Acts 2:1-13 (ESV)
When the day of
Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there
came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire
house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to
them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy
Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5] Now there were
dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. [6] And
at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because
each one was hearing them speak in his own language. [7] And they were amazed
and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? [8]
And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? [9]
Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and
Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of
Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, [11] both Jews and
proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the
mighty works of God." [12] And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to
one another, "What does this mean?" [13] But others mocking said,
"They are filled with new wine."
Held 50 days after
Passover, Pentecost was also called the Feast of Weeks. It was one of three
major annual feasts (Deut. 16:16), a festival of thanksgiving for the harvested
crops. Jesus was crucified at Passover time, and he ascended 40 days after his
resurrection. The Holy Spirit came 50 days after the resurrection, ten days
after the ascension. Jews of many nations gathered in Jerusalem for this
festival. Thus Peter’s speech (Acts 2:14ff) was given to an international
audience, and it resulted in a worldwide harvest of new believers—the first
converts to Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
1. What was celebrated on the day of Pentecost? (2:1)
2. What group of people was gathered together? (2:1)
3. What was the importance of the wind and fire? (2:2-4)
4. When the Holy Spirit filled the believers, what did they do? (2:4)
5. Besides being amazed, how did the crowd react to the unusual happening they witnessed? (2:12-13)
6. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
7. How does God use us to witness to others?
8. When has God enabled you to do something that you didn’t think you could do?
9. How can you be more open to seeing, hearing, and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit in your prayer and Bible reading?
God made his presence
known to this group of believers in a spectacular way—violent wind, fire, and
his Holy Spirit. Would you like God to reveal himself to you in such
recognizable ways? He may do so, but be wary of forcing your expectations on
God. In 1 Kings 19:10-13, Elijah also needed a message from God. There was a
great wind, then an earthquake, and finally a fire. But God’s message came in a
“gentle whisper.” God may use dramatic methods to work in your life—or he may
speak in gentle whispers. Wait patiently and always listen.
