EGW WritingsActs 2
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 2
Read Acts 2 in the BibleActs 2:1-2
God’s Amazing Grace
Pentecost, July 4
AG 193.1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1, 2.This Day With God
With One Accord, January 2
TDG 10.3
After the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit did not immediately descend. There were ten days after His ascension before the Holy Spirit was given. This time was devoted by the disciples to most earnest preparation for receiving so precious an endowment. The rich treasures of heaven were poured out to them after they had searched their own hearts diligently and had sacrificed every idol. They were before God, humbling their souls, strengthening their faith, confessing their sins. And their hearts were in harmony with one another. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1, 2). The church needs a similar experience right here at the great heart of the work.*Battle Creek, Michigan, denominational headquarters from 1855 to 1903. Are we searching our hearts, preparing for the heavenly grace to be received? The Lord is waiting to be gracious.Acts 2:1-4
Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]
The Gifts of the Spirit
6MR 55.3
We should be often in prayer. The outpouring of the Spirit of God came in answer to earnest prayer. But mark this fact concerning the disciples; the record says, “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:1-4.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 20a, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 20a, 1888, par. 8
As you shall assemble together at these general meetings for prayer, I beseech you to make personal efforts to cleanse soul and spirit from every defiling influence which would separate you from God. Many, many will be lost because they have not studied their Bibles upon their knees, with earnest prayer to God that the entrance of the Word of God might give light to their understanding. All selfish ambition should be laid aside, and you should plead with God for His Spirit to descend upon you, as it came upon the disciples who were assembled together upon the Day of Pentecost. “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And thee appeared unto them cloven tongues like as fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.] Let every heart be subdued before God. Let there be a taking hold by living faith for victory over ourselves, victory over Satan.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 2, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, par. 1
Acts 1:8. I want to read a few words from the first chapter of Acts, eighth verse: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Now we read in the second chapter, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Verses 1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 1c, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 1c, 1890, par. 19
We should be often in prayer. The outpouring of the Spirit of God came in answer to earnest prayer. But mark this fact concerning the disciples; the record says, “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:1-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 124, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 124, 1897, par. 13
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 56, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 56, 1898, par. 6
This is no make believe conflict. We have to meet most powerful adversaries. But what are we to do in such an emergency? We are to find our strength just where the early disciples found theirs. “They were all with one accord in one place” praying unto God. [Acts 2:1.] “These all continued in one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed, were of one heart and of one soul.” [Acts 1:14; 2:2-4; 4:31, 32.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 130, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 130, 1901, par. 37
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 16, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 16, 1901, par. 18
It is professed believers who need converting. God calls upon those who stand in responsible positions in our institutions to represent the principles of truth in every business transaction. In all their dealings with those connected with them they are to show in word and deed and spirit that they esteem others better than themselves. They are to come down from their self-bestowed exaltation, so that in practical life they may live out the words, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] When, like the apostles on the day of Pentecost, they are all of one accord, the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Of the experience of the apostles at that time we read: “When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1213—Each Follower of Christ is Called to Work; All are to Copy Christ, the Pattern; Harmony to Prevail
16MR 200.1
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” [Acts 2:1-4].Ye Shall Receive Power
Tongues of Fire, January 15
YRP 23.1
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:3, 4.YRP 23.3
This was the experience of the early disciples. The Scriptures declare that “when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4). God is willing to give us a similar blessing, when we seek for it as earnestly.Ye Shall Receive Power
Feeling Our Spiritual Need, October 7
YRP 289.2
We should be often in prayer. The outpouring of the Spirit of God came in answer to earnest prayer. But mark this fact concerning the disciples. The record says, “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:1-4).Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Spirit of Discernment
1SAT 139.1
I want to read a few words from the first chapter of Acts—[the] eighth verse: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Now we read in the second chapter [Verses 1-4], “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”From the Heart
Pentecost, October 21
FH 306.1
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.... And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4.Radiant Religion
God Will Send the Latter Rain, July 5
RRe 188.2
“During the course of the day of Pentecost they were all together, when suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a violent blast of wind, which filled the whole house where they were seated. They saw tongues like flames distributing themselves, one resting on the head of each, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:1-4, Moffatt.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 19, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 19, 1887, par. 11
We should be often in prayer. The outpouring of the Spirit of God came in answer to earnest prayer. But mark this fact concerning the disciples: “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” [Acts 2:1-4.] They were not assembled to relate tidbits of scandal, they were not seeking to expose every stain they could find on a brother’s character. They felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the unction to help them in overcoming their own infirmities and to fit them for the work of saving others. They prayed with intense earnestness that the love of Christ might be shed abroad in their hearts. This is our great need today in every church in the land. “For if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” [2 Corinthians 5:17.] That which was objectionable in the character is purified from the soul by the love of Jesus. All selfishness is expelled, all envy, all evil speaking is rooted out, and a radical transformation is wrought in the life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith, temperance; against such there is no law.” [Galatians 5:22, 23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 20, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 20, 1888, par. 7
As you shall assemble together at this general meeting, I beseech you to make a personal effort to cleanse soul and spirit from every defiling influence which would separate you from God. Many, many will be lost because they have not studied their Bibles upon their knees with earnest prayer to God that the entrance of the Word of God may give light to their understanding. All selfish ambition should be laid aside, and you should plead with God for His Spirit to descend upon you, as it came upon the disciples who were assembled together upon the Day of Pentecost. “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.] Let every heart be subdued before God. Let there be a taking hold by living faith for victory over themselves.Acts 2:1-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 148, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 148, 1905, par. 2
The disciples sought diligently for a preparation for the work before them. “They all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” [Verse 14.] Everything that had caused division and strife among them was put away, and “when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” [Acts 2:1.]20LtMs, Ms 148, 1905, par. 4
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” [Verses 1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 188, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 2
But I want to go on to the second chapter. Acts 2:1. What had they been praying about? Christ had ascended to heaven, and now they had been praying for the Holy Spirit which was promised them. And if we would pray more, if we would be more instant in prayer instead of talking and gossiping about this one’s faults and that one’s faults, and somebody else’s faults, let me tell you we should be approved of God. He wants every one of us to have sanctified tongues and sanctified voices and sanctified brains, which means a sanctified heart. And when the sanctified heart is really as we should have it, then the sanctified brain, and all the powers of the being, will be in accordance with the will of God.20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 4
Verses 2-5. It was a special occasion. There was the greatest gathering at Jerusalem. And why should not the disciples depart from Jerusalem until after the Holy Spirit had come upon them? This demonstration must be made so there should be publicly given to the Jews and all that assembled together that Jesus Christ had ascended to heaven. This is why the message must be first commenced at Jerusalem, for they had been so intimidated that they did not dare to take their position in regard to Jesus Christ. They were [one page missing here]Acts 2:1-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 192, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 192, 1899, par. 4
Sabbath was cloudy and showers came. There was a smaller company because of the threatening of rain. I spoke from (John 14:1-3), from (Acts 1:4, 11), and Acts 2:1-7. Those present listened with earnest interest. There were a goodly number not of our faith.Acts 2:1-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 77, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 77, 1909, par. 6
“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in His own language. And they were all amazed, and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and in Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?” [Acts 2:1-12.]24LtMs, Ms 77, 1909, par. 10
We read: “They understood every one in his own language.” [Verse 6.] Angels of God opened these subjects before them in such a way that they could take hold of them. Angels will do the same for you. We need to be one in understanding; we need to humble ourselves before God as little children. Then we will readily learn the language we do not now understand. We are striving to obtain the white robes, the righteousness of Christ. It is important that we have an intelligent knowledge as to where to place our faith. It should be upon the sure foundation, the word of God. A wonderful work will be done for us if we will rightly relate ourselves to the work. Heavenly agencies will impress our hearts. We may not understand everything that is said, but nevertheless impressions will be made.Acts 2:1-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 73, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 73, 1910, par. 23
Acts 2:1-11. All these different nationalities were there, that they might hear in their own tongue; and that would carry conviction to them; that was to go broadcast everywhere. The time will come when we shall have just such representations, if we follow on to know the Lord.25LtMs, Ms 73, 1910, par. 24
Verses 12, 13. We will go no further on this, because I have talked as long as my strength will permit me to go; but I want to tell you, my brethren and sisters, this gospel is to go to all parts of the world. When I see our cities unworked, I cannot sleep. I have been night after night, night after night, sleeping perhaps three hours, and some nights not sleeping at all, but talking with the Lord about it and asking that He would give His people an awakening of their minds, that they may not keep them buried up in little items here in this life, letting those that are within our reach go without personal labor, and sending our missionaries away to do work. I have given the message over and over and over, and yet we see so little arousing to take hold of the work. Why, I have lain night after night, wringing my hands in distress, saying, Will they never awake? Will they never awake? Can we say or do anything to arouse them?Acts 2:1-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 38, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 15
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.] In that assembly there were mockers, who did not recognize the work of the Holy Spirit, and they said, “Those men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, Be this known unto you, and hearken to my words; for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel.” [Verses 13-16.]Acts 2:1-20
The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1
The Spirit of Prophecy
1SP 8.2
The Christian age commenced with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the manifestation of various spiritual gifts. Among these was the gift of prophecy. After commissioning his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, Jesus says to them, “And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; theyshall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,” Mark 16:17, 18. On the day of pentecost, when the Christian dispensation was fully opened, some of these gifts were manifested in a wonderful manner. Acts 2:1-11. Luke, in giving account of his travels with Paul and others, when a quarter of a century of the Christian age had already passed, after speaking of entering into the house of Philip, the evangelist, says: “And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.” Acts 21:9, 10. Again, still later, we see the beloved John, in the Isle of Patmos, imbued with the spirit of prophecy in all its fullness. The wonderful Revelation was given unto him when more than half a century of the Christian age had passed. And here the New-Testament record leaves us without a single intimation that the gifts of the Spirit should cease from the church till the day of glory should be ushered in by the second appearing of Jesus Christ.1SP 10.1
