Do They Like What They See ? (Acts 2)

2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ac 2:2). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.


I just noticed something today. When the Holy Spirit fell on the first church it wasn’t a wind, per se, but a sound like a wind; like a mighty rushing windstorm.


The New International Version

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ac 2:5-6). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.


The New Living Translation

6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. “Text edition”–Spine. (2nd ed.) (Ac 2:6). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.


The New King James translation

6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

The New King James Version. 1982 (Ac 2:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.


It wasn’t everyone speaking in other native tongues that drew the people of Jerusalem to the disciples. When the Holy Spirit came, he made his presence (the sound) known throughout the city of Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit drew the “God-fearing Jews” (v5) to himself.


The Holy Spirit:

  1. Empowered the apostles with supernatural ability (other spoken and real languages) in an instant.
  2. Emboldened the apostles to speak in a language they had never spoken before
  3. “In Gathered” the peoples from other nations, from within the city, to Himself to hear the apostles proclaim the word and deeds of God through Jesus.


As the Lord gathered people into the church, notice God’s church building program found in verses 42-47:

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ac 2:42-47). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Look at how The Message version put part of this:


They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day t
heir number grew as God added those who were saved.

Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Ac 2:46-47). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.


  • Do people, in general, like what the see when they see me in my Christian walk?
  • Do people, in general, like what they see when I fellowship with other believers?
  • Better yet, do they see my Christian walk when I fellowship with other believers AND do they like what they see?
  • Is my fellowship, is every get-together “…exuberant and joyful…” as I praise God?


I’ve often wondered why crusades, such as the Billy Graham crusades, have been so productive and successful in bringing people to the Lord. Part of the answer lies in this passage. WE NEED EACH OTHER. People feed off of each other. Being a Lone Ranger is hard to do and it’s hard to maintain excitement. Loners are easily picked off by the enemy. If you’ve ever watched Discovery Channel, you’ve seen how the stalker (be it a wolf pack, a lion den, or whatever) always goes after the isolated and alone prey.


Can you imagine that first church? Picture over 3000 people worshipping DAILY together, eating DAILY together – each meal a celebration “…exuberant and joyful as they praised God.” Over 3000 people DAILY! Don’t you believe that would change a community? Don’t you believe that would change a city?


Papa,

Help me today to be joyful and exuberant as I praise You and celebrate You DAILY. I want to draw others to you by my excitement and DAILY adoration of You. I submit to Your will and surrender to your power through the Holy Spirit. Use me in whatever way you want – even if you want to download a new language and give me the courage to speak it! I know if you do, that you’ll draw those who understand it near to hear of Your good work and saving message in Jesus. I am yours. Fire me up, Lord!



Running After Papa…

Running After Papa