“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?“
Acts 2:5-8

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

One of the most distinctively beautiful characteristics of the Church is how it demonstrates unity in diversity. Where else do we see such a diverse group of people united by love into one body? We are a global family made up of men and women, young and old, rich and poor, of every ethnicity and nationality.

And while we fail to live fully into this calling, it is an intrinsic attribute of the church that cannot be removed. In fact, we see that this was part of God’s design from the very beginning. The time and place God chose to pour out His Holy Spirit on believers was intentional.

In Acts 2:1 we see that “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” This group of people included both male and female believers of various ages who were obediently following Jesus’ instruction to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. They waited and prayed as the city swelled with Jewish people from many nations and cultures (thanks to the diaspora) prepared to celebrate Pentecost—the “Festival of Harvest” (Exodus 23:16).

It was on the morning of the festival, with Jewish travelers from many nations gathered, that God chose to pour out His Spirit on the believers, enabling them to speak in the native languages of everyone present. The crowd was amazed. “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?” they asked. “We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! What does this mean?” (Acts 2:7-12)

Filled with the promised Holy Spirit, Peter preached the gospel before a crowd from all over the known world. That day, 3,000 of his listeners believed and were baptized. With the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the Church experienced explosive growth that extended to people regardless of age, nationality, social class, or gender. From the very beginning, God was making a seemingly disparate group of people into one unified body for His glory.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How do you see the Church demonstrating unity in diversity?
  • Do you see that playing out in your own life?
  • What are some ways that we can embrace that part of our calling as Christians?

 

Church Reading Plan: Ezekial 7; Psalm 45