To this agree the words of the prophet, as quoted by Peter: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants, and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.” Acts 2:17-20. The spirit of prophecy is here seen among the especial signs of the last days. Its revival in the last days was to constitute one of the most noted signs of the approaching end. This is evident from its being classed with the most prominent signs, in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars, and such wonders, in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, as blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.Acts 2:1-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 180, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 24
Now, here is the position that we should be in. Acts 2:1-5, 21.22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 26
Verses 14-17. Now here are the wonders that are to be shown. But I want to know who is getting ready for them. I want to know who is denying themselves, approaching to what Christ denied Himself. I want to know who is studying with all their might that they may know the Scriptures, lest they shall fail to carry it out. Self rises up, and just as long as that spirit prevails in the members of the church, you will see that there is a backward movement in the place of a forward.Acts 2:1-41
From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 4—Pentecost: The Apostles Begin Their Work
TT 21.1
As the disciples returned from Olivet to Jerusalem, the people expected to see on their faces confusion and defeat; but they saw gladness and triumph. The disciples had seen the risen Saviour, and His parting promise echoed in their ears.TT 21.2
In obedience to Christ’s command, they waited in Jerusalem for the outpouring of the Spirit, “continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” Luke 24:53. They knew they had an Advocate at the throne of God. In awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” John 16:23. Higher and still higher they extended the hand of faith.TT 21.3
As the disciples waited, they humbled their hearts in repentance and confessed their unbelief. Truths which had passed from their memory were again brought to their minds, and these they repeated to one another. Scene after scene of the Saviour’s life passed before them. As they meditated on His pure life they felt that no toil would be too hard, no sacrifice too great, if only they could bear witness in their lives to the loveliness of Christ’s character. If they could have the past three years to live over, they thought, how differently they would act! But they were comforted by the thought that they were forgiven, and they determined, so far as possible, to atone for their unbelief by bravely confessing Him before the world.TT 21.4
The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, they came close together. And as they drew nearer to God, they realized what a privilege had been theirs to associate so closely with Christ.TT 22.1
The disciples did not ask for a blessing merely for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. In obedience to the word of the Saviour, they offered their supplications for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and in heaven Christ claimed the gift, that He might pour it upon His people.TT 22.2
“When the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” The Spirit came on the praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out the riches of the Spirit’s grace. Words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise. Lost in wonder, the apostles grasped the imparted gift.TT 22.3
And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.TT 22.5
When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, and Christ was indeed glorified. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished. The Holy Spirit was sent as a token that He had, as Priest and King, received all authority in heaven and on earth and was the Anointed One.TT 23.1
“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The gift of the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak with fluency languages with which they had been unacquainted. The appearance of fire signified the power that would attend their work.TT 23.2
“There were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” Scattered to almost every part of the world, they had learned to speak various languages. Many of these were in Jerusalem, attending the religious festivals. Every known tongue was represented. This diversity of languages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel. God therefore miraculously did for the apostles what they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. They could now speak with accuracy the languages of those for whom they were laboring—a strong evidence that their commission bore the signet of Heaven. From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate, whether in their native tongue or in a foreign language.TT 23.3
The multitude were “amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? and how hear we every man in our own tongue?”TT 23.4
The priests and rulers were enraged. They had put the Nazarene to death, but here were His servants telling in all the languages then spoken, the story of His life and ministry. The priests declared that they were drunk from the new wine prepared for the feast. But those who understood the different languages testified to the accuracy with which these languages were used by the disciples.TT 24.1
In answer to the accusation, Peter showed that this was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. He said, “These are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” See Joel 2:28, 29.TT 24.2
With power Peter bore witness of the death and resurrection of Christ: “Jesus of Nazareth, ... ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.”TT 24.3
Peter, knowing that the prejudice of his hearers was great, spoke of David, who was regarded by the Jews as one of the patriarchs. “David speaketh concerning Him,” he declared. “I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on My right hand, that I should not be moved... . Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption” ... .TT 24.4
“Let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day” “He ... spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”TT 24.5
The people from all directions pressed in, crowding the temple. Priests and rulers were there, their hearts still filled with abiding hatred against Christ, their hands uncleansed from the blood shed when they crucified the world’s Redeemer. They found the apostles lifted above all fear and filled with the Spirit, proclaiming the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth, declaring with boldness that the One so recently humiliated and crucified by cruel hands is the Prince of life exalted to the right hand of God.TT 25.1
Some who listened had taken part in the condemnation and death of Christ, their voices calling for His crucifixion. When Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you?” they had shouted, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” When Pilate delivered Christ to them, they had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:17; John 18:40; Matthew 27:25.TT 25.2
Now they heard the disciples declaring that it was the Son of God who had been crucified. Priests and rulers trembled. Conviction and anguish seized the people. They said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The power that accompanied the speaker convinced them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.TT 25.3
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”TT 25.4
Peter urged on the convicted people the fact that they had rejected Christ because they had been deceived by priests and rulers, and that if they continued to look to these men they would never accept Him. These powerful men were ambitious for earthly glory. They were not willing to come to Christ to receive light.TT 25.5
The scriptures that Christ had explained to the disciples stood out before them with the luster of perfect truth. The veil was now removed, and they comprehended with perfect clearness the object of Christ’s mission and the nature of His kingdom. As they unfolded to their hearers the plan of salvation, many were convicted and convinced. Traditions and superstitions were swept away, and the teachings of the Saviour were accepted.TT 26.1
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” In Jerusalem, the stronghold of Judaism, thousands openly declared their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.TT 26.2
The disciples were astonished and overjoyed. They did not regard this as the result of their own efforts; they realized that they were entering into other men’s labors. Christ had sown the seed of truth and watered it with His blood. The conversions on the Day of Pentecost were the harvest of His work.TT 26.3
The arguments of the apostles alone would not have removed prejudice. But the Holy Spirit sent the words of the apostles home as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting men of their terrible guilt in rejecting the Lord of glory.TT 26.5
Brought into close communion with Christ, the disciples sat with Him “in heavenly places.” Benevolence full, deep, and far-reaching, impelled them to go to the ends of the earth, filled with an intense longing to carry forward the work He had begun. The Spirit animated them and spoke through them. The peace of Christ shone from their faces. They had consecrated their lives to Him, and their very features bore evidence to the surrender they had made.From Trials to Triumph
How the Holy Spirit Came Upon the Apostles
TT 22.4
“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,” Christ had said, “He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.” John 16:13.Acts 2:1-42
Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Lessons From the Experiences of Pentecost
1SAT 391.1
[Acts 2:1-11, quoted.]1SAT 391.4
Some who heard the disciples tried to say something that would counteract the influence of their preaching. [Acts 2:12-21, quoted.]1SAT 392.4
Peter continues, “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” [Verses 22, 23].1SAT 392.6
Peter then speaks of the resurrection of Jesus: [Verses 24-27, quoted].1SAT 392.7
Thank God, we all have a hope that reaches to the grave. When we die, we do not go immediately to heaven. But if the Lord calls us to die, and we have been faithful in His service, we may lie down with the expectation that when Christ comes to raise the dead, we shall hear His voice and be brought out of our graves. Our flesh may rest in hope. When the righteous shall come forth from their graves, what a rejoicing there will be! [Verses 32-39, quoted.]1SAT 393.2
“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation” [Verse 40].1SAT 393.4
[Acts 2:41, 42, quoted.]Acts 2:1-46
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 4—Pentecost
AA 35.1
As the disciples returned from Olivet to Jerusalem, the people looked on them, expecting to see on their faces expressions of sorrow, confusion, and defeat; but they saw there gladness and triumph. The disciples did not now mourn over disappointed hopes. They had seen the risen Saviour, and the words of His parting promise echoed constantly in their ears.AA 35.2
In obedience to Christ’s command, they waited in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father—the outpouring of the Spirit. They did not wait in idleness. The record says that they were “continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” Luke 24:53. They also met together to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. They knew that they had a Representative in heaven, an Advocate at the throne of God. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 24. Higher and still higher they extended the hand of faith, with the mighty argument, “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34.AA 36.1
As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled their hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief. As they called to remembrance the words that Christ had spoken to them before His death they understood more fully their meaning. Truths which had passed from their memory were again brought to their minds, and these they repeated to one another. They reproached themselves for their misapprehension of the Saviour. Like a procession, scene after scene of His wonderful life passed before them. As they meditated upon His pure, holy life they felt that no toil would be too hard, no sacrifice too great, if only they could bear witness in their lives to the loveliness of Christ’s character. Oh, if they could but have the past three years to live over, they thought, how differently they would act! If they could only see the Master again, how earnestly they would strive to show Him how deeply they loved Him, and how sincerely they sorrowed for having ever grieved Him by a word or an act of unbelief! But they were comforted by the thought that they were forgiven. And they determined that, so far as possible, they would atone for their unbelief by bravely confessing Him before the world.AA 37.1
The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God, and as they did this they realized what a privilege had been theirs in being permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good, He was trying to teach them.AA 37.2
These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.AA 37.3
During the patriarchal age the influence of the Holy Spirit had often been revealed in a marked manner, but never in its fullness. Now, in obedience to the word of the Saviour, the disciples offered their supplications for this gift, and in heaven Christ added His intercession. He claimed the gift of the Spirit, that He might pour it upon His people.AA 37.4
“And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”AA 38.1
The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Spirit’s grace. And under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in wonder, the apostles exclaimed, “Herein is love.” They grasped the imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.AA 38.2
“It is expedient for you that I go away,” Christ had said to His disciples; “for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.” John 16:7, 13.AA 38.3
Christ’s ascension to heaven was the signal that His followers were to receive the promised blessing. For this they were to wait before they entered upon their work. When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers as a token that He had, as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people.AA 39.1
“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The Holy Spirit, assuming the form of tongues of fire, rested upon those assembled. This was an emblem of the gift then bestowed on the disciples, which enabled them to speak with fluency languages with which they had heretofore been unacquainted. The appearance of fire signified the fervent zeal with which the apostles would labor and the power that would attend their work.AA 39.2
