Receiving the Spirit

Obedient to Jesus, his small group of followers stayed in Jerusalem fervently praying together (Acts 1:14). Then on a holiday morning, when Jews from across the Roman Empire had gathered to celebrate one of Israel’s national festivals, something extraordinary happened. Suddenly, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised. Ordinary people from Galilee began to proclaim God’s mighty deeds in the languages of the Roman Empire. Peter took the opportunity to preach to a curious crowd, providing biblical interpretation of the miracle and boldly proclaiming Jesus.

Read Acts 2:1-21 and then consider:

1. Acts 2:1-4 describes a dramatic, multi-sensory experience when the Holy Spirit came on the believers. Imagine being one of them. What might you hear, see, and feel?
2. In Acts, the coming of the Holy Spirit is described as the promised gift from the Father (1:4), a baptism (1:5), a filling (2:2,4) and a pouring out (2:17). What do these images reveal about how the Holy Spirit interacts with believers in Christ?
3. The crowds in Jerusalem were shocked by declarations of God’s power in their native languages. What is the significance of this miracle as the first work of the Holy Spirit? What does it tell us about God’s plans and priorities?
4. How is Joel’s prophecy fulfilled in the disciples? Take a few minutes to give thanks that the Holy Spirit is accessible to everyone who calls on the name of Jesus, regardless of gender, age, or economic status.