What Happened at Pentecost — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Jesus had promised, 'Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me' (Acts 1:8). Ten days after His ascension, on the Jewish feast of Pentecost, 'they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance' (Acts 2:1-4). Jews from every nation heard the message in their own languages (2:6-11). Peter stood and preached, quoting Joel's prophecy and proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Christ. The crowd was 'pricked in their heart' and asked, 'What shall we do?' Peter answered, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost' (2:37-38). About 3,000 were saved that day (2:41). Pentecost marks the birthday of the church and the beginning of the Spirit's age — the era we still live in.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages