The apostles enter Jerusalem once again. They remain there in obedience to Jesus' command. Then, at the Jewish Festival of Pentecost 33 CE, while about 120 of the disciples assemble in an upper room in Jerusalem, a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze suddenly fills the whole house. Tongues as if of fire become visible, and one sits upon each of those present, and the disciples all begin to speak in different languages. This is the outpouring of the holy spirit that Jesus had promised! This pouring out of holy spirit is evidence that Jesus has arrived back in heaven. These first Christians, are anointed with holy spirit. (Remember, Jesus at his baptism was anointed with holy spirit, when in a form of a dove, holy spirit rested upon him.)
Many people in Jerusalem hear the noise and they come to see what is happening. Some of the people are from other nations who have come for the Israelite feast of Pentecost. They hear the disciples speaking in their own languages about the wonderful things that God has done. The visitors recognize that the disciples are from Galilee and ask, "How is it, that they are able to speak in these different languages that belong to the countries where we come from?." -Acts 2:1-13
Peter now explains in this inspiring discourse, please read his faith strengthening answer to the people at: -Acts 2:14-47
Later, just before Stephen is stoned for his faithful witnessing, he is granted a vision, Stephen exclaims: "Look! I behold the heaven opened up and the Son of man standing at God's right hand."- Acts 7:55, 56.
While at God's right hand, Jesus awaits the command from his Father: "Go subduing in the midst of your enemies."-Ps 110:1, 2.
In the meantime, Jesus rules or reigns, over his anointed disciples, from heaven, guiding them in their preaching activity and preparing them to become, by resurrection, associate kings with him in his Father's Kingdom.
One example of Jesus' guidance and the preparation of those chosen, is the conversion of Saul, who is zealous for God's Law, yet is misguided by Jewish religious leaders. With Jesus' backing, Saul (known now as Paul) and other evangelizers have tremendous success in their work of preaching and teaching. -Acts 9:1-19; 16:6-10
Another example, after the passing of many more years, Jesus provides a series of visions to the apostle John. In this vision John says that "by means of inspiration," he was transported forward in time to "the Lord's day." What is this "day"? -Revelation 1:1, 10.
Since his ressurrection Jesus has been busy in the heavens building up this promised kingdom. Yes he truly is " the seed that was bruised in the heel" Next that seed will bruise the serpent in the head, a deadly blow! -Genesis 3:15.
In view of that, should we be concerned with the prophecy, Jesus the head of the Christian congregation, provided to the apostle John?
1 comment:
Many of these scriptures are familar to me, but some of the details I didn't recall.
Did you get the archetecture e mail I sent you?
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