This content is part of a series.
The First Use of Tongues (4 of 24)
Series: The Acts of the Apostles: A Verse-by-Verse Study
August 29, 2007
INTRODUCTION: Our lesson last week had to do with the choosing of Matthias. Matthias was chosen to be the one that would replace Judas.
This evening's lesson has to do with the Day of Pentecost and the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy concerning the latter days. As the disciples are gathered together in the upper room, they are suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues or different languages, declaring the wonderful works of God.
There has been much confusion in recent years, over speaking in tongues, prophesying and declaring to have special revelations. Do you want to know why there is so much confusion? It is because people do not know their Bible. You have unsaved people trying to teach things they don't know anything about. You have immature Christians who are unlearned in the Scriptures, trying to teach things they don't understand. Paul wrote in 1 Tim. 1:7, "Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."
Let's take a look at our outline:
I. The Day of Pentecost
II. The Day of Joel's Prophecy
I. THE DAY OF PENTECOST (VV. 1-11)
A. Defining the Term (vs. 1)
1. Pentecost in the Greek means fiftieth. Pentecost was a Jewish festival held 50 days following Passover. Jesus was crucified on Passover. I Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that Christ was "our Passover sacrificed for us."
2. There are 7 major festivals or feasts that Israel celebrates:
a. Passover: The Passover Lamb--deliverance from Egypt. Christ is our Passover Lamb
b. Unleavened Bread: Memorial of Israel's cleansing. Leaven was a picture of sin--all sin was to be purged from one's life. Jesus is the Bread of Life--there is no leaven or sin in Him.
c. Firstfruits: The celebration of the first fruits of harvest. Jesus was the First Fruit ...
There are 8704 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.