Pentecost was a harvest feast held fifty days after Passover. Jerusalem was crowded with Jewish pilgrims from many nations. The followers of Jesus had obeyed Him and waited, praying together for ten days. Then, without warning, heaven came down. The Holy Spirit filled the believers, and the quiet upper room became the starting point of a worldwide church. For an RCCG family that loves to pray for fresh fire, this chapter is close to home. It shows us who the Spirit is, what He does, and who He is for.
The Spirit Comes
The disciples were all with one accord in one place when God moved. A sound like a rushing mighty wind filled the house. Tongues like fire sat on each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. John the Baptist had said Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire (Luke 3:16). Jesus had said it was good for Him to go away so the Comforter could come (John 16:7). Notice the word all. The Spirit did not rest only on the apostles but on every believer in the room. Today the Father still gives the Holy Spirit to His children who ask Him (Luke 11:13). He is not a force for us to use but a Person for us to welcome and obey.
What exact time this week will you kneel and ask the Father to fill you with His Spirit, and what need will you bring to Him then?
Every Nation Heard
Jews from every nation under heaven had come to Jerusalem for the feast. Luke names people from Parthia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Crete and Arabia. When they heard the sound, they came running and were amazed. Each one heard the wonderful works of God in his own language. At Babel, God confused the languages because people were proud and wanted a name for themselves (Genesis 11:7-9). At Pentecost, He used many languages to draw people back to Himself. Many in our church speak one language at home and another at work. God knows every tribe and tongue, and His story ends with a great crowd from all nations standing before His throne (Revelation 7:9). Not everyone was moved. Some mocked and said the disciples were drunk. Others honestly asked what it all meant. The Spirit still stirs both wonder and resistance.
Which neighbor, coworker or classmate from a different background will you greet by name and get to know a little better this week?
Whosoever Shall Call
Peter, the man who once denied Jesus, now stood up with boldness. These men are not drunk, he said, for it is only nine in the morning. Instead, this was what the prophet Joel had foretold (Joel 2:28-32). In the last days God would pour out His Spirit on sons and daughters, young men and old men, servants and handmaids. No one is too young, too old or too ordinary for God to use. Peter ended the quote with a wonderful promise: whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Paul repeats the same promise to the church in Rome (Romans 10:13). Pentecost was not only about power. It was about salvation offered to everyone. Later Peter said this promise is for you, your children, and all who are far off (Acts 2:39).
Since the Spirit is poured on young and old, which child or senior in your church will you encourage this week to use their gift for God?
Conclusion
At Pentecost the risen Jesus kept His word. The Spirit came on every believer, the gospel was heard in many languages, and Peter declared that all who call on the Lord will be saved. The same Spirit is still at work in the church today. He fills ordinary people, crosses every border, and points always to Jesus. Pentecost was not a single event to admire from a distance. It was the opening of a door that remains open to you, your children and all who are far off.
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