“There were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” During the dispersion the Jews had been scattered to almost every part of the inhabited world, and in their exile they had learned to speak various languages. Many of these Jews were on this occasion in Jerusalem, attending the religious festivals then in progress. Every known tongue was represented by those assembled. This diversity of languages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they were laboring. This miraculous gift was a strong evidence to the world that their commission bore the signet of Heaven. From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate, whether they spoke in their native tongue or in a foreign language.AA 40.1
“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? and how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”AA 40.2
The priests and rulers were greatly enraged at this wonderful manifestation, but they dared not give way to their malice, for fear of exposing themselves to the violence of the people. They had put the Nazarene to death; but here were His servants, unlettered men of Galilee, telling in all the languages then spoken, the story of His life and ministry. The priests, determined to account for the miraculous power of the disciples in some natural way, declared that they were drunken from partaking largely of the new wine prepared for the feast. Some of the most ignorant of the people present seized upon this suggestion as the truth, but the more intelligent knew it to be false; and those who understood the different languages testified to the accuracy with which these languages were used by the disciples.AA 41.1
In answer to the accusation of the priests Peter showed that this demonstration was in direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, wherein he foretold that such power would come upon men to fit them for a special work. “Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem,” he said, “be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy.”AA 41.2
With clearness and power Peter bore witness of the death and resurrection of Christ: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him ... ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.”AA 41.3
Peter did not refer to the teachings of Christ to prove his position, because he knew that the prejudice of his hearers was so great that his words on this subject would be of no effect. Instead, he spoke to them of David, who was regarded by the Jews as one of the patriarchs of their nation. “David speaketh concerning Him,” he declared: “I foresaw the Lord always before My face, for He is on My right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore did My heart rejoice, and My tongue was glad; moreover also My flesh shall rest in hope: because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption....AA 42.1
“Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.” “He ... spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”AA 42.2
The scene is one full of interest. Behold the people coming from all directions to hear the disciples witness to the truth as it is in Jesus. They press in, crowding the temple. Priests and rulers are there, the dark scowl of malignity still on their faces, their hearts still filled with abiding hatred against Christ, their hands uncleansed from the blood shed when they crucified the world’s Redeemer. They had thought to find the apostles cowed with fear under the strong hand of oppression and murder, but they find them lifted above all fear and filled with the Spirit, proclaiming with power the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth. They hear them declaring with boldness that the One so recently humiliated, derided, smitten by cruel hands, and crucified, is the Prince of life, now exalted to the right hand of God.AA 42.3
Some of those who listened to the apostles had taken an active part in the condemnation and death of Christ. Their voices had mingled with the rabble in calling for His crucifixion. When Jesus and Barabbas stood before them in the judgment hall and Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you?” they had shouted, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Matthew 27:17; John 18:40. When Pilate delivered Christ to them, saying, “Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him;” “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person,” they had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” John 19:6; Matthew 27:24, 25.AA 43.1
Now they heard the disciples declaring that it was the Son of God who had been crucified. Priests and rulers trembled. Conviction and anguish seized the people. “They were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Among those who listened to the disciples were devout Jews, who were sincere in their belief. The power that accompanied the words of the speaker convinced them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.AA 43.2
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”AA 43.3
Peter urged home upon the convicted people the fact that they had rejected Christ because they had been deceived by priests and rulers; and that if they continued to look to these men for counsel, and waited for them to acknowledge Christ before they dared to do so, they would never accept Him. These powerful men, though making a profession of godliness, were ambitious for earthly riches and glory. They were not willing to come to Christ to receive light.AA 44.1
Under the influence of this heavenly illumination the scriptures that Christ had explained to the disciples stood out before them with the luster of perfect truth. The veil that had prevented them from seeing to the end of that which had been abolished, was now removed, and they comprehended with perfect clearness the object of Christ’s mission and the nature of His kingdom. They could speak with power of the Saviour; and as they unfolded to their hearers the plan of salvation, many were convicted and convinced. The traditions and superstitions inculcated by the priests were swept away from their minds, and the teachings of the Saviour were accepted.AA 44.2
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”AA 44.3
The Jewish leaders had supposed that the work of Christ would end with His death; but, instead of this, they witnessed the marvelous scenes of the Day of Pentecost. They heard the disciples, endowed with a power and energy hitherto unknown, preaching Christ, their words confirmed by signs and wonders. In Jerusalem, the stronghold of Judaism, thousands openly declared their faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah.AA 44.4
The disciples were astonished and overjoyed at the greatness of the harvest of souls. They did not regard this wonderful ingathering as the result of their own efforts; they realized that they were entering into other men’s labors. Ever since the fall of Adam, Christ had been committing to chosen servants the seed of His word, to be sown in human hearts. During His life on this earth He had sown the seed of truth and had watered it with His blood. The conversions that took place on the Day of Pentecost were the result of this sowing, the harvest of Christ’s work, revealing the power of His teaching.AA 45.1
The arguments of the apostles alone, though clear and convincing, would not have removed the prejudice that had withstood so much evidence. But the Holy Spirit sent the arguments home to hearts with divine power. The words of the apostles were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting men of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory.AA 45.2
Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit’s teaching they received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework. No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements. No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were of “one accord,” “of one heart and of one soul.” Acts 2:46; 4:32. Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master, and men “took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13.AA 45.3
Pentecost brought them the heavenly illumination. The truths they could not understand while Christ was with them were now unfolded. With a faith and assurance that they had never before known, they accepted the teachings of the Sacred Word. No longer was it a matter of faith with them that Christ was the Son of God. They knew that, although clothed with humanity, He was indeed the Messiah, and they told their experience to the world with a confidence which carried with it the conviction that God was with them.AA 46.1
They could speak the name of Jesus with assurance; for was He not their Friend and Elder Brother? Brought into close communion with Christ, they sat with Him in heavenly places. With what burning language they clothed their ideas as they bore witness for Him! Their hearts were surcharged with a benevolence so full, so deep, so far-reaching, that it impelled them to go to the ends of the earth, testifying to the power of Christ. They were filled with an intense longing to carry forward the work He had begun. They realized the greatness of their debt to heaven and the responsibility of their work. Strengthened by the endowment of the Holy Spirit, they went forth filled with zeal to extend the triumphs of the cross. The Spirit animated them and spoke through them. The peace of Christ shone from their faces. They had consecrated their lives to Him for service, and their very features bore evidence to the surrender they had made.From Trials to Triumph
Thousands in Jerusalem Converted
TT 26.4
No longer were the disciples ignorant and uncultured; no longer a collection of independent, conflicting elements. They were of “one accord,” “of one heart and of one soul.” In mind and character they had become like their Master, and men recognized that “they had been with Jesus.” Acts 2:46; 4:32, 13. The truths they could not understand while Christ was with them were now unfolded. No longer was it a matter of faith with them that Christ was the Son of God. They knew He was indeed the Messiah, and they told their experience with a confidence which carried with it the conviction that God was with them.Acts 2:1-47
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 49, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 2
“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed, and marveled, saying one to another, Behold are not all these which speak Galileans? And how here we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” [Acts 2:1-11.]23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 4
In preparation for this important work, the disciples had for several days been together, confessing their sins and praying for the Holy Spirit. Jesus had told them that they were not to depart from Jerusalem until they had received the promise of the Father. “Ye shall receive power,” He had told them, “after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” [Acts 1:8.] The second chapter of Acts records the experiences that came to the disciples when they received the Holy Ghost.23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 6
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words; for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Verses 12-21.]23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 10
“It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Acts 2:21.] This is a comforting promise. Can we grasp it by faith? Shall we not by our actions show that we appreciate the rich provisions of the Word of God?23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 11
Peter continues, “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” [Verses 22, 23.]23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 13
Peter then speaks of the resurrection of Jesus: “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face; for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope; because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” [Verses 24-27.]23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 16
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” [Verses 32-39.]23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 18
“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” [Verse 40.]23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 20
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” [Acts 2:41, 42.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 182, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 182, 1898, par. 27
I bore a plain testimony, referring to the work essential to be done right where we are in Cooranbong. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking from the last words of Christ before His ascension, and the commission given to His disciples: (Matthew 28:16-20); the preparation to bring to the work. Acts 1:8-14; Acts 2:1-4, 39, 46, 47.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 22, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 22, 1900, par. 2
The disciples did as they were commanded. We read, “When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.]15LtMs, Ms 22, 1900, par. 3
As Peter spoke to the people with the power of the Spirit, “they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” This question was answered just as decidedly as it was asked. Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” [Verses 37-39.]15LtMs, Ms 22, 1900, par. 4
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” [Verses 41-47.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 178, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 178, 1907, par. 8
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.]22LtMs, Lt 178, 1907, par. 9
Our people should study the second chapter of Acts. Before representatives of all nations, gathered in Jerusalem, was manifested the power of the gospel of a risen Saviour when preached by men under the influence of the Holy Spirit. “The same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” [Verses 41-43.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 7, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 7, 1909, par. 2
Christ instructed His disciples that they should not leave Jerusalem until the power of God should come upon them. The disciples obeyed the command, “continuing in prayer and supplication.” “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 1:14; 2:1-4.]24LtMs, Ms 7, 1909, par. 5
“But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words. For these men are not drunken as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the heaven beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Verses 5-8, 12-21.]24LtMs, Ms 7, 1909, par. 6
We are living in the last days, in a time when we may expect much from the Lord. These words should bring us to the throne of grace and claim great things of Him. Here the promise is given that on the men and women, and handmaidens, on our sons and daughters, the Holy Spirit is to come; and “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Verse 21.] This brings to view a wonderful work to be done, for which we need the converting power of God in our hearts every day. It is our privilege to experience this. Heaven is full of blessings, and it is our privilege to claim the rich promises of God for our individual selves. We need to seek the Lord day and night that we may know just what steps to take and just what we ought to do.24LtMs, Ms 7, 1909, par. 11
“Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath unto him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither did His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” [Verses 22-32.]24LtMs, Ms 7, 1909, par. 15
