Devoted to the Apostles' Teaching
The early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching. These new believers made it a priority to be a learning community, and it is also vital for each of us to ponder and pray through scripture with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The prayer of Jesus for future believers was, "Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth." (John 17:17 ESV).
What Shall We Do
Peter's message in Acts 2 caused many of the listeners to experience deep conviction, so they asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Repentance is utterly necessary, full forgiveness of sins is promised, and the message of salvation is urgent. Let us respond in faith and true repentance. We will no longer be separated from God, and the Holy Spirit will empower us to live for Christ.
Christ is Indeed Risen from the Dead
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the keystone of our faith. We can be certain of the resurrection based on the fulfilment of prophecy, the testimony of many eye witnesses, and the transformation of believers’ lives. The resurrection proves the veracity and unity of the Scriptures. It authenticates the deity of Christ, makes our salvation possible, and promises future hope.
The Spirit-Empowered Message
Peter’s message in Acts 2 focuses on “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Jesus, a man of humble beginnings, made like us yet without sin. Jesus, whose mighty works and miracles established His divine identity and authority. Jesus, crucified according to the plan of God, taking the penalty for our sin. Jesus, raised up from the dead and ready to bring salvation to all who repent and call upon Him.
What Peter Knew And Said
Peter, who just 50 days earlier had fervently denied Christ, is now preaching with boldness by the mercy of Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. His sermon (Acts 2:14-21) explains from the prophet Joel that the last days had arrived, the promised gift of the Spirit had been poured out, and the world's savior had been identified. Let us ask the Father for more indwelling of the Spirit in order to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel to whole world.
Be Filled with the Spirit
On the day of Pentecost all the gathered believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for bold proclamation of the good new of Jesus. Boldness is not rudeness. It is courage mixed with compassion. Let us obey the directive of Christ in Luke 11:13 to ask the Father for the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit-Filled Church
The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost created a Spirit-filled church that was devoted to unerring truth, sacrificial fellowship, corporate worship, and compassionate witness. The presence, power, and fullness of the Holy Spirit empowered the early church believers creating a zeal and commitment that we may share as we allow the Spirit to work in our lives.
Praying for Power
We are as safe as God is powerful. Paul's prayer (Ephesians 1:18-23) echoes the promises given in 1Peter 1:3-5. Our living hope and our inheritance in the saints are secure through the immeasurable, great power of God.
Praying for Our Inheritance
In Ephesians 1:17-18 Paul continues his prayer for believers by asking God to give them knowledge of the "riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." The meaning of this is twofold: 1) We are God's beloved and valued inheritance (Malachi 3:16-17). 2) God bestows upon us the inheritance of Himself and of His many promises (Matthew 25:34, John 14:1-3, and other verses). Let Paul's prayer shape our prayers, and let it reorient our lives to serve Him in joy and holiness.
Knowing God Better
Our greatest need and privilege is to know God (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Paul prays for the believers, asking the Father of glory to give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. This knowledge is more than knowing facts or even understanding deep doctrinal truths. It is a relationship with the true, living God, growing in close fellowship with Him as the Holy Spirit gives us insight through the Scriptures.