CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES (Part 8)

By: Cougan Collins

lgchurchofchrist@cableone.net

Our next proof that Jesus was raised from the dead comes from the Holy Spirit coming on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit to His apostles to remind them of what He taught them and to teach them things they did not know (Jn. 14:26; 16:12-13). The Holy Spirit would not be sent until Jesus left the earth and went back to His Father in heaven (Jn. 16:7).

In order for Jesus to return to His Father He would have to be raised from the dead. If we can show that the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, we can prove that Jesus was raised from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of our Father in heaven just as Bible teaches (Acts 2:29 ff).

One way to prove the Holy Spirit came on that day is by observing the behavior of the apostles before the Day of Pentecost. Jesus’ apostles had many misunderstanding about His teachings, and He had to explain His teachings to them over and over. For example, they did not understand the kingdom He spoke of was a spiritual one and not a physical one (Acts 1:6). We find them arguing about who would be the greatest in Jesus’ kingdom (Lk. 22:44ff), which shows how they were divided instead of united before Pentecost. Finally, we learn from John 20:19 that His disciples were in a state fear after Jesus was crucified because they were hiding behind a locked door.

Starting in Acts 2, notice what happens to the apostles:

Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

They were given the Holy Spirit just as Jesus promised, which proved that the resurrected Jesus was with the Father in heaven. We can prove that the coming of the Holy Spirit caused a major change in the apostles starting at the Day of Pentecost.

Instead of hiding behind a lock door in fear, they were now boldly proclaiming Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. From Pentecost onward, these men changed from a dysfunctional group to men of unity in teaching and purpose. They were no longer afraid or without understanding (Acts 4:13; 18-20).

Because of their boldness and unity, they converted thousands of people with God’s message. The question becomes, how could these men undergo a sudden change and accomplish what they did in such a short time span? Could it of have been through some natural process of learning? No, there was not enough time for that to happen. The only logical conclusion is that they received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit made the change in the apostles just a Jesus promised, which offers more proof that Jesus was raised from the dead and is not sitting at the right hand of the Father.

Next week, I will give you one more proof that Jesus was raised from the dead. Feel free to come worship with us and learn more about God’s Word.