One In Jesus

(Act 2:1-3 ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

By now, it should be obvious that everything has symbolic value. That doesn’t mean that it didn’t really happen — it did. But God communicates his messages not only in words but in symbols. Think of it as performance art, that is, actions that have symbolic meaning. We have to interpret not only the Greek but also the actions.

The wind

So, obviously, the wind happened (and is mentioned) for a reason. Continue reading →

(Act 2:1 ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

Why Pentecost? God chose the time, and so it can’t be a coincidence. What’s special about Pentecost? Well, two things.

First, Pentecost is a celebration of first fruits. The Wikipedia describes the ceremony —

First fruits

The Bikkurim [first fruits] were brought from the Seven Species for which the Land of Israel is praised: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates (Deut. 8:8). In the largely agrarian society of ancient Israel, Jewish farmers would tie a reed around the first ripening fruits from each of these species in their fields. At the time of harvest, the fruits identified by the reed would be cut and placed in baskets woven of gold and silver. The baskets would then be loaded on oxen whose horns were gilded and laced with garlands of flowers, and who were led in a grand procession to Jerusalem. As the farmer and his entourage passed through cities and towns, they would be accompanied by music and parades. Continue reading →