Reading: Acts 1 and 2

Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Turning to Acts today, Luke first connects this second volume to his first: the Gospel of Luke. The story then continues as the risen Jesus appears and teaches for 40 days. His time culminates with the giving of the disciples’ mission: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The new community of faith will take Jesus’ message to the world. Jesus ascends to heaven and two angels tell his followers that Jesus will return in the same way (one day.)

The 11 apostles return to Jerusalem and devote themselves to prayer. Peter then addresses the group of about 120 about replacing Judas. Twelve are necessary for their eternal assignment of judging the tribes of Israel. Two men are nominated. Both Justus and Matthias have been with them since the beginning and both men witnessed the resurrection. After prayer, Matthias is chosen by lottery.

On the day of Pentecost a mighty wind fills the place where they are gathered. What looks like flames alight on each believer, empowering them to speak the good news in many languages. All of this draws an international crowd. Peter rises and speaks to both the amazed and the skeptical, offering scriptural teaching about this moment. Many are troubled and are moved to ask, “Brothers, what should we do?” Echoing the words of both John the Baptist and Jesus, Peter says, “Change your hearts and lives” by being baptized, repenting of your sins, and by receiving the Holy Spirit. About 3,000 accept the invitation as God brings them into the community of faith.

Our reading closes by describing this new community of faith. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to living as a community, to sharing what they had, and to prayer. This is a snapshot of what the church of Jesus Christ is supposed to be. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your Spirit upon us – both as individuals and as faith communities. Fill us with your love and grace, with your power and presence, with your uniting spirit, and with your generous heart. Change our hearts and lives, using us to witness to others so that they too may change hearts and lives, coming to a saving faith in Jesus. Amen.