# Acts Chapter 2
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## Summarrium
The day of pentecost has arrived and the believers are gathered in one place. From heaven comes a sound like a mighty rushing of wind and divides tongues like fire rested on each on of them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The sound attracts bystanders and out into the street pour the disciples speaking in the languages of those around them.

Peter addresses the crowd and, making reference to the Torah, explains to the people what is happening and preaches the gospel. This moves people to their heart and results in many repenting, being baptised and added to their number. The believers then live devoted to the teachings of the apostles, breaking bread and praying together. Selling possessions and belongings and giving to each as has need.

## Meditatio
To provide some context to this event; according to ChatGPT in Jewish history, the day of Pentecost is associated with the holiday of Shavuot (also known as the Feast of Weeks). It is celebrated 50 days after the second day of Passover and marks the giving of the Torah (the Jewish law) at Mount Sinai. It is easy to miss the symbolic significance of this particular link.

In [Acts 2:41](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A41&version=ESV) we read of about 3000 people added to the Church once the power of the spirit has arrived on earth to empower his people to live in fellowship[^1]. This life represents the kind of life that the Lord has intended for his followers. It is part of the advancement of the kingdom; the redemption of *all* creation.

Contrast this with Exodus 32[^2] where Moses returns to the camp of the Israelites from Sinai having received the 10 commandments and the law and ordinances from God. It is the giving of the law or the giving of the Torah. Yet as Paul tells us the law only bring consciousness of sin[^3] not power to overcome it. Despite prevailing wisdom I am of the opinion that merely being aware of the rules does not change who we are or empower us to live differently[^4].

For example I used to despise all forms of physical activity. Anything more than the exercise of my thumbs on the controller, or my fingers on the keyboard was too much for me. I was terrible at sport and was beginning to develop a figure akin to Bilbo Baggins pre-hobbit. My Doctor advised that it was necessary for me to make lifestyle changes to prevent significant long term health implications further down the line given I had stage 3 fatty liver disease. Despite my *knowledge* of this I took no action. 

It was only when I was empowered to act by an intentional commitment to change and permitting it to motivate me (I have [David Goggins](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COBsB5u5Xqs) to thank for this) that I began to make real lifestyle changes. I have now run 3.5 miles, 4-5 days weekly for almost 8 years.

This chapter for me highlights an important distinction between knowledge and power.

[^1]: See [Acts2:42-47](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A42-47&version=ESV)Personally I find this account of the believers a wonderful utopic vision. I wonder the kind of excitement trying to form a structure for 3000 people to participate within would have acaused.
[^2]: See [Exodus 32:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+32%3A28&version=ESV), or indeed the [entire chapter](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+32&version=ESV)
[^3]: See [Romans 3:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A20&version=ESV)
[^4]: See [Romans 8:3-4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A3-4&version=ESV)