2023_12_01 Insight Post- Kim Feld

One of the most incredible things for me with this year’s Bible Reading Plan has been to see God’s purposeful movements throughout scripture. In reading Acts 2 this week, I researched and found some fascinating bits of information. God is a master at weaving details together!

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Barker & Kohlenberger, 2004) says that Pentecost was celebrated on the 50th day after Passover. By the first century AD, it was honored as the anniversary of the law being given on Mt. Sinai. It was considered a renewal of the Mosaic covenant. Further, according to Jewish tradition, wind, fire, and “inspired speech” were signs of God’s presence. The Acts account has all of those elements.

Think about this for a moment. God could have had the Holy Spirit descend on the believers at any point. Still, He specifically chose the day the giving of the law was celebrated. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, and the gift He promised to give the early believers in His physical absence was the Holy Spirit. That the gift was bestowed on that particular day was no coincidence! Additionally, Pentecost was one of three pilgrim festivals (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles), ensuring that Jews from all over would make their way to Jerusalem. What better way to spread the good news about Jesus?

Another element that stood out to me in reading was found in Acts 2:3. Take a look at this from the NIV:

³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

I like how the NIV puts this because it emphasizes that the fire rested on each individual. There is so much power in the united Church. I believe with all my heart that Jesus wants our unity (See John 17). Still, our relationship with Jesus also has a personal nature that cannot be denied. We should benefit corporately from what each of us receives individually. God’s work within me is not just for me! It’s meant to be shared and combined with the work He’s doing with others.

I am in awe of God’s plans and His focus on details. Bible study is like a vast treasure hunt; I love digging to see what I’ll find. I hope and pray that this year’s reading has given you an insatiable appetite for God’s word. To know it AND apply it. I’m praying that for myself, too. He invites us to know Him. How amazing is that?

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach

Reference: Barker, K. L., & Kohlenberger, J. R. (2004). The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: New Testament. Zondervan Academic.