BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

After Jesus is enthroned in heaven, Luke tells us that the disciples are together on the day of Pentecost. This is an ancient Israelite annual festival, where thousands of Jewish pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate. During the occasion, Jesus’ disciples were praying when suddenly the sound of a rushing wind filled the room and they saw a blaze of fire hovering over everyone’s heads. What is this strange imagery all about? 

Here, Luke is tapping into a repeated Old Testament theme where God’s presence also appears as fire. For example, when God made a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, his presence blazed on top of the mount (Exodus 19:17-18). And again, God’s presence appeared as a pillar of fire when he filled the tabernacle to live among Israel (Number 9:15). So when Luke describes fire visiting God’s people, we are supposed to recognize the pattern. Only this time, the fire disperses into many flames on top of many people, instead of appearing in a single pillar on top of a mountain or a building. This communicates something remarkable. The disciples are becoming new mobile temples where God can dwell and share his good news. 

God’s presence is no longer limited to a singular place. It can now reside within humans who rely on Jesus. Luke tells us that as soon as Jesus’ followers received the fire of God, they began to speak the good news about Jesus’ Kingdom in languages they did not know before. The Jewish pilgrims are baffled that they can understand them perfectly. God has still not given up on his plan to partner with Israel to bless all nations. And at just the right time, on Pentecost, the day when representatives from all the tribes of Israel return to Jerusalem, he sends his Spirit to announce the good news of Israel’s King, the crucified and risen Jesus. Thousands heard this message in their own native tongue and began to follow Jesus that very day.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• As you read Acts 2, what words or phrases caught your attention most?
• Consider again John the Baptizer’s words (see Luke 3:16-18) and remember that the biblical authors often use chaff as an analogy for sin. Reflect on the cleansing purpose of fire as the disciples receive God’s Spirit. What do you notice?
• Compare the fire of God in Exodus 19:17-18, Numbers 9:15, and Acts 2:1-4. What do you notice?
• Compare Joel 2:28-29 with Acts 2:38-39 and notice how the word “all” is used in these passages. No one is excluded in the invitation, but how do “all” receive it?
• Turn your reading and reflections into a prayer. Talk to God about any details from your reading that inspired amazement, and ask for his Holy Spirit to help you understand the truth about Jesus and his Kingdom.