Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost arrived, the followers of Jesus were all together in one place in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1). Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the house where they were sitting (Acts 2:2). Divided tongues as of fire appeared and rested on each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). The text does not say exactly how many people were in the house, but a crowd of Jews from every nation under heaven gathered because they heard the sound. They were bewildered because each person heard the believers speaking in their own native language.

While some in the crowd were amazed and perplexed, others mocked the believers, claiming they were filled with new wine (Acts 2:13). Peter stood up with the eleven and addressed the multitude. He explained that the men were not drunk, as it was only the third hour of the day. Instead, he stated this was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, declaring that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17). Peter proceeded to preach concerning Jesus of Nazareth, citing His miracles, His crucifixion by the hands of lawless men, and His resurrection by God.

Peter used the scriptures to argue that David had foreseen the resurrection of the Christ (Acts 2:31). He testified that he and the others were witnesses to the fact that God had raised Jesus to life. Upon hearing this, the listeners were cut to the heart and asked what they should do. Peter instructed them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). The text does not say whether John spoke to the crowd, though he stood among the eleven during Peter's discourse.