Introduction
The Apostles’ encounter with the risen Jesus should have been enough to empower them for witness, but despite meeting Him after His resurrection, they still feared for their lives.
However, after experiencing the baptism in the Holy Spirit in the upper room, they were transformed, stepping out among the very people they previously feared to preach the gospel with boldness and power.
Fearful Despite Meeting the Risen Jesus
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to the Apostles on multiple occasions, commissioning them to proclaim the gospel (John 20:19-23, Acts 1:3-4). Yet, despite these encounters, they remained fearful for their lives, hiding behind closed doors (John 20:19).
Transformed by Holy Spirit Baptism
But everything changed after the baptism in the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The same Apostles who once cowered in fear now stepped out into the midst of the people they previously feared, boldly proclaiming the gospel (Acts 2:14-40).
Speaking in Tongues: An Angelic Language
As they preached, they spoke in tongues, uttering an angelic language unknown to them (1 Corinthians 13:1). Yet, miraculously, the people heard the message in their own native languages (Acts 2:6-8). This was not a result of the Apostles speaking multiple languages but rather the Holy Spirit’s miraculous translation.
Personal Edification
However, speaking in tongues was not only for public proclamation but also for personal edification. Paul wrote that speaking in tongues builds up the individual believer in their faith (1 Corinthians 14:4). This private use of tongues strengthens the believer’s inner man, enabling them to pray and worship more effectively.
Church Structure for Tongues and Prophecy
In the church meeting, tongues were to be used in an orderly fashion, with interpretation provided for the benefit of all (1 Corinthians 14:26-33). Paul instructed that:
- Only two or three should speak in tongues in a meeting
- Each should speak in turn, with interpretation provided
- If no interpreter is present, the speaker should remain silent
This structure ensured that the gift of tongues was used to build up the entire church, rather than just a select few.
Prophecy: A Revealed Message
In addition to tongues, prophecy was also a vital part of the church meeting (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). Prophecy involved a revealed message from God, spoken in the believer’s native language. This gift was intended to edify, encourage, and console the church.
Conclusion
The Apostles’ transformation from fear to fearlessness demonstrates the powerful impact of Holy Spirit baptism. Despite meeting the risen Jesus, they needed the Spirit’s empowerment to overcome their fear and proclaim the gospel with boldness and power. The miraculous gift of tongues, both for public proclamation and personal edification, further enabled them to communicate the gospel and build up the church. This same transformative power is available to believers today, enabling us to step out in faith and share the good news with a world in need.
