I just discovered this little “nugget.” I was reading a digital commentary (Arno C. Gaebelein) and the author suggested a correspondence between the second chapter in Luke’s History Book (Acts) and the second chapter in Luke’s Biography of Jesus (the Gospel of Luke)!
Look!
In Luke chapter 1 a Promise is given. A Promise regarding the Holy Spirit! The angel proclaimed to Mary the great Truth of the Virgin Birth! “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The HOLY GHOST shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:34-35
And in Luke 2 It happened! the Holy Spirit “delivered” on that Promise! “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, BEING GREAT WITH CHILD (via the Holy Ghost). And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth HER FIRSTBORN SON (again, via the Holy Spirit’s overshadowing), and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7
Then later in Luke 2, a man named Simeon interacts with Baby Jesus, the Holy Spirit conceived Son of God in human flesh! “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the HOLY GHOST was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the HOLY GHOST, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the SPIRIT into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which THOU (via the Holy Spirit) hast prepared before the face of all people …” Acts 2:25-30, where three times (3) the Holy Spirit is mentioned as working in Simeon … regarding Baby Jesus! Yes, He has come in Luke 2, for sure! Come in fulfillment of God’s Promise!
Now …
Let’s consider Acts 2, prefaced as it is by a Promise in Acts 1 … concerning Whom? The Holy Spirit of course!
First, Acts 1:8 … “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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” What a Commitment!
Then in Acts 2, clearly this Event occurred, the Holy Spirit came with power! “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 where He (the Holy Ghost) is mentioned twice!
Do you see the parallels here?
Luke 1 and Acts 1 … the Holy Spirit promised!
Luke 2 and Acts 2 … the Holy Spirit comes with manifested Power!
I find this amazing!
My Bible, what a Book!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
I though someone today might find this association interesting. I had never seen this relationship before. Luke certainly is an accomplished author. But then again, he too was inspired by the HOLY GHOST!
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