This by now familiar text is the foundation text of the church. Today I am looking for new insights. One of these is to try to discover who these persons were who were “all together in one place.” The antecedent verses in chapter one indicate that it at least included the 11 apostles (minus the deceased Judas), certain women including Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers (1:14), and many more (see 1:15), perhaps as many as 120 persons, and of course Matthias, who became the new number 12, and Joseph, who lost the election (1:23-26). I am impressed with the sweep of the descent of the Spirit on this group. It wasn’t just the privileged few, or the inner circle of church leaders, or even just male disciples. No, the Spirit fell on “all flesh,” men and women, young and old.
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
This psalm of praise and thanksgiving for the creative work of God mentions the role of the Spirit in creation and recreation. Thus, its inclusion in the lectionary for Pentecost Sunday., While not specifically addressing the Spirit falling on the disciples, the psalmist does conclude the text with “I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
The one Spirit (read God) gives to all, gifts, life, faith, confession of Christ, miraculous gifts, healing gifts, tongues, wisdom and knowledge. The unity of the Spirit consists of its common task of making healthy the one body of Christ. Where a spirit makes unhealthy the body of Christ, where must such a spirit come from? What would you say?
John 20:19-23
On the occasion of one of our Lord’s post-resurrection appearances, he gives to the disciples the Holy Spirit. Jesus did this because he was preparing to send them forth in his name, and they would need this Spirit to guide and inspire them. This early conferring of the Spirit was to a small group – the eleven less Thomas. The commission, though is one of redemption. Forgiveness is offered by the good will and love of those whom Jesus sends. It is not that there is any magical power in the forgiving, but that part of our commission is to do what our Master has done for us. “Freely have you received, freely give.”
Rev.
Bill Thompson, Co-Interim Senior MinisterJohns Creek Christian Church, Johns Creek, Georgia
(Member of Cherry Log Christian Church)