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,” Peter continued, “that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [Verse 36.] I hope none here are crucifying Christ by a wrong course of action, but I pray that we may have a clear sense of what God is to us, and of what we may be to Him as His messengers to a people that are ignorant of His will. The message is not only unto “you and your children, but unto all that are afar off, even to as many as the Lord our God shall call.” [Verse 39.] When the people heard these words, they were pricked in their hearts, and said to Peter and the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” [Verses 37-40.]24LtMs, Ms 7, 1909, par. 16
In the experience that followed we may learn what a right testimony will accomplish when it is borne under the influence of the Holy Spirit. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” [Verses 41-47.]Selected Messages Book 3
Report of the Interview
3SM 365.1
Experience Recorded in Acts 2 Repeated—When that promised blessing came on us, as we put up our petitions to God, we had the same experience as recorded here in Acts 2 in regard to the apostles. When that promised power came upon us we spake in other tongues as the Spirit gave us utterance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 244a, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 244a, 1906, par. 14
In the record of the Acts of the Apostles, we see the disciples of Jesus manifesting a Christlike activity in medical missionary work. All their efforts were put forth in the strength of the divine united with the human. Like a stream, which may be traced back to its source, their medical missionary work was so genuine that it could easily be traced back to the Great Medical Missionary. In the work of the Lord’s agencies, the one Chief Agent is recognized as the real, actuating force.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 218, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 218, 1906, par. 13
In the record of the Acts of the Apostles, we see the disciples of Jesus manifesting a Christlike activity in medical missionary work. All their efforts were put forth in the strength of the divine united with the human. Like a stream, which may be traced back to its source, their medical missionary work was so genuine that it could easily be traced back to the Great Medical Missionary. In the work of the Lord’s agencies, the one Chief Agent is recognized as the real, actuating force.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 170, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 170, 1907, par. 9
Let those who desire to be refreshed in mind and instructed in the truth study the history of the early church during and immediately follow the day of Pentecost. Study carefully in the book of Acts the experiences of Paul and the other apostles; for God’s people in our day must pass through similar experiences.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 115, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 115, 1908, par. 12
When that promised blessing came on us, as we put up our petitions to God, we had the same experience as recorded here in (Acts 2), in regard to the apostles. When that promised power came upon us, we spake in other tongues as the Spirit gave us utterance. In Toledo, when we were bearing our message, on the street, a man who was a Polish Catholic stood on the street when Mrs. Mackin was speaking; and as the Spirit of God came upon her, and spoke to them through her in another language that she could not understand, this Polish gentleman exclaimed, “I know what that lady is speaking. She is speaking in my own tongue of a calamity which is soon to be visited on this city.” In other instances, when one comes into this blessing of speaking with tongues, the Lord may give me the same tongue, and we may hold a conversation in the language that the Spirit of God may have given us utterance in. Even three or four may take part in the conversation, and yet it is a foreign tongue to them, and one waits on the other until the other is through; and it is all in order. This is the experience we received, according to the promised blessing.23LtMs, Ms 115, 1908, par. 17
The trial was set, and I simply produced the evidence from the Word of God that we were living in the last days, and, according to (Acts 2), in the last days the Lord had promised to pour out the Spirit of God upon all flesh, and the boys and girls were to prophesy.23LtMs, Ms 115, 1908, par. 18
And by the way, it was through this little girl—the Spirit of God coming upon this child—that we were directed to go to Toledo when we did. When under the influence of the Spirit, she pointed her finger directly at me, and then toward Toledo, and through the Spirit of prophecy she says, “You go to Toledo;” and since this accorded with (Acts 2)—“Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy;” and knowing the family—putting the test to the life—we dared not hesitate to go. We were told at the same time that we would be put in prison in Toledo. That came to pass, and we had the evidence that we were directed by the Spirit, because that which had been prophesied came to pass. We bore our message in the city, and they came and locked us up.Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)
James White on the Prophetic Gift
1BIO 128.3
Having introduced the visions given to Ellen, James devoted a page to the subject of a prophetic voice in earth’s last days, opening with words from Acts 2:1BIO 128.4
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy” [verses 17, 18].—A Word to the Little Flock, 13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 124, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 124, 1909, par. 23
Let our brethren study carefully the book of Acts and see what was accomplished by the labor of the apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we consecrate ourselves to the work that must be done for these last days, angels from heaven will co-operate with us. They will make the impression upon the minds of those for whom we labor, and many will be brought to a knowledge of the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 23, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 23, 1909, par. 5
Study the first and second chapters of Acts. Light has been given me that our work must be carried forward in a higher and broader way than it has ever yet been carried. The light of heaven is to be appreciated and cherished. This light is for the laborers. It is for those who feel that God has given them a message, and that they have a sacred responsibility to bear in its proclamation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 113, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 113, 1909, par. 6
Read Acts and learn the lessons brought to view in the first chapter and following chapters, especially the first chapter. This whole history is of importance to the setting of things in order. We need to encourage a special work to be done.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 121, 1909
Portland, Maine
July 5, 1909
Previously unpublished.
24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 1
Acts 2:1-5. Now bear this in mind. This was an occasion when the Lord was manifesting to His people His power, and the outside people were to have a knowledge of the power of Jesus Christ.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 2
Verse 4. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They had been praying then some days. They had been seeking the Lord, and here their petitions were answered.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 3
Verses 4, 5. This was no private matter. Here was an occasion when heaven was to manifest the power that would be visited upon the people of God in their emergency.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 4
Verse 5. So you see this was not a thing that was done in private.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 5
Verses 6-20. We must expect that there will be revelations from heaven that will be given to His people. They shall be given in warnings, and in reproofs, and in explanation of the Word, that all may understand that they have come to the very period that is here prophesied, that will be manifested among the people of God. And we would have every soul on the watchtower.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 6
Well, what had they been doing? The disciples had been praying ten days that the Holy Spirit might come upon them, and it was in answer to their prayers that they received of the Holy Spirit in large measure. And there was wonderment among the people. Here were men that were traveled in all parts of the world, men that would not understand in regard to these matters about Christ and the crucifixion of Christ, but Christ told them not to leave Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high. They were not to hurry out of Jerusalem, but they were to stand there to give the Word.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 7
Christ thought when He was crucified, that there was to be a testimony that would bear with tremendous weight, just such as came on this occasion, and the Lord would give evidence to those that wanted evidence that He was the Creator of the universe; He was the power and glory of His people. And they were to wait there, trusting in Him without fear. They were to lean their whole weight upon the Word of God, and the manifestation of the Spirit which they knew was the manifestation of the Spirit of God.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 8
Peter was telling them about it. He was telling them just what had come to pass.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 9
Verses 16-20, 21. “Whosoever.” Can you take that in? Verse 21. That is an opportunity when they thought they had gained a great victory. Here was the representation of how it will be to those who assembled together. And we read it in other parts of the Word, that when you are in trouble, when you are in perplexity, then gather together and pray. Offer up your petitions to God, and lay right hold of the arm of Omnipotence, and there shall be the glory of God. Well, Satan won’t be dead. No, he is alive. He will work to divert the minds to something else. There will always be differences enough of the minds to take them, if possible, from the light of the evidence of the truth.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 10
But here was the sermon given verses 22, 23. Now, they thought that they had gained a wonderful victory, but here it is held out before them what they had done.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 11
Verse 24. There was Christ. When they thought they had a victory, that great stone was rolled before the door of the sepulcher and sealed, and a guard put around it so that He would not be stolen away, and here He had risen. But you see there were those in heaven that were in co-operation with Jesus Christ. The mighty power of God was to be revealed to all these nations that had come together from all parts of the earth. There was to be a tremendous demonstration, so that all that would believe any evidence would believe that.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 12
But there was an angel. There was the Roman guard watching the sepulcher, but suddenly the whole place is lighted by the streams of the glory of God that enshrouded the mighty angel who came down to the sepulcher and rolled back that mighty stone. There it was that that voice bid Christ to rise and to triumph in His life. And there He triumphed over that broken sepulcher. The Roman guards saw them. The Roman guards had no power, they fell prostrated to the ground, but they saw it all, they understood it all, and there over the rent sepulcher of Joseph He proclaimed, I am the resurrection and the life. So we know, whatever temptation comes to us, as long as there is a devil in our world, we must be armed with a might and power to resist him.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 13
How can we do this? Do just as the disciples did. They met together and they prayed together for ten days, and the light of the glory of God came into their midst, and such wonderful things were done under the influence of the heavenly intelligences. Earthly intelligences can do but very little, but when the heavenly intelligences come, and when the power of God is revealed, then the earthly powers have to give back whether they want to or not. There is a Power that rules in the heaven of heavens, and He wants every one of us to know it. He wants us to all understand it, and He wants us to be in a position that we can pray, and He wants us to be in a position that we can humble our hearts before God and walk in all humility of mind. He wants every one of us to be in communion with a Higher Power, because there are two agencies in our world. There is the devil that was cast out of heaven, because there was war in heaven, and he and his angels were emptied out of heaven. Now, we will have these to contend with just as long as God shall consider it essential for us.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 14
But why are we not getting ready? Why are we not humble before God? Why are we not walking in humility and meekness? Why are we not believing every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God? God will help us and that right early. Here is the Word that is spoken.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 15
Verses 23-28. Now that is a wonderful promise.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 16
Verse 29. Amen and amen. We will give God the glory, that even if we should fall and lose our lives, as the disciples did, yet we should come from the dead, and Christ will bring us forth in the resurrection and place crowns of glory upon our heads.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 17
What we are to be concerned about it? Am I an humble man? Am I a meek man? Because unless I am, I shall be a trouble in the church. All these things are to be considered.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 18
Verse 40. “untoward.” They did not take to Christ. Why? “For God so loved the world ... should not perish.” [John 3:16.] Although they might lose their lives, yet their names are registered in the Lamb’s book of life, and they will come forth. Christ will bring them forth from the dead, and then He takes them, after that first resurrection, to the gate of the city, and He swings back the gate upon the glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in. And there He places the fathers and the mothers who have considered that the greatest work they could do in this world was to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Why? Because every soul that is really educated will educate their companions—every soul that will take hold of the righteousness of Christ—for humanity has the privilege of grasping divinity in Jesus Christ that they may overcome the temptations that are in the world through lust. This is what every one of us have to understand, and then to come in right relation to God.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 19
