A Case for God’s Perfect Timing
- Roman Rule – allowed for greater communications in writing and in travel
- Jerusalem was filled with people from all over the Roman Empire to celebrate the Passover and “The First Fruits” (Acts 2:5-13)
- Josephus – a Jewish Historian who records things that give credence to Christ outside the church.
God’s Perfect Timing Leads to God’s Perfect Plan!
1. Pentecost
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. Joel 2:28-29 (ESV)
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy of the Messiah
25 For David says concerning him,” ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence. 29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses… 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:25-36 (ESV)
3. Birth of the Church
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God (worship) and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:4-5,10 (ESV)
Big Idea: Gods perfect (sovereign) plan for humanity was done because of an undeserved love.