The Power Of Pentecost

by HYLAND, D. T. | Category: General | Dec 1979

In the ministry of John the Baptist there were references to an outpouring of the Spirit of God which would be without parallel in human experience. John baptized in water, but the Messiah, whose coming he heralded, would baptize "with (in, RVM) the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Luke 3:16). In Jerusalem on the final day of the feast of tabernacles, "Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water". The apostle John's inspired comment is, "This spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified" (John 7:37-39). The sufferings of Christ which would culminate in "the death of the cross" would be followed by His resurrection and ascension. Then the gift of the Holy Spirit would be bestowed. It has been well said that Pentecost is the complement of Calvary.

Towards the close of the Lord's public ministry, His references to the outpouring of the Spirit became more numerous and detailed. On the eve of the betrayal the Lord's immediate concern was for the disciples. He was about to leave. After assuring them of His personal return, He promised, "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may be with you for ever" (John 14:16). In the strength of the Spirit's power the "greater works" of which the Lord spoke to His apostles would be accomplished. The Spirit of the living God would supply the dynamic for witness and service, and guide those who were to take part in the completion of the canon of Scripture. The ultimate effect would be worldwide. The universal scope of the Spirit's mission is apparent, "He, when He is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement" (John 16:8).

The effusion of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is vitally connected with the intention of the Lord declared at Caesarea Philippi, "Upon this rock I will build My church". This church is the redeemed company later designated by Paul "The Church which is His (Christ's) Body" (Eph. 1:22,23). Revelation subsequent to the Lord's statement at Caesarea Philippi makes it clear that the sending forth of the Spirit at Pentecost was essential to the commencement of the building of that church.

During the forty days following the Lord's resurrection, He appeared intermittently to the apostles, and discussed, with them "the things concerning the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). The apostles, being Jewish national in outlook, were hoping for the immediate restoration of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). That the Old Testament prophets portray a place for a restored Israel in a future kingdom of God is beyond question, and the apostles will have a prominent place in that coming kingdom. But, in a tragic act of unbelief, Israel had rejected the Messiah. The consequent judgement had already been pronounced by the Lord, "The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof" (Matt. 21:43). The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost would initiate a new phase of the kingdom of God. It is God's will that members of the Church the Body should fully own the Lordship of Christ and be together for witness and service in churches of God. In this divinely ordered unity there would be an expression of the kingdom of God.

Truth concerning the Church which is Christ's body should be distinguished from truth relative to the kingdom of God. The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost was essential to the commencement and accomplishment of both these divine objectives in the present dispensation.

The Lord's purpose was that Jerusalem should be the centre from which the gospel would be carried. His parting injunction to His disciples directed them to remain in the city until the unction came, and then to go out and witness in the Spirit's power. This testimony would spread from Jerusalem to surrounding areas. Ultimately the message would be carried to earth's remotest bound.

After the Lord's ascension the apostles returned to the upper room in Jerusalem. There they waited with others who in obedience to the Lord's words identified themselves with the expectant company, in all numbering about 120. On the day of Pentecost they were together, waiting upon God in prayer. As they prayed they felt their inadequacy for the great task before them and longed for the strengthening which the Spirit's indwelling would bring. The outpouring of the Spirit was accompanied by visible and audible signs. The "sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind" symbolized the Spirit's mighty unseen power. The cloven tongues "like as of fire" may represent the apostles' supernatural endowment with ability to praise God. Not only did they receive the Spirit, they were also "filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4). While the reception and the filling of the Spirit synchronized on this special occasion, these terms do not describe identical experiences.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter and the apostles, freed from the limits of their Galilean dialect, spoke powerfully of "the mighty works of God". Visitors to Jerusalem were amazed that, through the exercise of the miraculous gift of tongues, each heard these tributes of praise in his vernacular. Devout Hebrews from every land to which they had been dispersed were in Jerusalem for the festival and witnessed these unusual happenings.

The courage and zeal of the apostles were impressive. They had forsaken the Lord in the hour of His greatest need, but now they were transformed men. No longer did they isolate themselves behind closed doors "for fear of the Jews". They went out and preached fearlessly in the most public places. The Holy Spirit had endued them with power from on high.

Peter grasped the opportunity for a systematic presentation of the gospel, telling his mystified hearers that what was taking place was spoken of by Joel the prophet (Acts 2:16-21). Peter then directed the attention of his hearers to Jesus of Nazareth and insisted that the miracles He performed were conclusive evidence of divine approval. He pointed out that although they had crucified their Messiah all that took place was within "the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God". The vital truth of the bodily resurrection of Christ was next emphasized. The apostle could testify to having seen the Lord in His resurrection body. Peter quoted several Old Testament passages and skilfully applied many Messianic prophecies. Finally the audience were exhorted to repentance and faith.

This powerful address made a profound impact on many hearers. With

awakened consciences and in deep contrition they called out, "What shall we do?". The straightforward answer was, "Repent... and be baptized... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). The result was the addition of about 3,000 new converts to the 120 already gathered together. The events of the day of Pentecost were unique. The requirement of immersion in water before the reception of the Spirit is not representative of normal experience in this dispensation. The circumstances in which the Spirit was first bestowed upon the Samaritans were also special (Acts 8:14-18). A consideration of the narrative in Acts subsequent to chapter 8, and a study of apostolic teaching in the Epistles, will indicate that the Spirit is now received immediately on believing. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is clearly linked with membership of the Church the Body of Christ, "For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one Body" (1 Cor. 12:13). This now takes place at conversion (see Acts 10:4448; 11:16,17). Towards the close of his message Peter made the important announcement that the promise of the indwelling Spirit was not only to his audience and their offspring, but also "to all that are afar off" (Acts 2:39). Ultimately, men of all nations could share this blessing through faith in Christ. The distribution of the Spirit was according to the principle "to the Jew first and also to the Greek".

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a unique event. There is no guidance in Scripture to encourage believers to pray for a "second Pentecost". * There will, however, be a further fulfilment of Joel's prophecy, including a manifestation of the Spirit of God "before the great and terrible day of the Lord come". Then the physical phenomena which the prophet described will be produced (Joel 2:28-32).

*For a fuller treatment of the subject the booklet 'The Holy Spirit and the Believer' by G. Prasher, is available from the Needed Truth Publishing Office.

HYLAND, D. T. | Dec 1979
General