For the promise is unto you and your children. You are to work tenderly with them, not to bring your children up any way haphazard, and feel not responsibility. Ye are laborers together, together with God. We are to take the Word of the living God, and do our duty to our children. You are to work tenderly with them, no scolding, no pounding their flesh in anger. They may need punishment, but let it be brought to them with tears in your eyes. Do not make them feel that you wish to humiliate them, and that you want to place them in the worst position possible, but just talk with them and pray with them.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 20
I find with the many children that I have taken to bring up, where I saw that they were not educated right, I could talk with them, I could pray with them, and there was no need of pounding their flesh. Now, God wants us to be sensible men and women. He wants us to do right. He wants us to be patient. He does not want us to eat everything that comes in our way. There is a work carried on continually in your system, because of the things you put in your stomach, which never should be there.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 21
He wants the father and the mother to be temperate in all things, and speak kindly, never scold nor fret to the husband, or the husband to the wife. That is not Christian. There is no Christianity in that. What we want is to be Christians in every sense of the word. What we want is to seek the Lord with all our hearts, and be converted. Unless you do, your family may go to perdition. Fathers, mothers, what about the souls of your children?24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 22
If you have acted your part righteously, the gates of the city of God will be thrown back upon their glittering hinges, and there your children will be that you tried to educate line upon line, and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. You are guarding them against the influences that are against Christ. He wants you to have the Christ spirit. Christ gave His life. The Father gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. That is what we want them to have. And when they come to the gates of the city, and there are the crowns that are to be placed upon their heads, He throws back the gates and welcomes them in, parents and children. O with what gladness He said, when He was on the earth, Suffer little children to come unto Me.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 23
There were mothers leaving their homes, and it does not say whether they had a father or not, but they went to see Jesus. They were so troubled and worried to know what to do, and if they could get a blessing from Jesus, O, they thought, how it would help them. So the mothers gathered children as they went along, mothers and children, and they came. Here Christ was, teaching a large crowd of people, and the disciples forbade them. Why, said they, the Master is teaching, He cannot be interrupted in His work. Christ caught the words, and He turned, and He rose upon His feet, and He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 19:14.]24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 24
And there will be a large company if fathers and mothers will do their duty to their children, if they will educate them from the Bible, if they will train them there, they can bring their children up with joy. As Christ sees the children, He embraces them in His arms, the little ones, and takes them into the city of God, and then there is music in heaven among the angels, and the harps are placed in the hands of the parents. Parents and children are together saved, eternally saved to have a life that measures with the life of God.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 25
Isn’t it worth something to have our schools and to have our children educated and trained, to have our sanitariums where we can take in the sick and the suffering? O how many times I have stood before them as they have wheeled their sick into the parlor, and there seen their countenances light up with hope as I presented Jesus, the hope of the world, and the joy of all, the blessed Jesus, the precious Saviour. And now I present Him to you all here today.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 26
He took these little children, when the mothers brought them, and encircled them in His arms, “Suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 14.] Fathers and mothers, don’t speak a cross word to your children. Do not speak words that will discourage them. They are little children; they are not grown up. They need to be educated and trained at every step, and they want an example set before them of the father and mother in every respect. And if they are corrected, let it be in kindness and tenderness, that it is to save their souls. The little children were clinging to the knees of Christ, and their ways were around His neck. Just think how the Saviour felt, and you try to feel just as He felt. Bring them to the Saviour. He died for them.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 27
He gave His life for humanity. And from the humanity in you, fathers, and the humanity in you, mothers, let us just grasp the divinity that is in Jesus Christ, so that you can express Him in your family in words, in tender words, in affectionate words. Thus you can have a power so that you can educate and train your children for the future life. How long? One that measures with the life of God. That life of heaven you can possess. I beg of you, for Christ’s sake, to consider not so much how you shall decorate your children with finery, or how much property you shall gain so as to exceed your neighbor, but what can you do that the humanity in your children, and in your own life, can grasp divinity in the life of Christ, and be overcomers day by day, and bind the children to Jesus.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 28
What a world we should have if we would do this! There is a tremendous responsibility resting upon the fathers and mothers, and the older brothers and older sisters. Altogether you can be a household of faith, and praise God and glorify God, and you can be happy, and you can win your neighbors to Christ. Your influence will tell for the glory of God. Parents, will you begin in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—will you begin to have praying seasons in your house, and then with your neighbors’ children, and feel just as much interest that they shall be saved? They have souls. The humanity that is in you sanctified can grasp divinity, and there you can have power that your words will be applied to the hearts of the very ones that you ought to save. God help us.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 29
God is our helper. We are not left to ourselves to worry our way through nobody knows how. No, we are to have that life that measures with the life of God. Make efforts, self-denying efforts, and you may develop the missionary spirit wherever you are. Try to save the souls that are ready to perish, and build up the cause of God in our world. The Lord wants us to stand before Him. Fully answering the purpose of God in your relation to each other, and in your relation to God, you will save some powers to be given to the work of helping you hand to hand in saving other souls.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 30
There is a world to save. In Portland, when fifteen years old, I have pleaded with families until every one of them gave their hearts to God. I lived there. I was born in Gorham, and in Portland I could not get out of my mind the mighty message that came here in 1842, 1843, and 1844, right into this city. I was one that in my youth used to bear my message. I told my son who is here with me, said I, I cannot lay down the armor until I have borne a message to the people of Portland.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 31
We want to arouse, every soul that wants to revive the spirit of the work, and bring in the third angel’s message with all its sanctifying power, that we shall be ready when the last movement is made. You are laborers together with God, and we must begin the work at home now. We must take right hold of it every day. There is much more I might say, but I am going to reserve it, because I do not wish to weary myself or weary you out, but I have more to say. I want to say a few words.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 32
The disciples met together to pray, and they sacrificed everything possible that they might reach the people where they were. And they did reach them, hundreds and thousands were converted. Why? Because they message came to them in its simplicity, in its truthfulness. In its very life it came to them, and this is the very work that we want to do and see done in Portland. I felt that I could not lay off my armor. I shall be, next November, 82 years old, and I have been laboring since I was fifteen years old in public labor. But we want souls. We want souls converted, and we want every soul to place themselves in right relation to God in simplicity, that He can move upon the human heart, and that you will be aroused so that your humanity shall see its privilege to lay hold of the very reason Christ was given to our world. Lay hold of what? Divinity. Divinity in Christ by a living faith. You can present that divinity to the Father; you can plead for your children and the unconverted and your own souls, and you can overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust, because your humanity has laid hold with divinity. Therefore the divinity of Christ is for the conqueror.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 33
But we leave this with you now, and we will have other words to speak in regard to this matter. But O, I want to see the children, I want to see them converted, and I want to see the fathers and mothers and the aged that now feel that no great responsibility rests upon them. Yes there is. I will tell you what it is—to keep ever before you the divinity of Christ. “God so loved the world ... everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 34
You think of it. Don’t let it pass from your mind, but work it out in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and if you do, then when the crown is laid upon your head, and the heads of your children, you will take these crowns and lay them at the feet of Jesus. The reward is already for us, and shall you make no great importance of that divinity that humanity can grasp? It is your only hope, and Christ preserved that divinity unsullied. Had He not, we should all perish, and you are to be co-laborers with Jesus Christ in this work of salvation.24LtMs, Ms 121, 1909, par. 35
God help us that we may understand what it means with divinity and humanity combined. We must have the divinity of Christ by a living faith and act it out in living power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 88, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 88, 1893, par. 21
Saturday meetings commenced in the forenoon. W. C. White gave a very solemn discourse in regard to the signs of the times. Mrs. White, his mother, spoke in the afternoon from John 21:1-13. A very solemn impression was made upon the people, both forenoon and afternoon. After the discourse there was one hour devoted to social meeting. Many good testimonies were borne. Not many outsiders were present. In the evening Dr. M. G. Kellogg spoke upon the gospel commission. Not many outsiders were present. Acts 1, whole chapter, and chapter 2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 78, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 55
I spoke in the Adventist church to a full house from the first and second chapters of Acts in reference to the Holy Spirit promised by our Saviour just before His ascension to heaven. Acts 1:8-12. In the second chapter we have the fulfillment of the promise. What a firm, bold acknowledgment of Christ came from the lips of Peter. Verses 22-40. What a testimony borne to those who had rejected Jesus and cried for Barabbas to be released, who was a murderer and thief and whose countenance was marked with his debased character. Christ, the world’s Redeemer, was standing by his side with the impress of the divine shining through humanity. Pilate asks, “Which shall I release unto you?” The hoarse voices, impelled by satanic frenzy, cried out as wild beasts bellowing in a rage, “Barabbas, Barabbas. Release unto us Barabbas.” “But what shall I do with Jesus, your king?” “Crucify him, crucify him. Away with Christ to the crucifixion.” [Matthew 27:21, 22; Luke 23:18, 21; John 19:14, 15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 5, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 5, 1895, par. 2
We have great reason to praise God that we have the inspired record that is given us in the book of Acts, a narrative of the works of the apostles. We have the sure word of inspiration respecting the foundation of the Christian church. The Acts of the Apostles is full of instruction and light and knowledge. As Christ’s disciples living down in the last days, in the very close of earth’s history, we have the same work to do to prepare for Christ’s second coming as they had in developing the Christian church.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 243, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 243, 1899, par. 9
I would be greatly pleased could you unite with us in Australia in our work. You would understand [the work] better that anyone we could get to help me in getting out my testimonies which the people need so much. If I had more help, I would now begin to write, and finish up the New Testament history and then take up the Old Testament history. Which do you think would be the best—the revision of the Life of Paul and the Apostles from Acts through to Revelation, or the Old Testament from Solomon down to Malachi? I would be so pleased if I could have your help. Willie is called off on so many business matters that I cannot hope to have much of his time and careful planning.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 91, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 17
Luke, writing in the first and second chapters of Acts, says, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandment unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 21
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken unto my words, for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing that it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens will I pour out of My Spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in the heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Acts 2:1-8, 12-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 100, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 100, 1909, par. 13
The whole of the book of Acts should receive careful study. It is full of precious instruction; it records experiences in evangelistic work, the teachings of which we need in our work today. This is wonderful history; it deals with the highest education, which the students in our schools are to receive.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 72, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, par. 2
Recently I have been very much occupied in the work of closing up my book on the Acts of the Apostles. I think that my part of this work is about finished.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 74, 1911
Oakland, California
July 11, 1911
Previously unpublished.
