090. Pentecost.

Pentecost.

Acts 2:1;Acts 2:42.

“Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence,” said Jesus to his disciples, as he stood on the mount of Olives, ready to ascend; at the same time, directing them to tarry in Jerusalem till this “promise of the Father” should be fulfilled. Ten days after, on the occurrence of the Pentecost, or fifty days from the Passover, the promised blessing was bestowed. At this time, the Jews, in great numbers, were wont to be present, from all countries in which they resided, to join in the annual festivals which were celebrated. And the opinion advanced by commentators is reasonable, that this time was selected by Infinite Wisdom for the great effusion of the Spirit, that the tidings of salvation might the more speedily be conveyed to distant countries by means of the strangers who were assembled at the national feasts. On the morning of this day, the apostles, and, perhaps, other disciples,[1] were, with one accord, in one place. No intimation is expressed, that their expectations of the fulfillment of the promise, on this day, had been specially excited.

[1] “They were all, with one accord, in one place.”Prof. Dick, contrary to the commonly received opinion, thinks that the apostles only are meant, because the promise, which was now performed, and which resulted in the gift of tongues, was made to them, and seems to have been confined to them. This might be true, however, and still the one hundred and twenty mentioned (Acts 1:15,) may have been present.(See“Lectures on the Acts,” p. 21.)

They were waiting: they had been waiting. Nor is it improbable that they had continued daily to assemble for prayer, since the ascension of Jesus. It is not certain in what place they were assembled—whether in the upper room, where we left them, (Acts 1:13,) or in the temple; nor is it material to determine. We find them, however, still in the exercise of faith and prayer, as is ever befitting the disciples of Jesus, when looking for a blessing: especially the descent of the Holy Spirit. They were assembled, “with one accord,”—with one mind. There were no longer any disputings or divisions among them; no heart-burnings, or envy towards one another; no party plans; no discordant purposes: each one could say—as every Christian should say— Do I not love Thee, O my Lord?

Behold my heart, and see! And turn each worthless idol out, That dares to rival Thee.

Thus, holding the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, and possessing a spirit of supplication, they had the best possible preparation for the visitation of the Holy Spirit; for his influences “are most to be expected, where there is the greatest unanimity and the greatest devotion.” The promise was now fulfilled; the Spirit came, with a power and energy corresponding to the mighty effects which were to be produced. The apostles were the first subjects of his wonderful influences. So copious was the effusion, that they are said to have been filled with the Spirit. New and unwonted mental power was imparted; and higher and clearer views of the Gospel scheme of salvation conveyed. Languages, of which they were before ignorant, they were now enabled to speak with fluency; and presently they were addressing a multitude of strangers, whom the signal wonders transpiring had attracted to the place.

It does not belong to our plan to detail the marvelous events which ensued. It was the first great outpouring of the Spirit under the Gospel. It was a magnificent display of the power and grace of God. It was a glorious beginning of the New Dispensation, and a presage of the fulfillment of the promise by the “evangelical prophet:” “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied.” That night, three thousand lay down to sleep—if indeed they could rest—friends and followers of Jesus, who, in the morning, were enemies of the Cross! Then, “children of wrath;” now, “sons of God.” Then, in the “broad road that leadeth to destruction;” now, in the narrow way that leadeth unto life.” Wonderful change! Surprising grace! The remaining account of these converts is short, but entirely in their favor. Not one apostasy is recorded; nor is there reason to apprehend that any occurred. On the contrary, we read that “they continued steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine that is, attended on their teaching and instruction— “and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” Let it be remembered, that, in this account of the first revival which occurred under the Gospel, it is said the converts continued to pray. No one is born into the kingdom of Jesus who does not, from that time, pray. It is among the first duties performed; the first expression of love and gratitude. “Behold, he prayeth!” was said of Saul, as an evidence that he was a true disciple of Jesus. That convert’s hope is not worth a rush, who does not pray; that revival of religion, which is not followed by prayer among its subjects, never resulted from the operation of the spirit of God. In regeneration, a light is kindled which never goes out; a spirit of supplication is imparted which never is lost.

Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, The Christian’s native air; His watchword at the gate of death—

He enters heaven with prayer.