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Pentecost

In: Religion Topics

Submitted By sm80
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Introduction

Pentecost was a day that changed Christianity. This event was the first time that the Holy Spirit came down to indwell believers. Luke’s description of this event in Acts 2 has created many issues that need to be addressed in order to have a complete understanding of the event and other surrounding issues. In the modern church, Pentecost is often overshadowed by holidays celebrating the birth of Christ or His death and resurrection. This is unfortunate, because while these days have great significance to the Christian, Pentecost is just as important of an event to the church. Luke’s presentation of the events of Pentecost in Acts 2 will be described. Attempts will be made to resolve several contextual issues in this chapter of Acts including the location of the house where the disciples were when the Holy Spirit descended, the meaning of baptism, and the value of Peter’s sermon regarding baptism and salvation. The meaning of phrases such as “sound like a violent wind” and “tongues of fire” will be explained. Expositional work will be written based on each passage in Acts 2 regarding the descent of the Holy Spirit in order to help further resolve contextual issues found in this chapter. The day of Pentecost described in Acts has changed how Christians are able to relate to God and interact with Him through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Before we can delve into the meat of Acts 2, we must look at the first chapter of Acts where Jesus told his disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5 says, “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Jesus’ command the disciples obeying it sets the stage

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