“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’ And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’”
The Scripture passage from this week’s sermon depicts the wonderful scene at Pentecost: the Spirit’s presence is experienced as a rushing wind and fire, simple fishermen begin speaking in foreign languages about the mighty works of God, astonishing the onlooking crowds with what they see and hear.
No doubt this is a strange scene. But even stranger are the measures people take to avoid the truth that Jesus is God and that he came to save sinners—the crowd’s version of making sense of the situation here is to believe that all those preaching in their own languages are drunk! That seems like a pretty unlikely explanation. Who’s heard of a party where people drank too much wine and began speaking in languages they didn’t previously know? Maybe this “new wine” was pretty special.
Those who have eyes to see will realize that the striking thing about this scene is God’s desire for all people of every nation and tongue to hear the good news of Jesus. God will go to great lengths—including gifting believers with the miraculous ability to speak unknown languages—so that the good news of Jesus is proclaimed to all people.
Questions
- The Holy Spirit is associated with “rushing wind” and “fire.” We don’t often see God working in these kinds of ways, but even when we don’t, the Spirit is definitely still at work. How have you seen God the Spirit move powerfully in your life and community? How would you like to see him move? Take time to pray for this in group.
- What gifts has God given you, and how are they benefitting the church as you use them to proclaim the kingdom?
- How do you specifically need power from the Holy Spirit to do what he’s called you to do? Take some time to pray for one another in group.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for sending your Spirit to fill both men and women, so they can say and do powerful things. In word and deed, you empower us so that lives are changed. Please empower us to tell of your mighty works, to the amazement of others, for the sake of your glory and our joy.
Witness
Here’s an encouraging testimony from one leader:
“I used to have my small group at a local bar. I didn’t quite know how it would all work out, but as we gathered each week to discuss the content from the previous weeks’ sermons from church, I was hoping for—and expecting—Jesus to save people who were relationally connected to the men in the group.
“Jesus did above and beyond what I had hoped for. I wanted to see one unbeliever meet Jesus. Instead, I saw Jesus save 10 men, women, and children who were connected to the men in the group. I saw him heal marriages, and I saw him rescue those tormented by the enemy. I saw couples come together and get married. I saw him multiply one group into three, and each of those groups have continued to multiply to this day. The stories of salvation connected to these groups continue.”
This small-group study is excerpted from the Acts Study Guide.
