pentecost

People often forget that the apostles were gathered together at Pentecost out of fear of persecution. But God used that time of fear, of doubt. In a sense, he was building a foundation of faith that He would set on fire at Pentecost so the fire burning would be burning slow, and not just kindling. So they were afraid, yes – but they were still together. They were unified in their need for God and for connection with each other; and with Judas replaced by Mathias, they were in a sense complete and ready.