On this very same day of
Pentecost, when many peoples from all nations had gathered to celebrate the
feast in Jerusalem, the Apostles
began their divine commission, which was destined to change the world. The
multitude of people, had heard the "sound" and "They were
bewildered, because each one heard them (the Apostles) speaking in his own
language. And they were amazed and wondered saying, 'Are not all these who are
speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native
language'" (vs. 6-8). It is very clear that the people recognized to
their bewilderment the various languages being spoken and understood. Each one
realized that he understood what was being said "in his own
native language" (v. 8). The Apostles
received this Power when "they were all filled with the Holy
Spirit" (v. 4). Regardless of how the words of the Apostles were
transmitted to the people, the miracle lies in the power of the Holy Spirit transforming
the Apostles themselves from fear and doubt to the courage to go out openly to
preach faith in Christ.
Apostle Peter "lifted up his voice" and addressed the
multitudes. He spoke about the prophecy of Prophet Joel concerning the coming
of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:12-21),
and reminded them of the miracles, wonders, and signs performed by Christ,
being Crucified and resurrected according "to the plan and
foreknowledge of God" (v. 23). The people, upon hearing this from
Peter, asked him and the other Apostles: "'Brethren, what shall we do?'
And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized everyone
of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you
shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (vs. 37-38). The words of
Peter so moved the people that "those who received his word were
baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls" (v.
41). "And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were
being saved" (v. 47). The Apostles were also given the power to heal
the afflicted. Apostles Peter and John, while on their way to the temple, came
upon a lame beggar. Peter said to him: "'I have no silver and gold, but
I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
walk'. And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his
feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered
the temple with them, walking, and leaping and praising God" (Acts
3:6-8).
This movement of the Apostles established the Church
of Christ on this day of Pentecost,
which is regarded as the birthday of the Christian Church. The Apostles became
missionaries in their own land and abroad. The power of preaching and
sanctifying was shared by other preachers and deacons, especially by Apostle
Paul. The grace of the Holy Spirit was very obvious in gaining new leaders and
adherents to this new movement. This Grace was the only armor that the Apostles
and their disciples had when they cane out of hiding to convert the multitudes
to the Christian Faith. They were without weapons, fame, money or prestige,
being persecuted by their own people as well as by peoples of other lands. The
Holy Spirit continuously gave them energy and strength, His Grace, as divine
instrument to gain victory in the name of God. This struggle during the first
three centuries established the Church, whose solid foundation was laid in the
blood of the Apostles, disciples and the people themselves. It was the Holy
Spirit Whom the Father and the Son had sent to protect the Church and guide
man's salvation.
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