Post by Nicole Vasquez

15 hours agoThe Story Spreads

One the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came to the apostles. In Acts 2:2-4 we see a glimpse of the kingdom, “ And suddenly from heaven, there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (NRSV, Acts 2:2-4). This passage describes the kingdom of God by showing how all tongues will praise His name in heaven. The apostles all spoke different languages yet they were all able to understand each other. More importantly than the different languages they were speaking was what the apostles were saying. The apostles noticed they understood “in [their] own languages [they] hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power” (NRSV, Acts 2:11). In the Kingdom of God, everyone will praise his name in their own native tongue as they did on the day of Pentecost. 

I have heard that people today speak in tongues but I have never witnessed it. I am not sure if I believe that people continue to receive the gift of speaking in tongues. I would like to talk to people who say they have experienced the gift to hear about what happens to them.

The significance of Acts 2:17 for how the story will spread is by God giving his spirit to everyone so that they will proclaim his name throughout the world. This is significant because everyone will have an opportunity to hear about Jesus. 

Post by Jillian Dineros

16 hours agoWeek 5 | Discussion – The Story Spreads

In the first few chapters of Acts, the kingdom of God is described as God’s reign. Jesus finally appears to his disciples after 40 days to bestow the good news upon them. The kingdom of God is not necessarily a play, but it is described as God’s power. In order to “restore” God’s reign to the people on Earth, he sends down the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit allows people of different lands to speak in the same tongues and everyone is able to understand one another. In my experience, the story of the Holy Spirit being able to unite people of different background together is similar to music. People of different backgrounds and morals all come together in one place when they attend music festivals or performances. People are united by music as they are through the Holy Spirit. 

The significance of Acts 2:17 is that God is able to send the Holy Spirt through his children and allow them to learn and prosper. The Holy Spirit encompasses the reign of God and therefore the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is able to run through us and spread to others.

Post by Stephanie Gonzalez

18 hours agoWeek 5 Discussion

The kingdom of God is described in the first chapters of Acts as a place of greatness. Jesus doesn’t directly answer questions he’s asked by the people, but he does give them an insight as of what is to come. Those who have been devout disciples are anxious to enter God’s kingdom because it sounds like a wonderful place. A place where God and humans can exist together and form a covenant. I think the kingdom of God can vary in meaning from person to person. For me, the kingdom is a place where you can trust God, where humans can all come together, and love trumps hate. I can’t say I’ve experienced this as I am still on a journey back to my religious upbringing. 

For me, the significance of Acts 2:17 means that Jesus will share a piece of himself onto others and make them see a bit of what he sees. This way, they can become disciples and spread the word of the Lord. This also leads to salvation of those who follow God. The kingdom of God and the human race can exist as one if Jesus can get the people to follow him. 

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