Have you ever been asked by an unbeliever: “What makes you so different?”
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| English: Ascension of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Jerusalem at Pentecost was filled with “Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.” Many of these undoubtedly were pilgrims, visitors from other lands who had come to Jerusalem for the feast, but some may have been people who had been raised in other places and had taken up residence in the city for religious or educational purposes. In any case, Luke is clear that all of them were Jews, some by birth and some by conversion. And they were “devout men,” a term used for those who obey God’s law faithfully and reverently.
These Jews were attracted by the “sound” of the wind or of the disciples’ speech in foreign tongues. They came together, and coming closer they were able to hear what the disciples were saying. This led first to confusion and then to amazement, for they could hear the disciples speaking in the languages of their homelands. Part of their incredulity had to do with the disciples being from Galilee, an area regarded by Jerusalem Jews as culturally backward and inhabited by uneducated people. Yet they could not deny what they were hearing: these Galileans somehow had mastered the native languages of lands to the east, in Asia Minor, in North Africa, and Rome. And in that multitude of tongues, the disciples were proclaiming “ ‘the wonderful works of God,’ ” presumably the wonders that they had witnessed in connection with the resurrection and ascension of Christ.
Two reactions are evident. Part of the crowd mocks the disciples, theorizing that they are “ ‘full of new wine.’ ” This theory at least recognizes that the disciples are under the influence of something powerful, something beyond themselves. But it fails to account for their ability to speak in other languages; drunkenness has never been known to impart any talents in tongues.
Others, however, are confused and ask, “ ‘Whatever could this mean?’ ” Thus, the coming of the Spirit not only prepares the disciples to work in God’s harvest field, it prepares a field for the harvest. A crowd is drawn together and witnesses the disciples under the Spirit’s influence. The Jews are greatly perplexed as to how such a thing could happen, and the disciples must give an answer.
There will be no breather for the newly endowed disciples; they have been given the power to be Jesus’ witnesses—and the opportunity, as well. Have you ever been asked by an unbeliever: “What makes you so different?” “Why are you so peaceful?” or “How can you be so kind and thoughtful?” Such questions will come as the Spirit works in you before the watching world. Thank God for His work in your life and ask Him to help you use these opportunities to share your faith.
Author: (2000). Tabletalk Magazine, January 2000: “Am I Really Free?”, 48.
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