The pilgrims staying in Jerusalem

“Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.” (1) During the festival period, Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims. Pilgrims from all over Israel and from the Diaspora came to Jerusalem. Jews living outside of Israel are referred to as the Diaspora. (2) These were “devout Jews.” They were Jews who were longing for the consolation of Israel. They also are people who hoped to die and be buried in Jerusalem. Luke refers to Simeon as a devout man: “And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel…” (Luke2:25). (3) They were “residing in Jerusalem…from every nation under heaven.” The Greek verb rendered as “residing” here is “kataikeo,” but in this context, it likely means “were staying.” Travel at that time was expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, many Jews stayed in Jerusalem from the Feast of Passover to the Feast of Pentecost, which lasted about 50 days. (4) It is no coincidence that during these two months within a year, the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and the descent of the Holy Spirit occurred, and the apostles began their ministry.

The pilgrims bewildered

(1) The sound like a violent rushing wind and the appearance of tongues that looked like fire were momentary events. Most likelt, only the 120 believers were able to witness them. Immediately after this, the twelve apostles began to speak in foreign languages. (2) Many pilgrims gathered upon hearing the sound like a violent wind. Though the Shekinah Glory had departed, they were able to hear the apostles speaking in foreign languages. It is written, “And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together and they were bewildered, because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.” The reason the pilgrims were bewildered was that the apostles were speaking in languages that they had never learned (the native languages of the pilgrims). (3) The gift of tongues (the ability to speak in languages they had never learned) given to the apostles served as a “sign” to capture the interest of the pilgrims. The pilgrims perceived that something supernatural was occurring and paid attention to Peter’s message. Let us take note that all things progress according to God’s methods and timing. Our God is alive today as well.