The day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment in the early church. Jesus had risen from the dead, spent time teaching the disciples, and then ascended into heaven. He instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. When this gift came, it empowered them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The events of Pentecost established the Spirit-filled Christian community that would take the gospel worldwide. God’s work in and through the early church fulfilled Old Testament hopes and launched the disciples into their Spirit-empowered mission.
The Promise of the Spirit
In Acts 1, Jesus gathers his disciples after his resurrection. For 40 days he teaches them about the kingdom of God. Then Jesus tells them:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Jesus promises the coming of the Spirit. This fulfills what John the Baptist had foretold, that the Messiah would baptize people with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8). The Spirit will empower them to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the nations.
After giving this promise, Jesus ascends into heaven. The disciples wait in Jerusalem as instructed. On the day of Pentecost, Jesus’ promise is fulfilled.
The Day of Pentecost
Pentecost was an established Jewish festival. It took place 50 days after Passover and celebrated the giving of the law at Sinai (Exodus 23:16). Jews from all over the Roman Empire would gather in Jerusalem for the feast.
On this particular Pentecost, the disciples are gathered together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a violent, rushing wind fills the house and tongues like fire rest on each of them. All of them are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in other tongues (Acts 2:1-4).
The gift of tongues here refers to miraculously speaking in foreign languages previously unknown to the speaker. As the disciples spill out into the city speaking God’s praise, Jews from all over the world are amazed because each one hears the disciples speaking in their own native language (Acts 2:5-12).
Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost
Amidst the confusion and wonder, Peter stands up and delivers a rousing sermon explaining what’s happening. He declares they are witnessing the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy where God promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:16-21).
Peter then turns to the resurrection of Jesus. Though the people crucified him, God raised Jesus to life again. Jesus’ resurrection confirms him as the Messiah and Lord. Peter calls the people to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:22-40).
That day about 3000 people receive his message and are baptized. These converts form the first community of believers who devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:41-42).
Life in the Early Church
Acts 2:42-47 describes the beautiful fellowship and unity of this fledgling church. The believers meet regularly in homes for meals, communion, and prayer. They sell possessions to share with anyone in need. Each day God adds to their number as people turn to Christ.
This new community forms a contrast society to the world around them. They worship Jesus as Lord rather than Caesar. They live sacrificially rather than hoarding wealth. They transcend ethnic and social barriers in their fellowship. The church emulates Jesus’ way of peace and care for the poor.
Healing and Persecution
In Acts 3-4, Peter heals a lame beggar in Jesus’ name. Peter tells the astonished crowds that it was Jesus’ resurrected power that brought healing. Peter calls them to repentance again. This riles up temple authorities who arrest Peter and John. But upon seeing their boldness and realizing the man was healed, the rulers release them (Acts 4:1-22).
The apostles continue performing wonders and signs among the people. This further threatens the Jewish leaders who again haul them in and order them to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. Peter’s response shows they are obeying God rather than humans (Acts 4:13-31).
Growing persecution does not deter the apostles from proclaiming Christ. The gospel continues spreading and the church continues growing.
Unity Threatened
But in Acts 5, Luke reveals divisions lurking under the surface. Ananias and Sapphira lie about money they pledged to the church. When confronted, they immediately die like the two priests who dishonored God at the tabernacle.
This incident reveals the serious nature of sinning against the united Spirit-filled community. Later in Acts 6, tensions arise between two groups within the church over the distribution of food. But the apostles handle this wisely by appointing deacons to oversee serving.
The First Martyr
In Acts 6-7, a new disciple named Stephen powerfully ministers to the poor and preaches Christ in the temple courts. This stirs up more opposition from the religious leaders who arrest Stephen on false charges.
Stephen gives a rousing speech on Israel’s rebellious history in rejecting God’s messengers. Enraged by the criticism, the leaders stone Stephen to death, making him the first Christian martyr.
A young man named Saul (later the apostle Paul) witnesses Stephen’s execution and approves of it. This violent persecution scatters the church from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria, just as Jesus foretold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pentecost in the Bible?
Pentecost in the Bible refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the early believers 50 days after Passover when the church was first established.
What happened to the disciples at Pentecost?
At Pentecost, the disciples were praying together in Jerusalem when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began miraculously speaking in foreign tongues and Peter preached the gospel to the crowds that gathered.
Why is Pentecost important to the church?
Pentecost is important because it marks when the church was empowered by the Spirit to fulfill Jesus’ mission of taking the gospel worldwide. The early Christian community was established through the events at Pentecost.
How did Pentecost change the disciples?
After Pentecost, the disciples were bold, fearless witnesses for Christ in the face of persecution. The Holy Spirit gave them power, courage, and clarity in proclaiming the gospel.
What is the relationship between Pentecost and the Holy Spirit?
Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the first believers according to Jesus’ promise. The birth of the church at Pentecost highlights the essential role of the Spirit.
Conclusion
The festival of Pentecost forever changed world history when the power of the Holy Spirit descended on the first followers of Jesus. The gospel was preached and the church was born. Through persecution and struggle, the Spirit empowered this new community to thrive and multiply.
Pentecost highlights that the life-giving Spirit of God is the true source of the church’s witness, fellowship, and care for the hurting world. As believers today, we continue the mission launched at Pentecost as empowered, Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus.
Key Passages
- “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4
- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
- “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” Acts 2:42-43
- “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47
Relevant Verses
- Acts 1:1-26
- Acts 2:1-47
- Acts 3:1-26
- Acts 4:1-37
- Acts 5:1-42
- Acts 6:1-15
- Acts 7:1-60
