Isaiah 61:1-2

 The Commissioning of the disciples in Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Joel 1 and 2 (after Hos. and before Amos) the feast of Pentecost.

 In this chapter we have a further description of that terrible desolation which should be made in the land of Judah by the locusts and caterpillars (Joel 2:1-11). Secondly, a serious call to the people, when they are under this judgment, to return and repent, to fast and pray, and to seek God for mercy, with directions how to do this the right way (Joel 2:12-17).  Thirdly, a promise that, upon their repentance, God would remove the judgment, would repair the breaches made to them by it, and restore to them plenty of good things (Joel 2:18-27).  Fourthly, a prediction of the setting up of the kingdom of the Messiah in the world, by the pouring out of the Spirit in the latter days (Joel 2:28-32). In the beginning of this chapter we see God's wrath, but in the end we see the assurances of his favour, and it is through the way of repentance that this blessed change is made; so that, by the last paragraph of the chapter we are pointed directly at gospel-times, the comforts of the gospel flowing in to them through their repentance.

The birth of the church

Read Acts 2:1-7. Peter stands and gives his sermon from verse 14 on.

The day of Pentecost being come, the Holy Spirit is poured out on the assembled Disciples, with “a sound as of a mighty wind;” while “cloven tongues as of fire” rest on each of them, 1-3. They speak unknown languages, in the hearing of multitudes from many nations, who have come together on the occasion; at which most are amazed, but some ridicule, 4-13. Peter shows, that this is the fulfillment of a prophecy of Joel, 14-21; that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was risen from the dead, according to the prophecy of David, 22-32; and that being ascended into heaven, and exalted at the right hand of God, he had poured out the Holy Spirit, to demonstrate that he was the promised Messiah. The work is finished; nothing can be added and the way is opened for all people to come into the Kingdom of heaven. 33-36.

They are pricked to the heart, and inquire what they must do, 37. Peter exhorts and encourages them to repent, and to be baptized in the name of Jesus, 38-40. Three thousand are added to the church, 41. They continue steadfast in the faith, 42. Many miracles are produced by the apostles, 43. The disciples have all things in common, and abound in love, joy, and praise; while numbers are daily added to them, The Holy Spirit alone effects individual salvation through the New Birth (John 3:8b). His coming upon a people collectively was divine approval of the new work under the Spirit’s authority. The day of Pentecost shows a new work by God in the lives of people. The have the resources of God Almighty at hand. Today and do be sorry and wast it, we live in a time like no other time in history. Through the authority of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit we can proclaim the message of good news.