25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 1
Acts 2:1-47.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 2
“Then they that gladly received His word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” [Verse 41.] Do you think we shall see anything like that? I believe we shall.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 3
Here we have the whole history, a wonderful history of conversion and the workings of the Holy Spirit of God upon hearts, and what we want today is that the light that came to them should come to us and should impress our minds strongly. Is it not time now that we should indeed come to God in the simplicity of His Word and present His Word to the Father and to the Son? Here we have the prophecy God has given, and here is the blessing that came.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 4
Now I thank God for all these opportunities. They are just the opportunities that we want. We want to see that by faith we can approach the Father and the Son, and that the grace of God can come upon us. Then I ask you, What shall we see? We shall see the fruit of all such, and that is what want to see right in this very meeting. We want to see the deep movings of the Spirit of God upon the human heart. If we will only take God at His word in the simplicity of faith, and cast our helpless souls upon Jesus Christ and believe that He hears our prayers and that He will respond to them, we shall have light in the Lord just as they had in those days. That is what we need.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 5
Here is the large city of Oakland. There is a great deal to be done here. Every soul that devotes himself fully to God will certainly see of His saving grace and realize it in his own soul, and communicate the same grace to those that are around him. We expect too little. We want to expect much. We want to take God at His word, and we want that faith that works by love and purifies the soul, and every one of us at this meeting may have the rich blessing of God.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 6
When I was stronger than I am now, I remember that time and time again we met together and in simplicity of soul laid our cases right before the Lord, asking Him to let His blessing come to us individually that we might communicate the same to those with whom we should become acquainted and in contact. It was our privilege to do this. We want the light to disseminate to those who are in darkness, and it is our privilege to have it. We know not what is before us. We have seen the strong workings of the powers of darkness. We have seen it in different places in our cities. We see and we read and we hear of the terrible things. It is nothing to take a person’s life.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 7
How shall we carry through the very work that is before us? It will only be done by that living faith that we shall cultivate day by day until it becomes a certainty to us that we have received the things we ask for. We all need more of the Holy Spirit of God to work our cities.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 8
I am glad to see as many at this camp meeting as I have seen since I have been here. We are thankful for this, and we want to make the most of it. We want to take God at His word, and if we will in humble simplicity cast our helpless souls upon Jesus Christ, we shall have light and grace and power so that we can overcome the evils in our own selves and then help others. We can communicate it to others; that is the best of it. Let every one of us make it our business to follow on to know the Lord. If we will do this our own souls will be assuredly strengthened and blessed and established in the truth, that when counter influences shall come, thinking they can bring it to bear upon us, it may be seen that we take no stock in it at all, that we are not affected by the influences of those who are not given up to the Lord.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 9
Now I want to say to men and to women, to the young men especially, there is a great deal of reading that is issued now, and it does not tell of Jesus. We should be in a position of discernment where we will not take in these things. We want to prepare for what God is preparing for us. We want the blessing of God to rest upon us in rich measure. And we should have it. There is no excuse for us that we are not further advanced in spirituality. There is no excuse for us when we are behind when we should be far ahead by the experience that it is our privilege to have.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 10
We can communicate these precious privileges to others. We can talk with them. In the past there has been very little done to try to approach our neighbors. But is it a right thing? No, it is not. We are to communicate the light of the knowledge of God, and that light that is in the face of Jesus Christ we are to express in our own countenances—the joy of the Lord. It is our privilege to have this joy, and it is our privilege to stand in freedom in a position where the frivolous things that are around us will not affect us at all.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 11
As I have tried to get out the Life of Paul, I have seen so much that God is willing to communicate to His people, and I felt so thankful I hardly knew how to contain myself—to think of the assurance that is given fathers and mothers for their children to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. There is a great deal of admonition given that does not do any good but only stirs up the wickedness that is in the heart. Remember, it is the admonition of the Lord. What you want is to labor in such a way that your children will recognize that the Holy Spirit of God is working upon the human agent in his behalf.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 12
Let us understand and take in the Word of God as we read it. Do you think that you are having a hard time? Then consider that in order for Christ to make salvation perfect and assured He left the royal courts, He left His holy Father, and He came into this world to seek and to save the sinner, that he should not perish. We want to see what self-denial He practiced in our behalf, and then let not one of us feel that we are having a close and hard time because there is a strait path marked out before us, which we are to travel. Let us travel that strait path.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 13
Let us take right hold by a living faith upon the Word of God, and bring the promises into our prayers: You have said it, Lord, and we claim it. In doing this, at the time of which we have read, they were of one accord. In one accord they were pleading for the gracious influence of the Spirit of God, and it came upon them. They received it. Why should not we receive it? We are preparing for the great, grand review, and our cases will be brought up—if they are not yet—in judgment, and decision will be pronounced upon each case. We want to understand that we have something to do to rescue ourselves, and that is by a holy, living faith in Jesus Christ. We are to give an example to the world that we have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. If we will do this, we shall see light in His light, and we shall rejoice in the truth.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 14
God is permitting us to have the light from heaven, that we may lay hold upon that light, and that we may communicate that light to the world, and every soul should be doing something. If you could possibly consider these subjects as they have been presented to me, the great sacrifice for our salvation, we should see you more earnest men, women, and children, anxious to do something. Many are doing something. But we want more to be at work. We are preparing for the great examination. We are trying to prepare souls for that great examination that is to take place. There must not be a spot or a wrinkle or any such thing upon our characters, because we have laid hold by faith upon the Son of the living God. He sacrificed in our behalf that we might become partakers of the divine nature.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 15
The angels work with you when you are laboring for souls. And they are working in your behalf to make your case a certain one. But you can do more in one hour by your perversity than it is possible for God to do in justice in your behalf. The Lord desires that every soul of us should understand that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. The last moments of this earth’s history will soon be passed, and we shall stand naked before God just as we are. Has not God done enough for our salvation? Did not He give us a Saviour, a perfect example, so that we should not make any mistake? And when we come and repent before God, He will accept us, He will write our names in the book of life, and each one whose name is written there will either be welcomed into the city of God or will be cast out to receive their punishment with the wicked, and will never see the glories of heaven.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 16
We want every soul here to understand there is a heaven to win. You have no moments to lose. Now is your opportunity to lay right hold of the Son of God by a living faith and say you will never let go, but hold on until you know that you are obtaining victory after victory.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 17
Let the light of heaven come into your lives. Surely impurity and sin are not things that we should covet but overcome by the blood of the Lamb. We shall bear the word of our testimony to those that are in the world, telling them of Jesus and how He was in the world, how He hung upon the cross, and how He was derided. Pilate gave Him up when he declared he found no fault in Him. He had to declare that before those scornful accusers, and yet for his office’s sake he let that Man Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, have the spikes driven through His hands and through His feet, and be hanged upon the cruel cross. For what? To save his office.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 18
We want to be prepared for the grand review. There is a grand review that is coming off soon and we want to be ready for it. We want to have our garments washed white and pure in the blood of the Lamb, and we want to sing the song of victory. Put away your novels. Take the Bible and books that will help you. I have been working to get out in the simplest language the light that has been given me.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 19
When the word came to me to put in print what was given me, I felt as though I could never do it. “I will be your helper,” was the assurance given. And you see how many books I have brought into circulation. Said I, “I am simple; I cannot write as the popular writers.” “I will be your helper,” was the assurance. “You shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony in the simplicity of language that all parties can understand.” And when my copyist has said, “I can put in a word there that will express the meaning in higher language,” I have said, “Do not change a word I give you.” I said, “The Lord has taken me in simplicity of my childhood, and I mean to maintain that simplicity in language, and wherever I am any one who understands the English language will understand what I mean.” That is just the direction that God has given me: “Aspire not to the higher language, but to the simple language that the people can understand.”25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 20
I have had children come to me and ask if I were going to speak at a certain time. They said they wanted me to speak because they had their friends together to come and hear me, and they had told them that they could understand every word if I spoke. The Lord took me in my childhood to bear the messages to the people, and therefore I gave myself up to the work to be wholly the Lord’s, and I have never, never tried to put into my writings any words that I did not clearly understand, and that a child could not understand. My writings are very, very simple and you may wonder that as I have put out so many books why I have not improved in language. One said, I do not think it is right that you do not improve in language. I said, “There is more rejoicing in the simplicity of the language as they read the stories from the Bible than in any that use the larger language and they cannot understand it.”25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 21
I want to say that the simplicity of true godliness is to come to the world, and the people are to feel and understand that God will take them in their simplicity and will educate them in His own line. I want to say that the Lord lives, and we are to work to be a blessing to those that are around us.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 22
Every novel that I see in my house, I tell them that if I see it again they will never see it any more. We want the truth. When you understand the truth as it is in the Lord and can practice it, then that is all God requires of you. We are to stand the grand review. You are preparing for this great review, and if you bring along your old customs and habits, you are spoiled. God cannot work with you. God cannot sanctify you. We want to be on the right side in the simplicity of true godliness. Therefore I have not tried to reach for high words. The simplicity of the language recommends it to those who are young, to those who will appreciate it; and I want to tell you there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. I want to be prepared for that grand review.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 23
When I begged of the Lord to take someone else and not me, but someone whose writings could be recommended, the light came: “I have chosen you to fulfill My will to the young and to the old, that they may understand the language without having to go to the dictionary to find out the meaning.” I have gone on from point to point till the many books that I have written go rapidly and are recommended by those who can speak in high language.25LtMs, Ms 74, 1911, par. 24
Let every one of us take our position that we will have the simplicity of true godliness. Try to educate all you can, and bring all into the kingdom of heaven that you possibly can. Do not leave a wicked example for any soul to follow. You are to forsake every sin, everything that is unlike God, and put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness that you may be accepted in the kingdom of God to go no more out forever, as His people, as His overcomers. We want to be in that position to crucify our souls by obedience to the truth, and all these novels that are gotten up contain no good. We want to know the Saviour. He gave His life for us. He is coming again, and every one who will accept Him He will crown with glory, and immortal life will be their portion.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 53, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4
