and they start here, with the Spirit.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Jesus’ Proofs (Acts 1:3)
Acts 1:3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Jesus’ appearance was not simply wishful thinking on the part of the disciples. On the contrary, Jesus gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. Some of these are recorded in the Bible. He appeared to them on at least ten different occasions (including multiple times right after his resurrection, on the road to Emmaus, in Galilee, and before His ascension). They watched Him eat (which is something that figments of your imagination don’t do) (Luke 24:43), He appeared to over 500 people at one time (one person may hallucinate, but 500 don’t do it simultaneously) (1 Corinthians 15:6), and they even touched His risen body (Matthew 28:9, John 20:27, Luke 24:39, 1 John 1:1). Presumably, He wanted to leave no doubt and gave other proofs as well.
During the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God. This is an expression that has fallen out of use in much of Christianity. Yet it is an expression that appears several times in Acts and was frequently used by Jesus. In fact, expressions related to the kingdom occur over 150 times in the New Testament. So what is the kingdom of God? It is not simply a reference to heaven, or eternal life, but it is any place that God reigns. It relates to eternity, but it also relates to how we, his beloved followers, live for Him and allow him to reign in our lives. If you think about kingdoms in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or in The Lord of the Rings, it may help you get a picture of what the kingdom is. As Christians, we are subjects of the true King. We follow Him, and will someday reign with Him!
2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. NIV
Jesus’ appearance was not simply wishful thinking on the part of the disciples. On the contrary, Jesus gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. Some of these are recorded in the Bible. He appeared to them on at least ten different occasions (including multiple times right after his resurrection, on the road to Emmaus, in Galilee, and before His ascension). They watched Him eat (which is something that figments of your imagination don’t do) (Luke 24:43), He appeared to over 500 people at one time (one person may hallucinate, but 500 don’t do it simultaneously) (1 Corinthians 15:6), and they even touched His risen body (Matthew 28:9, John 20:27, Luke 24:39, 1 John 1:1). Presumably, He wanted to leave no doubt and gave other proofs as well.
During the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God. This is an expression that has fallen out of use in much of Christianity. Yet it is an expression that appears several times in Acts and was frequently used by Jesus. In fact, expressions related to the kingdom occur over 150 times in the New Testament. So what is the kingdom of God? It is not simply a reference to heaven, or eternal life, but it is any place that God reigns. It relates to eternity, but it also relates to how we, his beloved followers, live for Him and allow him to reign in our lives. If you think about kingdoms in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or in The Lord of the Rings, it may help you get a picture of what the kingdom is. As Christians, we are subjects of the true King. We follow Him, and will someday reign with Him!
2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. NIV
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