“They saw … tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:3-4
The day of Pentecost (prophesied of in Joel 2:28-32) came to pass when the Holy Spirit was poured out with sounds and sights at a specific time and place. It would be an event remembered and celebrated forever more. The believers who had put their faith in the resurrected Jesus were gathered obediently to do what they had been told to do: wait. As they did so, they prayed and focused on the appointment of a new disciple to replace Judas.
This event drew a large crowd, and each heard the message in his own language. They were perplexed; how could that be? Peter addressed them to explain, and his words were received fully by some. That day undoubtedly became a most defining moment for the 3,000-or-so people who believed. Others walked away.
Jesus had clearly told His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go away but that He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them and remind them of all He had said to them (see John 14:26). As His present-day disciples, we too have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to carry the good news of salvation to the world.
This event drew a large crowd, and each heard the message in his own language. They were perplexed; how could that be? Peter addressed them to explain, and his words were received fully by some. That day undoubtedly became a most defining moment for the 3,000-or-so people who believed. Others walked away.
Jesus had clearly told His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go away but that He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them and remind them of all He had said to them (see John 14:26). As His present-day disciples, we too have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to carry the good news of salvation to the world.
Scripture Focus
Acts 2:1-41
Insight
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 17-18
- Psalm 112
- Romans 15-16