Updated:-2022-12-20
The Day of Pentecost
What happened on the Day of Pentecost? So many things changed, but I want to focus on the variance of our status.
Therefore, we must investigate some prophecies and their fulfillment surrounding the Day of Pentecost.
First, the Prophet Joel foretells Pentecost.
Speaking for the Lord he says:
“I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:“
Joel 2:28
“And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
Joel 2:29
The Lord promised concerning Jesus Christ, he said “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me” and it came true!
Apostle Peter, confirms this. On the Day of Pentecost, he explains the happenings of that day.
Peter says,
“This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.”
Acts 2:16
He was referring to the happenings of Acts 2:14-21.
What Did John the Baptist Say About That Day?
But he wasn’t the only one to testify of this revolutionary day. John the Baptist makes reference to it also. He confesses:
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. [B]ut he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”
Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16
However, the last prophecy came from Jesus Christ himself. He promised to send the Holy Ghost to his disciples.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
John 14:26 & Act 1:5
Jesus’ promise of the Comforter came true on the Day of Pentecost. John’s prophecy concerning the baptism of the Holy Ghost and with fire also happened on that day.
Before the Day of Pentecost What Was Your Status?
Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled on that day too. On the Day of Pentecost, “all flesh” received an outpouring of the baptism with the Holy Ghost for the first time.
Before that day, if you were not kings, prophets, or priests you wouldn’t have had the Spirit of the Lord come upon you as King David, Samuel, or Moses did.
But at Pentecost, everybody becomes kings and priests to God through the advent of the Holy Ghost. Even women became “kings and priests”.
Through Christ, we are kings and priests and entitled to the Holy Ghost, (Revelation 1:6 & 5:10).
Before that day, servants and handmaids didn’t have the privilege of the “Come Upon” of the Holy Spirit.
But that changed at Pentecost, for, “also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit” (Joel 2:28-29).
Women And The Day of Pentecost
Even though women were the first witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ they couldn’t enjoy that status before the Day of Pentecost. And none could be Apostles for that reason among others.
Before that day, the Holy Spirit came on no woman, boy, or child, not even on Samuel.
But at Pentecost, the Lord decreed a release. He freed “all flesh” to receive the Holy Ghost.
And you want to know something? Women were among those that received the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost.
The mother of Jesus and the other women who were with her, they all received the Holy Ghost for the first time on the Day of Pentecost.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 1:14
Day of Pentecost Invokes Variety of Responses
The Day of Pentecost came and so too did a variety of responses to it. But one man has a different response to it.
All were in amazement, but many were in doubt, and others asked: What is the meaning of this? (Acts 2:12).
However, some people were mocking, saying “these men are full of new wine”(Acts 2:13).
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words.“
Acts 2:14
“For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.”
Acts 2:15
Apostle Peter explains the meaning of what was happening on the Day of Pentecost. This is Peter’s first sermon since Jesus left for heaven. He explained Pentecost to the people of Jerusalem.
So, let’s continue our Book of Acts Bible Study. Today’s Scripture reference comes mainly from Acts 2:12-21.
Day of Pentecost And Skepticisms
On the Day of Pentecost, Apostle Peter commenced putting to rest the skepticism and the ignorance of the people in Jerusalem concerning the Holy Ghost.
He continued his first sermon since the ascension of Jesus to heaven. He explained the cause of Pentecost.
Peter told them that what they are witnessing the fulfillment of a particular prophecy.
He says:
“But this [the one hundred twenty disciples speaking in tongues] is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel”
Acts 2:16
But he didn’t stop there for he recounts Joel’s prophecy to explain their behavior.
Consequently, he informs them
“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.”
Acts 2:17
He didn’t give them a different explanation from the Scriptures. He explained the Scriptures to them.
One Man Has a Different Response to the Day of Pentecost
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost did not come quietly. He came with much excitement, noise, and attention-grabbing activities.
Consequently, even today, when the Holy Ghost comes the Church is never quiet or silent.
“And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; … they shall prophesy.”
Acts 2:18
“And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke.”
Acts 2:19
“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come.”
Acts 2:20
As a result of the excitement and noise from speaking with tongues, many people of Jerusalem came because they were curious. The Lord has ways of getting our attention.
Don’t ignore the meetings that He has orchestrated for you to learn about Jesus. Don’t turn your back on it.
Peter Explains the Day of Pentecost
Generally, though these people of Jerusalem wanted to know: What is the meaning of Pentecost?
Apostle Peter, explains that the Day Pentecost happens to fulfill the Scriptures. However, he never mentioned that two other prophets of God foretold Pentecost. He only spoke of the Prophet Joel.
Thus, he ends his explanation of what happened on the Day of Pentecost.
Then, he informs us of a number of things that God plans to do before the day of the Lord, (Acts 2:19).
Finally, he tells us about the power that’s resident in the name of the Lord.