In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 40, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 1
Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, and Theophilus, to whom it is addressed, had been pleasantly associated. From Luke, Theophilus had received much instruction and great light. Luke had been Theophilus’ teacher, and he still felt a responsibility to direct and instruct him and to sustain and protect him in his work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 4, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, par. 2
I am thankful that I can remain at home for a time, where I can be close to my helpers. Since you left, I have been very fully employed in the preparation of matter for the Life of Paul. We are trying to bring out scriptural evidences of truth, and these, we believe, will be appreciated by our people. I have been anxious to bring into this book much matter that will be of special help to our workers who may be called upon to pass through experiences similar to those that came to the early Christian church. There is, in the history of the Acts of the Apostles, much that, if appropriated in the daily life, will inspire our brethren and sisters with a desire to seek for a higher spiritual life and for greater power, and for wisdom to co-operate with heavenly intelligences in the salvation of souls.25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, par. 9
The unwarned multitudes are fast becoming the sport of the evil one. Satan is leading them into many forms of folly and self-pleasing. Many are seeking for that which is novel and startling; their minds are far from God and the truths of His Word. At this time, when the enemy is working as never before to engross the minds of men and women, and turn them from the truth, we should be laboring with increasing activity in the highways and also in the byways. Diligently, interestedly, we are to proclaim the last message of mercy in the cities—the highways; and the work is not to end there, but is to extend into the surrounding settlements and in the country districts—into the byways and the hedges. All classes are to be reached. As we labor, we shall meet with various nationalities. None are to be passed by, unwarned. The Lord Jesus was the gift of God to the entire world—not to the higher classes alone, and not to any one nationality, to the exclusion of others. His saving grace encircles the whole world. Whosoever will may drink of the water of life freely. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Acts 2:21.] But there is earnest work to be done. The gospel invitation is to be given in every place; for “how ... shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” [Romans 10:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 32, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 32, 1910, par. 8
Let us read and receive and present to others the second chapter of the book of Acts. We need a deeper piety and the sincere meekness of the Great Teacher. I am instructed to advise you in Washington, D.C., that the whole book of Acts is our lesson book. All of us need to humble our own individual hearts and be converted daily.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 32a, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 32a, 1910, par. 7
Let us read and receive and present to others the second chapter of the book of Acts. We need a deeper piety, and the sincere meekness of the Great Teacher. The whole book of Acts is our lesson, I am instructed to advise you in Washington, D.C. All of us need to humble our own individual hearts, and be converted daily. This I write to you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 56, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, par. 7
While preparing the book on the Acts of the Apostles, the Lord has kept my mind in perfect peace. This book will soon be ready for publication. When this book is ready for publication, if the Lord sees fit to let me rest, I shall say Amen, and Amen. If the Lord spares my life, I will continue to write and to bear my testimony in the congregation of the people, as the Lord shall give me strength and guidance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 66, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, par. 7
I long for strength to do the work that must be done at this time. I would speak daily at this Long Beach camp-meeting if I could; but I have not strength to do this. I dare not consume all my strength in this meeting; for there is other important work before me. Lately I have given considerable time and effort to the work of completing the book on the Acts of the Apostles. This book is now nearly finished, and I am very thankful for this.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 133, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 133, 1903, par. 8
“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. ... Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians.” [Acts 2:1-5, 9-11.]18LtMs, Lt 133, 1903, par. 10
Read the whole of the second chapter of Acts, and see if you are not convinced that there has been a decided failure to understand that one of our first duties is to make at the nation’s capital a special representation of the truth for this time. Why did we so long pass by Washington, neglecting to establish one signal memorial in this city? Let us determine that we will no longer be unfaithful stewards of this part of the Lord’s vineyard.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 155, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 65
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” [Acts 2:1-5.]19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 69
Acts 2: Verses 34-41.19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 71
Acts 2: Verses 42-47.Acts 2:2
Ye Shall Receive Power
Full Impartation of the Spirit, November 5
YRP 318.1
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2.Acts 2:2-3
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 85, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 7
In the work that was accomplished on the day of Pentecost, we may see what can be done by the exercise of faith. Those who believed in Christ were sealed by the Holy Spirit. As the disciples were assembled together, “there came a sound [from heaven] as of a rushing, mighty wind which filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat on each of them.” [Acts 2:2, 3.] And Peter stood up among them and spoke with mighty power. Among those who listened to him were devout Jews, who were sincere in their belief. But the power that accompanied the words of the speaker convinced them that Christ was indeed the Messiah. What a mighty work was accomplished! Three thousand were converted in one day.Acts 2:2-4
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 42—Faith and Courage
7T 213.2
We do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Over every man, good and evil angels strive. This is no make-believe conflict. It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged. We have to meet most powerful adversaries, and it rests with us to determine which shall win. We are to find our strength where the early disciples found theirs. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 1:14; 2:2, 4.Atlantic Union Gleaner
September 23, 1903
AUGleaner September 23, 1903, par. 8
We do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Over every man good and evil angels strive. This is no make-believe conflict. It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged. We have to meet most powerful adversaries, and it rests with us to determine which shall win. We are to find our strength where the early disciples found theirs. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 1:14; 2:2, 4.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
He Will Supply Our Necessities
3TT 193.1
We do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Over every man, good and evil angels strive. This is no make-believe conflict. It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged. We have to meet most powerful adversaries, and it rests with us to determine which shall win. We are to find our strength where the early disciples found theirs. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 1:14; 2:2, 4.My Life Today
Receiving the Power, February 25
ML 60.1
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:2-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 208, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 208, 1907, par. 10
In every emergency of life we are to find our strength where the early disciples found their strength—in prayer to God. When they were all of one accord in one place in prayer, “suddenly there came from heaven the sound of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:2-4.] As a result of the Holy Spirit’s work on that day, three thousand souls were added to the faith.Acts 2:2-41
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 2—The Commission
8T 15.3
At the end of ten days the Lord fulfilled His promise by a wonderful outpouring of His Spirit. “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:2-4, 41.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Promised Power
3TT 206.4
At the end of ten days the Lord fulfilled His promise by a wonderful outpouring of His Spirit. “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:2-4, 41.Acts 2:2-47
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 115, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 115, 1903, par. 12
At the end of ten days the Lord fulfilled His promise by a wonderful outpouring of His Spirit. “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ... And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; and sold their possessions, and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” [Acts 2:2-4, 41-47.]Acts 2:3-4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 15, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 15, 1898, par. 11
After Christ’s ascension the disciples assembled together. They were of one accord in one place. Every difference was put away, and prayer was offered to God. Thus the disciples prepared for the fulfillment of the promise. They sought God with humility and contrition of soul, that they might be fitted to meet men, and in their daily intercourse speak words that would be helpful and encouraging to each other. “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:3, 4.]Acts 2:3-8
Ye Shall Receive Power
The Gift of Tongues: Fluency in Foreign Languages, July 14
YRP 204.1
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Acts 2:5-8.YRP 204.2
“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:3, 4). The Holy Spirit, assuming the form of tongues of fire, rested upon those assembled. This was an emblem of the gift then bestowed on the disciples, which enabled them to speak with fluency languages with which they had heretofore been unacquainted. The appearance of fire signified the fervent zeal with which the apostles would labor and the power that would attend their work.YRP 204.3
“There were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven” (verse 5). During the dispersion the Jews had been scattered to almost every part of the inhabited world, and in their exile they had learned to speak various languages. Many of these Jews were on this occasion in Jerusalem, attending the religious festivals then in progress. Every known tongue was represented by those assembled. This diversity of languages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they were laboring.Acts 2:4
A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
Texts of Scripture Referred to on Page 8
ExV 35.4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 67, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 67, 1903, par. 6
“Would it not be well for you to seek the Lord as the disciples sought Him before the day of Pentecost? After Christ’s ascension, His disciples—men of varied talents and capabilities—assembled in an upper chamber to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this room ‘all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.’ [Acts 1:14.] They made thorough work for repentance by confessing their own sins. Upon them was laid no burden to confess one another’s sins. Settling all differences and alienations, they were of one accord and prayed with unity of purpose for ten days, at the end of which time ‘they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ [Acts 2:4.]Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
A Severe Trial
The Fifty Texts Luke 1:20
John 16:15
Acts 2:4
Acts 4:29, 30
Acts 4:31
Matthew 7:6
Matthew 7:7-12
Matthew 7:15
Matthew 24:24
Colossians 2:6, 7
Colossians 2:8
Hebrews 10:35-37
Hebrews 10:38, 39
Hebrews 4:10, 11
Hebrews 4:12
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:27-29Philippians 2:13-15
Ephesians 6:10-13
Ephesians 6:14-18
Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 1:22
John 13:34, 35
2 Corinthians 13:5
1 Corinthians 3:10, 11
1 Corinthians 3:12, 13
Acts 20:28-30
Galatians 1:6-9
Luke 12:3-7
Luke 4:10, 11
2 Corinthians 4:6-9
2 Corinthians 4:17, 18
1 Peter 1:5-7
1 Thessalonians 3:8Mark 16:17, 18
John 9:20-27
John 14:13-15
John 15:7, 8
Mark 1:23-25
Romans 8:38, 39
Revelation 3:7-13
Revelation 14:4, 5
Philippians 3:20
James 5:7, 8
Philippians 3:21
Revelation 14:14-17
Hebrews 4:9
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 14:1
Revelation 22:1-5
Early Writings
Texts Referred to on Preceding Page
EW 24.3
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4.Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2
Chapter 10—Trials and Victories
2SG 59.2
Luke 1:20; John 16:15; Acts 2:4; 4:29-31; Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24; Colossians 2:6-8; Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12; Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32; 1 Peter 1:22; John 13:34, 35; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 3:10-13; Acts 20:28-30; Galatians 1:6-9; Luke 12:3-7; 4:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18; 1 Peter 1:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; Mark 16:17, 18; John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8; Mark 1:23-25; Romans 8:38, 39; Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 5; Philippians 3:20; James 5:7, 8; Philippians 3:21; Revelation 14:14-17; Hebrews 4:9; Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5.Life Sketches Manuscript
Some Erroneous Theories
