If you could time-travel to any point in biblical history, which would you choose? Pentecost would be on my top ten list as a communication event that changed the course of history. Acts 2 records this pivotal moment in history when God sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples with a rushing wind and tongues of fire (vv. 2–3). The Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in other languages (v. 4).
Jews from every country were in Jerusalem—providing a diverse audience (v. 5). They all gathered to hear the disciples’ message. Imagine their amazement when they heard the disciples speaking in their own languages (vv. 6–12). At that moment, the linguistic fracture of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11) was reversed and redeemed through the work of the Spirit. Where Babel scattered the people through confusion, Pentecost drew people together through understanding.
Peter, who just weeks before had denied Jesus (John 18), stepped forward to boldly proclaim the gospel. He began by connecting the tongues phenomenon to Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28–32). Then he shared the gospel narrative—just as Jesus had called him to do (Acts 1:8). He confirmed the identity of Jesus through His miracles and signs (v. 22). He recounted the crucifixion as part of God’s redemptive plan (v. 23). And he declared Jesus’ victorious resurrection from the dead (v. 24). Peter finished: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (v. 36).
Peter’s message pierced people’s hearts. They asked: “What shall we do?” (v. 37). Verses 42–47 describe this new community that God formed around their teaching, worshiping, and fellowship.
Go Deeper
How did the Holy Spirit show up at Pentecost? What was the result? Ask God to empower you to communicate the gospel to someone in a way they will understand.
Pray with Us
Holy God, thank You for the free gift of salvation You have given us through Jesus! May we share the news of the gospel with boldness and delight, so that all may be saved.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.Acts 2:4
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