Pentecost • Acts 1–2
Tongues of Fire
The promise • The Spirit • The witness
Power to be witnesses
Pentecost begins with Jesus' promise and leads to a Spirit-empowered witness centered on the risen Christ.
This study follows Acts 1–2: the risen Lord's instruction, His ascension, the disciples waiting together in prayer, the sound of rushing wind, tongues like fire, real languages, Peter's Scripture-filled sermon and the response of thousands.
Wait in Jerusalem
4 And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Hierusalem, but waite for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye haue heard of me.
5 For Iohn truely baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost, not many dayes hence.
8 But ye shall receiue power after that the holy Ghost is come vpon you: and ye shall be witnesses vnto me...
Jesus speaks to the apostles during the forty days after His Resurrection. He teaches them about the kingdom of God and tells them not to begin the mission in their own strength.
The promised power has a purpose: they will be witnesses to Jesus in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and to the uttermost part of the earth. After Jesus ascends, the disciples return to Jerusalem and continue together in prayer.
Wind, fire and the Spirit's filling
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heauen, as of a rushing mighty winde, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared vnto them clouen tongues, like as of fire, and it sate vpon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and began to speake with other tongues, as the Spirit gaue them vtterance.
Pentecost was a Jewish feast, bringing devout people from many nations to Jerusalem. The Spirit's coming is God's action: the sound comes from heaven, fills the house and is accompanied by visible tongues like fire.
Acts says “like as of fire.” It does not describe uncontrolled flames burning the disciples. The sign rests upon each of them, and all are filled with the Holy Spirit.
The wonderful works of God in many languages
The gathered crowd hears Galilaeans speaking in the languages of people from across the known world. The miracle is not meaningless noise. The hearers recognize their own languages and hear the wonderful works of God.
Some are amazed and ask what it means; others mock. Peter does not leave the event unexplained. He stands with the eleven and interprets what has happened through Scripture.
This Jesus hath God raised up
32 This Iesus hath God raised vp, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and hauing receiued of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost, he hath shed foorth this, which ye now see and heare.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Iesus, whom ye haue crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Peter explains the event through Joel's prophecy and the Psalms. He proclaims Jesus' mighty works, His crucifixion according to God's foreknowledge, His Resurrection and His exaltation at the Father's right hand.
Pentecost is therefore inseparable from Easter and the ascension. The exalted Jesus pours out the promised Spirit. The sermon aims not at fascination with signs but conviction concerning Jesus as Lord and Christ.
Repentance, baptism and a new community
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said vnto Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we doe?
38 Then Peter said vnto them, Repent, and be baptized euery one of you in the Name of Iesus Christ, for the remission of sinnes...
42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The hearers ask what they should do. Peter calls them to repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. The promise extends to them, their children and all whom the Lord calls.
About three thousand gladly receive the word and are baptized. Their new life becomes visible through devotion to apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayers, generosity and praise.
The exalted Lord pours out the Spirit
Pentecost proclaims Jesus
The Holy Spirit empowers witness to Christ. Peter's sermon announces the crucified, risen and exalted Jesus as both Lord and Christ.
“This Iesus hath God raised vp, whereof we all are witnesses.”Acts 2:32 • KJV 1611
The Spirit does not replace Jesus or draw attention away from Him. He equips Christ's people to bear faithful witness and forms a community shaped by truth, prayer, fellowship and generous love.
Living as Spirit-empowered witnesses
Closing Prayer
Spirit of the living God
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for keeping Your promise and sending the Holy Spirit. Thank You that the risen and exalted Jesus gives power to His people to bear witness to Him.
Keep me from depending upon my own strength. Fill me with courage, holiness and love. Make my words clear, truthful and centered on Jesus Christ.
Give me a heart devoted to Scripture, fellowship, prayer and generous service. Use my life to declare Your wonderful works and draw others toward repentance, faith and hope in Christ.
In Jesus' name, Amen.