Episode Details

Scripture Text: Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 and Acts 2:1-13

Bryan Buck

Quotes for Reflection

Ben Witherington III

Throughout Acts, the presence of the Spirit is seen as the distinguishing mark of Christianity — it is what makes a person a Christian.

John Owen, Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Each Person Distinctly, in Love, Grace, and Consolation

But just remember…he is our most loving Father. Every other discovery of God, without this, will but make the soul fly from him; but if the heart be once much taken up with this the eminency of the Father’s love, it cannot choose but be overpowered, conquered, and endeared unto him. This, if any thing, will work upon us to make our abode with him. If the love of a father will not make a child delight in him, what will? Put, then, this to the venture: exercise your thoughts upon this very thing, then eternal, free, and fruitful love for the Father, and see if your hearts be not wrought upon to delight in him.

N.T. Wright, Acts for Everyone

Instead of a holiday, imagine a moment, long promised, dreamed of, planned for, mulled over, prayed for, ached for, agonized over: a moment when things would work out right at last, when hopes would be realized and good times would begin. A moment when a huge sigh of relief would give way to a huge sense of new possibilities: now, at last, things could really start!

Application Questions

1. Why is a SAY/DO ratio so important for relationships?

2. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fulfilled God’s promises. Why was the Spirit the answer and how was this different from what the disciples expected?

3. Where do you need a fresh apprehension of God’s faithfulness this week? How can you trust the Holy Spirit for this need?