Am looking in the bible for this number but must be getting really old, can't find it or my eyes just wont lock onto that number. any help will be greatly appreciated. tks in advance.
how many were present at pentecost
by ssn587 6 Replies latest jw friends
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transhuman68
The events took place on the day of the Pentecost, in Jerusalem, at 09:00 ("the third hour of the day," according to Jewish timekeeping). The community of Christ's disciples, approximately 120 people, was gathered "into an upper room" in a building that Tradition locates on Mount Zion. The Tradition also says that it was the same room where Jesus ate His Last Supper. The tremendous phenomenon is very well described in Acts 2:1-4 :
- "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."
The phrase "a rushing mighty wind" is almost a literal translation of the Hebrew word ruah, meaning in Hebrew texts the Spirit of God. The experience is a powerful mystic one, hence the sensation of sacred possession (misinterpreted by passers-by as drunkenness) and the advent of supernatural gifts: the speaking with other tongues (glossolalia) and prophesying. During the Apostolic times, it is said that many of the people who received Christian baptism experienced the same extraordinary gifts.
The baptism of the three-thousand
According to the Book of Acts, the experience of the Pentecost was noticed by all in the large crowd, causing confusion and inspiring awe:
"When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language…. Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? …Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"" Acts 2:6-12 [10]
Then the Apostle Peter, standing with the eleven other apostles, spoke to the crowd. He explained that these strange events had been predicted by the prophet Joel, and that Jesus' resurrection from the dead and exaltation to heaven had been prophesied by David. Peter explained that these events confirmed David's prophecy. Peter then exhorted his listeners to turn to Christ. When Peter was asked what people should do, he responded by saying "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." The Bible suggests that about three thousand responded to Peter's sermon.
How's that for a lazy cut & paste?
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ssn587
good and tks, but am looking at my bible at Acts 2:1-4 and don't see 120 anywhere and so was looking to just where the 120 is mentioned?
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transhuman68
Maybe it is tradition? Can't find any references in Strong's Concordance...
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Honesty
The Biblical account is far different from what the Watchtower Society portrays:
During these days Peter stood up among the brothers —the number of people who were together was about 120—and said:
16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
17 For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.”
18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages; and falling headfirst, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out.
19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.
20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:
Let his dwelling become desolate;
let no one live in it; and
Let someone else take his position.
21 “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us—
22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.” 26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.
Acts 1:15-26
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.
Acts 2:1
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sir82
Yeah, clearly the account from Acts Chapter 1 took place days before the events recorded in Acts chapter 2.
In Acts chapter 1, it is recorded that there were 120 who listened to Peter's speech about replacing Judas.
How many were gathered together days later, at the event described in Acts chapter 2? The same 120? More? Less?
The account just doesn't say.
I think most people infer that the 120 must have been there, perhaps that is the traditional understanding, but it just doesn't say.
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