The Miracle of Pentecost (Acts 2) Verse 1, On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. Verse 7, They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. 13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” The first question the people asked is, “How can this be?” (Acts 2:7b) Pentecost was a miracle of God. • “Sudden sound from heaven.”, Like “Wind”, “Flames.” Pentecost was a multi-national miracle. • The Spirit enabled the Galileans to speak in multiple languages. • People from the “ends of the earth” heard about Jesus instantly. Pentecost was a miracle of prophecy fulfilled. • “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses… In Jerusalem…” (Acts 1:8) • “Everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (2:4) The second question the people asked is, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12) The Miracle Fulfilled Joel’s Prophecy • “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.” (Joel 2:28) The Spirit Empowered Peter’s Message • God publically endorsed Jesus. (2:22) • God knew what would happen. You nailed him to a cross. (2:23) • God raised him back to life. (2:24) • God would not let His Holy One rot in the grave. (Ps. 16) • Now Jesus sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. (Ps. 110) • This Jesus, whom you crucified, is Lord and Messiah. (2:36) • It says in V37, Peter’s words pierced their hearts! The third question the people asked was, “What should we do?” (Acts 2:37) Two Responses • Repent of your sins and turn to God. (2:38) • Be baptized in the name of Jesus. Two Gifts • Receive the forgiveness of sins. • Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” (2:40) Conclusion: How Does Pentecost Continue? (2:42-47) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. John Stott, Acts “The Holy Spirit is a missionary Spirit. So a Spirit-filled church is a missionary church. There is no need for us to wait for the Spirit to come. For, the Holy Spirit did come on the Day of Pentecost and has never left his church. Our responsibility is to humble ourselves before his sovereign authority, to determine not to quench him, but to allow him his freedom.”