Luke 1:202 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18John 16:151 Peter 1:5-7Acts 2:4, 429-311 Thessalonians 3:8Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24Mark 15:17, 18Colossians 2:6-8John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8 Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12 Mark 1:23-25Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15 Romans 8:38, 39Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32 Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 51 Peter 1:22Philippians 3:20John 13:34, 35James 5:7, 82 Corinthians 13:5Philippians 3:211 Corinthians 3:10-13Revelation 14:14-17Acts 20:28-30Hebrews 4:9Galatians 1:6-9Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5Luke 12:3-7; 10, 11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 98, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 98, 1902, par. 8
“Would it not be well for you to seek the Lord as the disciples sought Him before the day of Pentecost? After Christ’s ascension, His disciples—men of varied talents and capabilities—assembled in an upper chamber to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this room ‘all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.’ [Acts 1:14.] They made thorough work of repentance by confessing their own sins. Upon them was laid no burden to confess one another’s sins. Settling all differences and alienations, they were of one accord, and prayed with unity of purpose for ten days, at the end of which time ‘they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ [Acts 2:4.]Acts 2:5
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 9—The Seven Deacons
AA 87.2
The early church was made up of many classes of people, of various nationalities. At the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, “there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” Acts 2:5. Among those of the Hebrew faith who were gathered at Jerusalem were some commonly known as Grecians, between whom and the Jews of Palestine there had long existed distrust and even antagonism.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 9—Why the Seven Deacons Were Chosen
TT 47.2
The early church was made up of many classes of people, of various nationalities. At the time of Pentecost, “there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” Acts 2:5. Among those of the Hebrew faith were some known as Grecians. Between them and the Jews of Palestine there had long existed distrust.Acts 2:5-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 213, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 213, 1903, par. 3
When the Spirit descended on the disciples, there were dwelling in Jerusalem “devout men, out of every nation under heaven;” and the disciples were given power to speak to these men in their own tongues. [Acts 2:5, 6.] Thus was borne the testimony that God’s field is the world. The gospel is not confined to a certain limited territory, to some particular country or province. Of the Spirit, Christ said, “He shall convince the world of sin.” [John 16:8.]Acts 2:12
Ye Shall Receive Power
In Unexpected Ways, November 8
YRP 321.1
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Acts 2:12.Acts 2:13
Christ Triumphant
Baptism of the Holy Ghost Leads to True Religion, December 30
CTr 371.4
The baptism of the Holy Ghost as on the day of Pentecost will lead to a revival of true religion, and to the performance of many wonderful works. Heavenly intelligences will come among us, and men and women will speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Spirit of God. But should the Lord work upon people as He did on and after the day of Pentecost, many who now claim to believe the truth would know so very little of the operation of the Holy Spirit that they would cry, “Beware of fanaticism.” They would say of those who were filled with the Spirit, “They are filled with new wine” [Acts 2:13, NRSV]....EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Acts 2:1
The Story of Redemption
Chapter 32—Pentecost
SR 241.1
When Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples to the meaning of the prophecies concerning Himself, He assured them that all power was given Him in heaven and on earth, and bade them go preach the gospel to every creature. The disciples, with a sudden revival of their old hope that Jesus would take His place upon the throne of David at Jerusalem, inquired, “Wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. The Saviour threw an uncertainty over their minds in regard to the subject by replying that it was not for them “to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” Acts 1:7.SR 241.2
The disciples began to hope that the wonderful descent of the Holy Ghost would influence the Jewish people to accept Jesus. The Saviour forbore to further explain, for He knew that when the Holy Spirit should come upon them in full measure their minds would be illuminated and they would fully understand the work before them, and take it up just where He had left it.SR 241.3
The disciples assembled in the upper chamber, uniting in supplications with the believing women, with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren. These brethren, who had been unbelieving, were now fully established in their faith by the scenes attending the crucifixion and by the resurrection and ascension of the Lord. The number assembled was about one hundred and twenty.SR 242.1
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The Holy Ghost, assuming the form of tongues of fire divided at the tips, and resting upon those assembled, was an emblem of the gift which was bestowed upon them of speaking with fluency several different languages, with which they had formerly been unacquainted. And the appearance of fire signified the fervent zeal with which they would labor and the power which would attend their words.SR 242.2
Under this heavenly illumination the scriptures which Christ had explained to them stood forth in their minds with the vivid luster and loveliness of clear and powerful truth. The veil which had prevented them from seeing the end of that which was abolished was now removed, and the object of Christ’s mission and the nature of His kingdom were comprehended with perfect clearness.SR 242.3
The Jews had been scattered to almost every nation, and spoke various languages. They had come long distances to Jerusalem, and had temporarily taken up their abode there, to remain through the religious festivals then in progress and to observe their requirements. When assembled, they were of every known tongue. This diversity of languages was a great obstacle to the labors of God’s servants in publishing the doctrine of Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. That God should supply the deficiency of the apostles in a miraculous manner was to the people the most perfect confirmation of the testimony of these witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit had done for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime; they could now spread the truth of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the language of those for whom they were laboring. This miraculous gift was the highest evidence they could present to the world that their commission bore the signet of Heaven.SR 243.1
“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”SR 243.2
The priests and rulers were greatly enraged at this wonderful manifestation, which was reported throughout all Jerusalem and the vicinity, but they dared not give way to their malice, for fear of exposing themselves to the hatred of the people. They had put the Master to death, but here were His servants, unlearned men of Galilee, tracing out the wonderful fulfillment of prophecy and teaching the doctrine of Jesus in all the languages then spoken. They spoke with power of the wonderful works of the Saviour, and unfolded to their hearers the plan of salvation in the mercy and sacrifice of the Son of God. Their words convicted and converted thousands who listened. The traditions and superstitions inculcated by the priests were swept away from their minds and they accepted the pure teachings of the Word of God.SR 244.1
Peter showed them that this manifestation was the direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, wherein he foretold that such power would come upon men of God to fit them for a special work.SR 244.2
Peter traced back the lineage of Christ in a direct line to the honorable house of David. He did not use any of the teachings of Jesus to prove His true position, because he knew their prejudices were so great that it would be of no effect. But he referred them to David, whom the Jews regarded as a venerable patriarch of their nation. Said Peter:SR 244.3
“For David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”SR 244.4
Peter here shows that David could not have spoken in reference to himself, but definitely of Jesus Christ. David died a natural death like other men; his sepulcher, with the honored dust it contained, had been preserved with great care until that time. David, as king of Israel, and also as a prophet, had been specially honored by God. In prophetic vision he was shown the future life and ministry of Christ. He saw His rejection, His trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension.SR 245.1
David testified that the soul of Christ was not to be left in hell (the grave), nor was His flesh to see corruption. Peter shows the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus of Nazareth. God had actually raised Him up from the tomb before His body saw corruption. He was now the exalted One in the heaven of heavens.SR 245.2
On that memorable occasion large numbers who had heretofore ridiculed the idea of so unpretending a person as Jesus being the Son of God, became thoroughly convinced of the truth and acknowledged Him as their Saviour. Three thousand souls were added to the church. The apostles spoke by the power of the Holy Ghost; and their words could not be controverted, for they were confirmed by mighty miracles, wrought by them through the outpouring of the Spirit of God. The disciples were themselves astonished at the results of this visitation, and the quick and abundant harvest of souls. All the people were filled with amazement. Those who did not yield their prejudice and bigotry were so overawed that they dared not by voice or violence attempt to stay the mighty work, and, for the time being, their opposition ceased.SR 245.3
The arguments of the apostles alone, although clear and convincing, would not have removed the prejudice of the Jews which had withstood so much evidence. But the Holy Ghost sent those arguments home with divine power to their hearts. They were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting them of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”SR 246.1
Peter urged home upon the convicted people the fact that they had rejected Christ because they had been deceived by the priests and rulers; and if they continued to look to them for counsel, and waited for those leaders to acknowledge Christ before they dared to do so, they would never accept Him. Those powerful men, although they made a profession of sanctity, were ambitious, and zealous for riches and earthly glory. They would never come to Christ to receive light. Jesus had foretold a terrible retribution to come upon that people for their obstinate unbelief, notwithstanding the most powerful evidences given them that Jesus was the Son of God.SR 246.2
From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate in word and accent, whether they spoke their native tongue or a foreign language. These humble men, who had never learned in the school of the prophets, presented truths so elevated and pure as to astonish those who heard them. They could not go personally to the uttermost parts of the earth; but there were men at the feast from every quarter of the world, and the truths received by them were carried to their various homes and published among their people, winning souls to Christ.SR 246.3
This testimony in regard to the establishment of the Christian church is given us not only as an important portion of sacred history but also as a lesson. All who profess the name of Christ should be waiting, watching, and praying with one heart. All differences should be put away, and unity and tender love one for another pervade the whole. Then our prayers may go up together to our heavenly Father with strong, earnest faith. Then we may wait with patience and hope the fulfillment of the promise.SR 247.1
The answer may come with sudden velocity and overpowering might, or it may be delayed for days and weeks, and our faith receive a trial. But God knows how and when to answer our prayer. It is our part of the work to put ourselves in connection with the divine channel. God is responsible for His part of the work. He is faithful who hath promised. The great and important matter with us is to be of one heart and mind, putting aside all envy and malice, and, as humble supplicants, to watch and wait. Jesus, our Representative and Head, is ready to do for us what He did for the praying, watching ones on the day of Pentecost.Ye Shall Receive Power
With One Accord, October 5
YRP 287.1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Acts 2:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 38, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, par. 6
After the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit did not immediately descend. There were ten days after His ascension before the Holy Spirit was given. This time was devoted by the disciples to most earnest preparation for receiving so precious an endowment. The rich treasures of heaven were poured out to them after they had searched their own hearts diligently and had sacrificed every idol. They were before God, humbling their souls, strengthening their faith, confessing their sins. And their hearts were in harmony with one another. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting,” etc. Acts 2:1, ff. The church needs a similar experience right here at the great heart of the work. Are we searching our hearts, preparing for the heavenly grace to be received? The Lord is waiting to be gracious.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 57, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 57, 1909, par. 7
There is not among us that simplicity that there should be. We should come to the Lord just as we are, humbling ourselves before Him, and wrestling earnestly until we receive the Holy Spirit. Why should we not do as the disciples did just before the day of Pentecost? They sought the Lord earnestly, and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were “all of one accord.” [Acts 2:1.] Notwithstanding the opposition of the powers of darkness was so great that persecution arose, some even being put to death, the disciples witnessed for Christ, and large numbers were converted.