On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” . . . But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV) Acts 1:4-5, 8
Jesus had died. . . 3 days later He rose from the dead and appeared many times, once to as many as 500 followers. He promised to send them a gift from His Father. That gift was the Holy Spirit. Jesus related the receiving of the power with being witnesses to all mankind. These new Christians were to represent God. They were commanded to take the message of what Christ did on the cross to the ends of the earth.
On the Day of Pentecost three thousand new believers were added to the Kingdom. There were daily increases to their number after that (Acts 2:47). Somehow they must have had some externally recognizable identity.
Throughout the centuries, people have displayed many different symbols intended to show that they are Christians. Some today wear symbols in the lapels of their coats, or wear cross
es around their necks, or display bumper stickers on their cars. But there is a much better sign, a universal mark that has consistently lasted through all the ages of the church.
What is this mark?
