The Study and the Pulpit Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.… I. THAT THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THE CHURCH WILL CERTAINLY BE FULFILLED. 1. The Holy Spirit is promised to the Church (John 15:26; John 16:7; Joel 2:28, 29). 2. The promise is not always understood in its full meaning as it ought to be. The disciples did not understand it, nor does the Church of our own age. It would not rest a day without its fulfilment (John 4:10). 3. The promise will certainly be fulfilled. This is seen in the history of the Church at Pentecost. There was delay, but not denial. Then as now the Holy Spirit is given to the Church at the best and most appropriate time. We must wait, for it is determined by infinite wisdom. II. THAT THE CHURCH MUST PUT ITSELF INTO A PROPER MORAL ATTITUDE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Church must be — 1. Frequent in its meetings. 2. United in its spirit. 3. Prayerful in disposition (Acts 1:14). 4. Patient in temper. 5. Catholic in sentiment.Not merely the disciples were present, but many strangers. They had come to the feast, and got a better feast than they expected. Some Churches are so narrow and sectarian in their spirit, that the Holy Spirit is shut out from them. III. THAT THE ADVENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THE CHURCH IS ACCOMPANIED BY WONDROUS PHENOMENA AND SUBLIME MORAL RESULTS. The advent of the Holy Spirit — 1. Is set forth under appropriate emblems. 2. Affects the speaking of the Word. When men receive the Holy Spirit it is always evident in their conversation, which is aglow with heavenly fire and feeling. True eloquence is a spiritual gift. 3. Is designed to fill the human soul with Divine and ennobling influences. As the wind filled the house, so the Spirit filled the men, every crevice of their being. The heart of man must be filled with something; if God does not fill it the world will. The Divine filling is the most ennobling and blessed. (The Study and the Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.WEB: Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. |
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