On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter arises to speak to a great crowd of people.  These people were drawn by curiosity upon hearing the disciples speak in other tongues, proclaiming the wonders of God in the native languages of persons in the crowd who had traveled from far corners of the earth (Acts 2).

Peter’s address is an edification of the people, some of whom thought that the disciples were merely drunk.

This process of edification is an important one declared by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, where he says, “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church” ( 1 Cor. 14:4).   “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.  But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand in a tongue” (1 Cor. 14:18-19).

Of course, on the day of Pentecost we see that many people were understanding what was being spoken, but some in the crowd still needed edification.  They needed someone to explain what was going on, and Peter did that by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He told the assembled listeners, “Fellow Jews and all who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.  These people are not drunk, as you suppose.  It’s only nine in the morning!  No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:14-16).  Peter then proceeds to explain that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit resulting in speaking in tongues and prophecy is a fulfillment of a promise made by God in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-29).

What is very interesting indeed is that Scripture shows us that Peter frequently was one for edifying believers.  It is part and parcel of his personality both before and after Pentecost.  Consider the following:

Pentecost – Peter stands with the eleven other apostles to preach, explain and edify the crowd as to God’s purposes in the outpouring taking place.

At the Beautiful Gate — Peter says to the lame man at the Beautiful Gate “Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have, give I thee!” (Acts 3:6)  Peter wants this man who is constantly begging at the temple to receive something of personal value from God – something that will bless his life and edify him.

In Samaria —  Philip the evangelist preached in Samaria and did many miracles, but Peter and John came to lay hands on the new believers to edify them in a special way – they received the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

On Mount Tabor — In Matthew 17, when Jesus appeared transformed with Moses and Elijah, Peter wanted to bring something to the situation – soon all the disciples were flat on their faces  trembling under the anointing, but Peter had wanted to build tabernacles for Moses, Elijah and Jesus.  Luke 9:33 says he did not know why he spoke out about building the tabernacles – but this story in Matthew and Luke tells us of many things related to Mt. Tabor and the Feast of Tabernacles and Nazareth – Peter’s comments bring understanding to the situation, edifying the reader.

At the Temple in Jerusalem — Peter’s shadow falls on many and heals them as he walks to temple (Acts 5:15).  It appears that there is great awe and reverence for how God is using the apostles, especially after God used Peter to judge Ananias and Sapphira.  However, there is something about Peter that the Spirit on him is able to minister so readily.  The Spirit of God is on him so abundantly that even those coming in contact with his shadow receive an edifying touch of the Spirit and healing.

On the Sea of Galilee — Peter sees Jesus walking on the water.  He gets out of the boat and also walks on water (Matt. 14:22-36).  Peter is drawn to get something out of the situation other than just witnessing a miracle – he gets into the picture!

Sitting at the Feet of Jesus — In Matthew 15:15 Peter asks Jesus , “Explain the parable to us.”  He asks his teacher to give an edifying explanation for all the disciples.

In the House of Cornelius — Peter sees the Holy Spirit fall on gentiles, and he tells the believers back in Jerusalem, “The Holy Spirit came on them, just as he had come upon us in the beginning.”(Acts 11:15)  Peter wants them brought into the fold – built up , edified, part of the Church.

 Clearly, we need to have a passion for edifying others, as Peter did.  Is there a way to see what God has done in Peter?  Is there a way to distill Peter’s mindset, and perhaps grasp what Jesus engrafted in him?

Let us look at 2 Peter 1:5-8.  Listed here is a progression of Christian growth given by Peter.  Let us look and see what this speaks to us concerning the desire to edify the Body of Christ.

Faith Is the Starting Point – In Greek it is pis’-tis – the simple faith that brings the touch of the Holy Spirit – that makes all of the gifts of the Spirit come alive – that is the starting point

To This Add Virtue – Greek –ar-et’-ay – manliness – excellence – moral excellence – the Septuagint uses it to translate glory or weightiness. We need to pursue moral excellence, and not for just a one-time encounter.  Some are overwhelmed by God’s glory, but not looking for a weightiness that will enable them to transmit the glory – carry the glory.  They let the little foxes that spoil the vines (Song 2:15).  They do not stay in the place that will transmit the glory to others.

To This Add Knowledge — Greek gnosis – knowing God – our virtue must teach us who he really is – we must study to know Him as one friend knows another.  Our passion to know Him must be driven by a hunger for His character and the secret of His presence (Ps. 31:20) – a place of overcoming.

To This Add Temperance – Greek eng-krat’-i-ah  – Spirit control of appetites.  This is not self-control, but yielding to the Spirit to control one’s person and motives. This Spiritual ability comes only with knowledge of God!

To This Add Patience – Greek hoop-om-on-ay’ – hopeful endurance  – an abiding under – ability to grow in strength by carrying the weight of hope.  Simply put, we need to endure in our virtue.  We need to have a hope that stands the test of time.  We need to carry the weight of expectation and keep that expectation burning like an Olympic runner carrying a great big torch.  How many suffer from inconsistency!  Note, you cannot earn God’s glory or power to transmit it, but you can put yourself in a place to receive it!

To This Add Godliness – Greek eu-seb-ei’-a – reverential attitude.  The root of this word  signifies a sacred awe – true piety – and also a reverential spirit surrounding the bearer.  In other words the bearer inspires a sense of reverence because he bears this reverential awe of God with himself constantly. I realize that it is “cool” now for pastors and teachers to be regular guys.  Certainly, you need to have a lowly attitude or you’ll disqualify yourself.  But we need to have a holiness that separates.

To This Add Brotherly Kindness – Greek  philadelphia – fraternal affection.  This is not just discovering that love is needed in a given situation, and then bringing out our “love game” that we have learned through life, the way we bring out a set of golf clubs if we learn that a business meeting will adjourn for a round of golf.  This is a deep, passionate love one develops for Christian brothers and sisters who exhibit marks of the King of Kings – who have been born-anew in His likeness.  This love we have cultivated through all of the above.

To This Add Charity – Greek agape –God’s love – the same love you have for brothers and sisters in Christ – but for all — even for sinners, because God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their lives.

Only as we advance on this journey can we truly edify.