In the Christian Science Bible Lesson February 3, 2014 Issue

Hearing Spirit ‘speak’

For the Lesson titled “Spirit” from February 3 – 9, 2014

Madelon Maupin

What if you were invited to a film debut, only to discover the dialogue was in Urdu, an Indian and Pakistani language? You might have trouble understanding! While human language has its limitations, this Bible Lesson, “Spirit,” illustrates how the language of Spirit, God, can be understood by anyone, anywhere.

The opening story in the Responsive Readings from Acts 1 and 2, now known as the “Pentecost,” shows how the language of Spirit communicates without restriction. Jews throughout the Roman world gathered annually in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks. Held 50 days after Passover (thus “Pentecost,” from the Greek pentēkostē for the 50th day), the celebration served as an opportunity to give God thanks for the first fruits of the harvest.

When Jesus’ disciples gathered for this celebration, an event occurred that so inspired those following his teachings that it launched the apostolic activity of the early Church. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4, Responsive Reading).

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