Scripture
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Reflection
These verses describe the moment the Holy Spirit (our advocate), descended on humankind. In both John 14:15-31 and John 16:7 Jesus states the benefits of having the Holy Spirit. In addition to having the Holy Spirit as our councilor, and helper, another function of the Holy Spirit is to provide each believer with a gift of the Spirit, as the case in Acts when they were speaking in other languages for God’s glory (See 1 Corinthians 12 for gifts of the Spirit). The reason for receiving the gifts of the Spirit is not for our own benefit, or to show how mature we are in our faith, but it’s for the edification and benefit of the church (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- How are you serving/helping the local church/community?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for the team traveling to India to care for the children of Bible translators for a week.
Note: Visit our website (https://www.shanghaifellowship.org/) to learn more about the various ministries at SCF where you can serve and or help.