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Acts 2:21
Pentecost – How it Changed the World
Pentecost Changed the World
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
Acts 2:1
Today, as we continue the Book of Acts Bible Study, our reference is Acts 2:1-13.
Jesus had instructed his disciples to wait at Jerusalem for the Promise of the Father.
As they waited everyone was “with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). Everyone in that Upper Room was there for one reason. They all were waiting for the Comforter. Jesus promised to send Him.
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”
Acts 2:2
If all those persons who love a quiet church were in this “First Church” on the Day of Pentecost, I wonder what would have happened? This wasn’t a tranquil place.
This was a noisy experience. The sound of a storm wasn’t localized to a section of the room. It filled the entire “house”.
Is Pentecost Only About Speaking With Tongues?
And with the noise from heaven came the baptism with fire.
For,
“there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.”
Acts 2:3
This happened to fulfill the prophecy of John the Baptist. Nothing breaks the Scriptures. It must come to pass.
He foretold:
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. [B]ut he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11 & Mark 1:8).
As these disciples are looking at each other’s heads in amazement at the “cloven tongue” “of fire” resting on their respective heads, the unthinkable happened.
You, know that uncontrollable tingling sensation that starts in your belly just before you start to speak in tongues? I guess these guys experienced a similar thing then.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).
Did Everybody Speak With Tongues?
Everybody in the “Upper Room” received the Holy Ghost. They all spoke “with tongues”. Nevertheless, observe that they didn’t speak “with tongues” because they desire that.
Instead, they spoke as the “Spirit gave them utterance” or as the Spirit allowed them. The Spirit is in control.
If you have ever had this experience, you know there is none other that’s comparable to it.
“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.”
Acts 2:5
The pandemonium attracted attention. A crowd converged on the Upper Room. Some were in amazement. Others wondered what is the meaning of this? Because they all heard these Galilaeans speaking different languages.
“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.”
Acts 2:6
“And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?”
Acts 2:7
What Did They Say As They Speak With Tongues?
“And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”
Acts 2:8
“Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia.”
Acts 2:9
“Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes.”
Acts 2:10
“Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
Acts 2:11
“And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?”
Acts 2:12
“Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”
Acts 2:2-13
The Spirit of Christ!
The diction may vary: in filling; receiving the Holy Ghost; baptism with the Holy Ghost; Promise of the Father or Comforter, but the meaning never changes. It’s the Spirit of Christ.
This initial receiving of the Holy Ghost is important. If you comprehend it you will understand subsequent operations.
At Pentecost, the Lord used one group of people to minister to different people from all over the world through speaking “with tongues”.
These Galilaeans spoke in tongues “the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:11). They spoke languages they never learned. They had no experience with them.
The men from these different countries heard and understood them.
Consequently, as we continue this study, observe the first thing others are going to do when they receive the Holy Ghost. Note it!
At Pentecost – The Lord God Turned The Tables
The Lord utilizes language for His own purpose. The first time He did that was at Babel. He used diverse languages to separate and scatter the people because they disobeyed Him.
But, at Pentecost, the same Lord God turns the tables. He utilizes many different languages to bring people together because they obeyed Him. But it has nothing to do with the language. It’s never about language but obedience. The language is like a tool the Lord employs for His own purposes.
As was the public’s reaction to the operation of the day of Pentecost then, so is it today. Then, they were in amazement. Some doubtful! Others saying: What’s the meaning of this? A few remarked: These men are drunk!
Today is no different. Onlookers always say similar things when they observe Believers speaking in tongues in an assembly.
Pentecost – The Power of God
Pentecost changed the world. The Church started at Pentecost. The Lord empowered it on Pentecost with the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
Pentecost divest the power of God from a few to all who believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Therefore, Pentecost is a vehicle. It carries the power of God to all humanity. But you must obey Jesus Christ. Obey the preaching of Peter he’s a preacher of Christ.
Because of Pentecost, the power of God is not only with kings, priests, and prophets, but with “all flesh”, but you must obey Jesus. Women, servants, handmaidens, boys, and girls for the first time in the history of humanity have access to the power of God through the church which started at Pentecost.
Are you in that Church of Christ? Do you own His influence?
Finally, through obedience and Pentecost, we possess the power of the Lord God through the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We own His influence. It’s ours over all powers of hell, sickness, death, and disease, but we must obey Jesus Christ to manifest it.
STUDY QUESTIONS
- What is the significance of speaking in tongues?
- What is the first thing a person ALWAYS does upon receiving the Holy Ghost?
- What is Pentecost?
- Why is it Important to the Church?
- How has it changed the world?
FURTHER READING
- Read the passages mentioned in today’s lesson. Using your mouse, hover over the passage on the page to display and read it.
- Acts 2:1-13; Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:8.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
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If you desire to know the details of how the Day of Pentecost really changed your spiritual status, read “Living Soul: In the Image of God“. Click the link below.
