“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know” (Acts 2:22).
Let us have an exercise in imagination. Imagine:
You live during those eventful times following Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. You are one of those persons who doesn’t know much about what has happened.
You have just heard that during the Pentecost festival an unusual event happened. People are talking about divine manifestations.
Then, as you pick up the morning newspaper, you read, “The first Christian Church in Jerusalem invites you to visit us! We have “the most wonderful sound-effects: mighty wind, waterfall…; we have fire-like tongues; we have sermons in every language! Come visit us and have a great time!”
Would you go and visit that church?
Now, stop using your imagination. Fact: People flock to churches where gold dust falls from the ceiling; angel’s feathers float through the air; when the pastor waves his coat people fall on the floor convulsing with laughter…What a show!
Back then, when the Pentecost event occurred, with all the manifestations described by Luke in Acts 2, Peter was adamant to convince the people that what they were witnessing wasn’t a show.
“This is not what you think!” Peter said in effect. What is it then?
This…all this, is about the promise (and more).
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams” (Acts 2:17).
Pentecost is not about “bells and whistles”, but about a promise come true (see also Isaiah 32:15; 44:3; Ezekiel 39:29). God fulfils His promises.