by Ester yusufu | 12 August 2019 08:46 am08
(Acts 2:1–13)
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
—Acts 2:1
This verse introduces a significant momàent in the history of the Church—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The phrase “had fully come” suggests that Pentecost was not random—it was a divinely appointed day. God had scheduled this event in His redemptive timeline, just as He had fulfilled the Passover through Christ’s death (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Jesus had already instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they were “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Therefore, their being together “in one accord” shows obedience, unity, and expectation of the promise (Acts 1:4–5).
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”
—Acts 2:2
The sound of wind was not ordinary. The text says “as of”—meaning it was like a strong wind but not an actual one. This is a metaphor to help us grasp a spiritual reality. The Holy Spirit, who is invisible, moved with supernatural power, filling the entire space.
This reflects what Jesus told Nicodemus about being born of the Spirit:
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
—John 3:8
Just as wind is uncontrollable and unpredictable, so is the work of the Holy Spirit. He moves beyond human control and leads believers according to God’s will—not their own understanding.
“Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.”
—Acts 2:3
Fire in Scripture often symbolizes the presence, purification, and power of God (Exodus 3:2, Malachi 3:2–3, Hebrews 12:29). These “tongues as of fire” represented the divine inspiration being given to the disciples—each one being empowered individually by the Holy Spirit.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
—Acts 2:4
Here, “tongues” refers to real, earthly languages, not unintelligible speech. The Spirit gave each disciple the ability to speak in a language they had never learned. This was a sign and wonder that testified to the supernatural origin of their message.
Paul later affirms the proper use of tongues:
“In the law it is written: ‘With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,’ says the Lord.”
—1 Corinthians 14:21
“And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven… And they were all amazed and marveled, saying… how is it that we hear, each in our own language?”
—Acts 2:5–8
The miracle wasn’t just in the speaking—but in the hearing. People from different nations (vv. 9–11) each heard the gospel in their native language. This confirmed that the message was from God and for all nations, fulfilling Jesus’ words:
“You shall be witnesses to Me… to the end of the earth.”
—Acts 1:8
Pentecost reversed the confusion of Babel (Genesis 11:7–9). At Babel, God scattered people by confusing languages. At Pentecost, He unified people by using many languages to declare one gospel.
“We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”
—Acts 2:11
The tongues spoken were not empty or emotional noise. They were Spirit-filled declarations of God’s mighty works, glorifying His power, mercy, and kingdom. This kind of speech brings conviction, not confusion.
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart…”
—Acts 2:37
The preaching that followed the outpouring of the Spirit led to deep conviction. The people were moved—not by entertainment or hype—but by truth spoken in power. Peter, now bold through the Spirit, preached Christ crucified and risen (Acts 2:22–36).
This led to a sincere question:
“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
And Peter gave a clear answer:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
—Acts 2:38
Many modern claims of “speaking in tongues” involve unintelligible phrases with no interpretation or understanding—often creating chaos. But 1 Corinthians 14 teaches us that tongues without interpretation do not edify the church. At Pentecost, the message was understood and led to salvation.
“Unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken?”
—1 Corinthians 14:9
True tongues, as seen in Acts 2, lead people to Christ, not confusion.
If you’ve ever felt God tug at your heart through a message, a song, or conviction of sin—that’s the Holy Spirit. He’s calling you to repent and follow Christ.
Just like the people on Pentecost, your response matters. If your heart is stirred, then do what Peter said:
Repent — turn away from sin.
Be baptized — not as a ritual, but in faith, through full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.
Receive the Holy Spirit — He empowers and transforms you to live a holy life.
This includes fully turning from things like sexual sin, dishonesty, addiction, violence, gossip, and anything unholy. It means surrendering your life to Jesus in truth.
The Holy Spirit still moves today—speaking, convicting, saving. The tongues of fire may not look the same, but the power is the same. When the Word of God burns in your heart, when you’re drawn to repentance, when your life changes for His glory—that is the work of the Spirit.
“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
—Acts 2:39
Respond today. Don’t wait. Let the fire of Pentecost change your life.
May the Lord Jesus bless you and fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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