‘Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.’  Acts 4:32, 33

The years immediately following the advent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost have always been a ‘case study’ for bible students and scholars.  Are the practices of the early church documented by Luke normative for the Christian community going forward or are they unique to that time and place?  In my short lifetime I’ve observed things that seem to point in both directions.  Let’s begin by examining those events which are at the epicenter of the discussion.

First, and most obvious, are the dramatic (and apparently open to the senses) manifestations of ‘a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind,’ and the appearance of ‘divided tongues, as of fire’ appearing upon the gathered believers.  Concurrently with those remarkable signs the assembly was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues . . .’

It seems likely from Luke’s description that this great noise echoed throughout the city; ‘And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together.’  Hundreds rushed to the sound which ‘filled the whole house where they were sitting.’  And what the multi-national crowd encountered was an assembly ‘speaking in our own tongues (languages) the wonderful works of God!’

“These folks are drunk, but not on the kind of wine you think!  This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel; ‘In the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.’“  So declared the Apostle Peter to the curious multitudes.

Well, three thousand of those onlookers were converted that day, and another five thousand men a short time later in response to the dramatic, and very public healing of the crippled man at the Temple gate.  That healing, and Peter’s very vocal explanation of it, got some of the apostles locked up by the authorities; another opportunity to speak about the resurrection!  After a lengthy interrogation the apostles were released and gathering for prayer and thanksgiving with the disciples ‘the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.’  Powerful demonstrations of God’s power and presence accompanied every effort to testify to the Lord Jesus!

‘And great grace was upon them all.  Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds . . . . and laid them at the apostle’s feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.’  Acts 4:34, 35

So, how are we to view these amazing events?  Well, first we should recognize that Acts is a book of history; a vital link to the people God used to propel the gospel around the known world.  As a history, however, it is a description of God’s great works, not a prescription for how things must take place in the future.  For example, I don’t know of any reoccurrence of the manifestations of rushing wind or tongues of fire.  I’ve heard claims of similar things, but they are not verifiable.  Those spectacles, I’m content to say, belong uniquely to the New Testament period.

However, the report of believers speaking the praises of God in languages they never learned is a bit different.  I know of a couple credible witnesses to this; families I know personally.  It is, nonetheless, most unusual.  The incident of ‘speaking in tongues’ has always generated some controversy, although it is surely scriptural, and encouraged by the Apostle Paul.  Today about a half-billion believers practice this gift, so it is more normative for the Church than ‘wind and fire.’

Then there are the great gifts of power demonstrated by the Apostles, ‘confirming the Word with the accompanying signs.’ (Mark 16:17-20) At various periods in the church’s history individuals or groups have witnessed miracles, healings, and other powerful proofs of God’s work among men, so they remain an enduring part of her history and heritage.

‘Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all, as anyone had need.’ Acts 2:45

And that brings me to a final manifestation in the early church; the one which set me to writing.  You noticed I emphasized its description throughout the text; a joyous, abounding unity and fellowship, and an irrepressible communal spirit!

Believers were overjoyed to be together, and their generosity overflowed, so that no one among them lacked life’s necessities.  This bore dramatic witness to the Spirit of Jesus imparted at Pentecost.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, and power, and a sound mind.”  (2 Tim. 1:7) Paul’s words align precisely with what was evident in Luke’s brief history.  Love, power, and clear-headed, open-hearted actions characterized those folks.

Curiously, many of these distinguishing markers began to disappear within a few decades.  As organization, doctrine, and traditions took shape in the churches, miracles, healings, and that amazing community spirit began to wane.  That has always troubled me. The centuries following, as far as our scant records indicate, saw only isolated witnesses to those manifestations.  However, in our lifetime Jeanie and I have encountered groups of believers enjoying some of those ‘symptoms’ of Pentecost; an amazing ‘joy of the Lord’ and a passion for fellowship.  Their anticipation and expectations for their next gathering was palpable, contagious!

And in that (usually) informal environment of worship and prayer were incidents of healing of all kinds, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit.  And yes, generosity.  What a blessed time!  One could hope it would continue indefinitely.  But of course, it didn’t.  As I’ve said elsewhere, ‘Living things have a life-span.’  In these instances, maybe two years or so.  Despite efforts to sustain it, that remarkable administration of the Spirit was soon over.  Yet out of each small movement were launched scores of ‘good works’ and ministries which energized and aided vast numbers of other souls . . . . an abundant harvest from that life-giving rain!

So, what is the appropriate response here? Well, taking a renewed look at Pentecost provides us with two great assurances.  First, the advent of the Holy Spirit fulfilled Jesus’ promise that He would always be with us, moving in and through us; a comfort beyond all valuation!

But, on that foundation of holy confidence, Pentecost also focuses us on an ideal, and a promise (Acts 1:4) for every generation.  For those who will, let’s seize on it!

• Allow Jesus’ words to fill us with faith.
• Entertain the saints and seek God together.
• When the Spirit moves on us, let’s boldly say or do as He directs.
• Give till it feels good.
• Pray Habakkuk’s passionate plea, “Lord, do your great works again in our time!” (Hab. 3:2)

And finally, believe, believe, that at any time, among any group of hungry souls, ‘times of refreshing from the Lord’ may come and ‘turn the world (our world) upside down’ once again! (Acts 3:19; 17:6)  I think it’s time, don’t you?  And why not where you are?