In 2023, the end of May includes the celebration of Pentecost, which occurs on the fifty days after Easter.  According to the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit of God empowered the disciples of Jesus to spread His message all over the world.  Jesus predicted on the day he ascended into heaven that they would receive this power, and instructed them to wait in Jerusalem until they received it.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us in Acts 1:8, “You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.”  In Acts 1:4, Jesus specifically instructed them to wait in Jerusalem until they received this power, which He called “the promise of the Father’”.

        Following the Resurrection of Jesus and His ascension, the disciples were regularly threatened by the Jewish religious authorities, who told them not to teach or preach in the name of Jesus.  These authorities considered Jesus to be a false teacher who threatened their power and their authority over the common Jewish people of the day.  They had succeeded in having Him crucified for violating their religious beliefs and practices.  The disciples stayed out of sight and met behind closed doors for fear that they might suffer the same fate as Jesus.

        On the Day of Pentecost, they were meeting behind closed doors, and the Scriptures report that they were “all with one accord in one place”, and that they were praying and fasting for the fulfillment of the promise of God which Jesus had mentioned to them on the day of His ascension.  The Holy Spirit of God was the fulfillment of that promise, and the power of the Holy Spirit changed their lives forever.  On that very day, the apostle Peter had the opportunity to preach a powerful sermon, which resulted in about 3,000 people being converted to the Christian faith.  They were baptized and from that day forward began to receive the teaching of the apostles and join in their fellowship, sharing of meals, in prayers and giving of praise to the Lord.

        The religious authorities continued to threaten the disciples, but they offered a special prayer to God, not asking for the threats to stop, but for the boldness to speak the Word of God in spite of the threats.  Once again, the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them to enable them to speak the Word of God with boldness.  With great power they gave witness of the resurrection and great grace was upon them all, and may all believers do the same.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.