Most Christians have heard of Pentecost. Christians, familiar with their bibles, will quickly remember the momentous events of that first Pentecost following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. As Jesus’ disciples met together, they heard the roar of a mighty rushing wind as tongues of fire lighted upon them. The disciples were immediately filled with the holy spirit and begin speaking in other languages. Meanwhile, Jews from every nation on earth were in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. When they heard the loud roar, they gathered around the house where the disciples were meeting. As they arrived, they heard the disciples proclaiming the wonderful works of God – not in Aramaic, the common language of Jews, but in their own languages. Amazed and perplexed, they all wondered, “What could this mean?” Peter explained. “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,that I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh;your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.And on my menservants and on my maidservantsI will pour out my spirit in those days;and they shall prophesy… And it shall come to passthat whoever calls on the name of the Lordshall be saved.’”(Acts 2:16-21) Peter didn’t stop there! He continued preaching until the crowd, at last, became convicted of their sin and convinced that Jesus was the Christ and Savior of Israel. Cut to their hearts, they asked, “What shall we do?” Again, Peter responded, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39) As a result of Peter’s preaching, 3,000 people repented, accepted Jesus as their Savior, and were baptized. This was an historic Pentecost and one the Church would never forget. The outpouring of the holy spirit, the first preaching by the apostles, and the baptism of 3,000 people were all signs that the administration of the New Covenant had begun. No wonder Pentecost is called the birthday of the Church.
Joe Weicks