Prior to Pentecost, the followers of Christ numbered one-hundred-twenty (Acts 1:15). Now, their membership had exploded with an additional three thousand baptized believers (Acts 2:41).
Although Jesus wasn’t physically present as He had been for three years, He kept His promise. He sent the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Counselor, Spirit of Truth. “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth… he remains with you and will be in you” (John 14:16–17). Every believer was indwelt with and empowered by the Living Spirit of Christ!
Jesus kept another promise. “I will build my church!” (Matthew 16:18). The Church was born! He used Peter and the others to give leadership to His growing and going congregation.
Every man, woman, and child “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). Whether they were meeting in the temple courtyard or in homes, the newly converted Christians were hungry to hear the stories about Jesus. Every morning, every afternoon, every evening the Apostles were talking and teaching, assuring their brothers and sisters that Jesus was the One and Only Savior worthy of worship and praise.
As they met together, they consistently and constantly were praying, fellowshipping, and sharing meals. Love grew! The church grew! God was glorified!
To affirm and endorse the Apostles ministry, God demonstrated His unequalled power and grace. “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles” (Acts 2:43). Sick people were healed. Blind people saw. Broken people walked. Little was made much and much was made little.
“Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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