The Holy Spirit had just come upon the house where the disciples were as a mighty, rushing wind. A crowd showed up to see what was going on and began to hear the disciples speaking in their own languages. Peter stands to tell them what was going on.

The fulfillment of Jesus's promised "enduement with power" began on the Jewish Festival of Weeks, known as "Pentecost", which is simply the Greek for fiftieth. This eyewitness account makes special note that there were devout men from all over the known world who were astonished at the event. They heard what was spoken in their own languages. What makes this supernatural event special is that it doesn't say the disciples were speaking those languages, but the hearers understood. This Feast not only marked the beginning of the wheat harvest but also the end time harvest. "Pray that the Lord of the harvest sends out laborers".

Today, we get into some fresh story. The end of Christ’s ministry on earth is the beginning of the disciple's ministry in His behalf. They were just instructed to wait for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, so they head up to an upper room and spend time in Prayer. This is where Peter leads them in filling the vacancy in the 12 apostles ranks after Judas’ betrayal. The 12 apostles were symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel, and it is hard to be representative when there is only 11 of you.

The Book of Acts is unique among those of the Testament. It helps bridge the gap between the gospels and the rest of the books. We start today with our verse-by-verse study of it. I am excited because we can learn so much from the early church!

Last week we looked at compassion and this week we will explore a little of mercy. Both attributes of God are expressed in action. Based on His extending it to us, we are to, "Go and do likewise". Thank God that we have received a new nature which enables us to extend mercy properly!

Jesus touched many people's lives but still noticed that they were "harassed" and scattered like sheep without a shepherd, just like today where we are bombarded by turmoil. His solution is wrapped up in compassion. The harvest needs laborers who will express that care everywhere we can.

We live in a world where so many seem so unsatisfied with what they have. So many claim they are mistreated, mishandled, and are victims of every sort of terrible atrocity. But as Christians we should recognize the gifts and blessings of God all around us and be thankful!

God says one thing, but the world says another. The question for us as Christians is who are we going to believe?

For those who don't know, God's grace is inexhaustible. Because of His nature, as a concerned Father our need for reconciliation is met by God's amazing grace. It's available as a gift but isn't automatically bestowed. It must be received.

The most common and effective attack of the enemy will be to question who you are. When he asks, "Who are you," what will you say?