Acts 2:1-13
When the Spirit Came
Read the passage
1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
6And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language.
7Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language?
9Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome,
11both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
12Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
On Pentecost, the believers are together when a sound like a mighty rushing wind fills the house. They see tongues like flames of fire resting on each of them. All are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other languages as He enables them.
God-fearing Jews from many nations are in Jerusalem. A crowd gathers, bewildered to hear Galileans speaking the languages of their homelands. They hear the wonders of God declared in words they understand.
This is the power Jesus told His followers to wait for. The disciples have not organized a language lesson or planned an impressive display. God takes the initiative and equips them to speak. The message remains about His works, even as its hearers come from far apart.
The response is divided. Some ask what it means; others mock the speakers as drunk. The Spirit's work does not make everyone respond alike. The crowd needs an explanation, which Peter will give in the next reading.
Questions
1 What happened when the day of Pentecost came?
AnswerThe disciples were together in one place, and the Holy Spirit filled them as promised, announcing God’s new work among His people.
2 What did the Spirit enable them to do?
AnswerThey spoke in other languages as the Spirit enabled them, so people from many nations could hear God’s works in their own languages.
3 Why was the crowd bewildered?
AnswerEach heard the Galilean speakers in the language of their own birthplace. Some were amazed and puzzled, while others mocked them.
4 What were the disciples declaring?
AnswerThey were declaring the mighty works of God, not promoting themselves or offering a performance detached from the gospel.
What This Means for Us
At Pentecost, people hear about God's wonders in language they understand. That gives us reason to care about being understood when we speak of faith.
Try explaining a familiar Christian word, such as grace or repentance, in an ordinary sentence. Ask whether someone unfamiliar with church could follow it. Clear words can serve the person listening; religious jargon can leave them outside the conversation.
We depend on the Spirit for more than better speaking skills. Ask Him to help you tell the truth about God and trust Him with the hearer's response.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, make us attentive to your work and courageous in our witness. Help us speak so that people can understand, and keep our words centered on God's mighty works. Amen.