A Jewish Holy Day 1

Contrary to the opinion, and in fact, the teaching of most of fundamental religion today, the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two was NOT a world-wide church festival. It was also NOT the beginning of the church, the body of Christ. As a matter of fact NOTHING began on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two. Instead, Old Testament prophecy was FULFILLED on that day.

When Peter and the twelve apostles were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in tongues that day, they were speaking in the NATIVE languages of all the people who had gathered for the occasion. They were even accused of being drunk.

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Now Peter, who had said “Not so Lord” when the Lord told him about his impending death. Peter who thought the women’s report of the empty tomb sounded like IDLE TALES. Peter who heard the two disciples from Emmaeus tell about seeing the Lord and didn’t believe them EITHER. Peter who NOW believes the Lord is risen from the dead and is now ascended into heaven, says:

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

So what is happening on the Day of Pentecost is not the beginning of something new. It is the fulfillment of prophecy. To understand just what Peter means it would be good to go back and read the book of Joel. It is a short book, but Joel chapter two is what Peter refers to. As a matter of fact he quotes from it. The book of Joel talks about wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath, blood, fire and vapors of smoke, and the book ends with these words:

Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

The prophecy says that in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance. It speaks of a remnant. A remnant of who? Israel. The whole context of Acts chapter two is about judgment, about tribulation, and about the salvation of a remnant of Israel.

Peter has a message for the men of Israel in Acts chapter two, but for them it is not good news. Acts chapter two is also not good news for you either. Acts chapter two is about a MURDER CHARGE against Israel.