Acts 2
The Story of Pentecost
At Pentecost the Spirit comes with power, the disciples speak, and Peter proclaims the risen Christ.
Setting and Context
Pentecost follows Jesus' ascension and fulfills His promise of the Spirit. Acts 2 moves from waiting to witness: the church does not invent its mission; the Spirit empowers it to proclaim Christ publicly.
The Story
The disciples are all with one accord in one place when suddenly there comes a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. Cloven tongues like as of fire sit upon each of them, and they are filled with the Holy Ghost.
Devout Jews from every nation under heaven hear them speak in their own languages the wonderful works of God. Amazement and questioning fill the crowd; some mock, but others listen.
Peter stands and preaches Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and raised by God. He calls the people to repent and be baptized. About three thousand gladly receive the word and are added to the church.
Meaning and Importance
The disciples are together when a sound like a rushing wind fills the house and tongues like fire appear. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they speak to people from many nations. Peter preaches Jesus crucified and raised, and about three thousand are baptized.
Pentecost is the Spirit-empowered birth of the church's public mission. The fire and languages show that the gospel is not locked in one place or tongue. The center is not spectacle but proclamation: Jesus is Lord, crucified and risen.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
Acts 2:1
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
Read Acts 2Acts 2:4
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Read Acts 2Acts 2:17
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:”
Read Acts 2Acts 2:36
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Read Acts 2Acts 2:38
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Read Acts 2What This Story Teaches
- The Holy Spirit empowers witness, not private retreat only.
- The gospel crosses languages and nations.
- Repentance and baptism mark the response to the risen Christ.
Questions about Pentecost
Where is Pentecost in the Bible?
The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2.
What happened at Pentecost?
The Holy Spirit filled the disciples, they spoke of God's works to many nations, and Peter preached Christ, leading to about three thousand baptisms.
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