The Book of Acts (Part 2)

The significance of Acts 1:8 is that at this time, those that have been waiting for the Holy Spirit will finally get the indwelling as promised by Jesus. With this indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers will be able to do all that Jesus commands, even when it seems humanly impossible. In addition, the last verbiage between Jesus and His disciples gave a glimpse into how much travel will be required to accomplish their tasks. When Jesus said, " -- and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" He shows us throughout the book of Acts that this is being fulfilled; even today the work goes on.

As we read later in Acts chapter two, the Scripture of Acts 1:8 was fulfilled, and the people could speak in other languages foreign to them, and through this, three thousand precious souls were saved that very day.

The languages spoken that day still puzzle people, and some even believe that the language spoken was some sort of heavenly language. The Bible clearly states in Acts 2:6 that those who were there heard their own language , not some heavenly language. Bock mentions that the phrase, "en he egennethemen, which means, 'in which we were born,' underscores the fact that with an native language is meant." Acts 2:9-11 states the languages spoken:

9. Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10. Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11. Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

In this particular instance, we see 18 languages represented. When Jesus said they would have power, He meant it! They through the power of the Holy Spirit did many wonders and miracles.

Sometimes it is difficult to picture this time past because the Holy Spirit's work has been hindered so much and His Spirit has been quenched to the point where it seems nothing more can be done. I believe it is time for Christians to wake up and get done what we have been given to do. So many people have been caught up in recent events and just like the Apostles; they are consumed with the return of Christ. What we need to be consumed with is souls dying and going to hell, and it is up to us through the Holy Spirit to bring them into the Kingdom of God before it is too late. Time and prophesy will take care of itself; we need a daily dose of Acts 1:7,8 to remind us of what is important to Jesus and that is reaching the lost with His Gospel.

Bibliography

Bock, Darrell L. Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 102.

Loveday Alexander, Acts: A Guide for Reflection and Prayer (Daily Bible Commentary) , 2nd ed. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007), 24.

The Holy Bible; King James Version.