Doug Van Pelt

Speaking in Tongues

In Acts chapter 2 we read of a very mysterious and unusual event. The followers of Jesus were continuing to meet together, as Jesus had instructed them to wait in Jerusalem, "for in a few days you'll be baptized with the Holy Spirit." A sound like a mighty wind came and what seemed like tongues of fire separated and came to rest on each of them.

"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

What's really cool about this event (besides the fact that it was promised by Jesus before it happened and the fact that God was filling people with His Spirit) was that the focus still remained on Jesus and seeing people forgiven and saved. Some were perplexed at what was happening and Peter stood up and explained what was going on, citing Old Testament Scripture to describe God's people being filled with the Spirit. And then he turned his talk into a direct message about Jesus. About 3,000 people were added to their number that day.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Every day God was adding to their number. These people were getting past themselves and fellowshipping in love and unity of the Spirit. It would do us well, with all of our knowledge (and teaching tapes and books and Bible study aids) to make sure we're doing the basic things that the book of Acts describes.

Posted by Doug Van Pelt at November 16, 2005 09:10 AM