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Their waiting was over, the gift the Father had promised which Jesus had spoken about arrived! They received power when the Holy Spirit came on them and immediately began to fulfill the command of Christ to be His witnesses. In one day at one event 3000 accepted the Gospel, were baptized and the church was launched.

Three things experienced on ‘day 10’…

1. The wonder of the Holy Spirit (vs. 1-13)

- The Holy Spirit arrived; suddenly, accompanied by a sound (vs 2), a sight (vs. 3) and speech (vs. 4) In Scripture, wind/breath is associated with the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn. 3:6-8; Ezk. 37:9-10). Fire is associated with the presence of God (i.e. Moses and the burning bush, Ex. 3:1-6, the pillar of fire in the wilderness, Ex. 13:17-22)

- Two significant changes occurred with the arrival of the Holy Spirit; the Spirit would now dwell in people and His presence would be permanent (cf. Jn. 14:16-17)

- The first demonstration of the intended purpose of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit was for witnessing (vs. 4-12; cf. Acts 1:8). Pentecost demonstrates Christ’s mission to redeem for God worshippers from every tribe, language, people and nation (Rev. 5:9-10)

Are you ‘utterly amazed’ at the wonder of the gift of the Holy Spirit who lives in you? His indwelling presence should fill our mouths with praise that declares the wonders of God!

2. The empowerment of the Holy Spirit (vs. 14-36)

- The Holy Spirit empowers us to answer people’s questions while on mission (vs. 12)

- Rely on the Spirit to guide you to the scripture when answering their questions (vs. 16-21; 25:28; 34-35; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

- In our witness, focus on the central message of the Scriptures; the sinless life, death and resurrection of Jesus (vs. 22-35)

The filling of the Spirit has to do with witness and service. How are you doing as a spirit-empowered witness in those two areas? When you have opportunity to ‘stand up’ and answer people’s questions do you trust the Holy Spirit to empower you?

3. The impact of the Holy Spirit (vs. 37-41)

- Hardened, rebellious, unbelieving hearts can be regenerated (vs. 37; cf. Ezk. 36:26-27; Eph. 2:4-5; Col.2:13-14)

- The promised blessings of salvation; forgiveness of sins, eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit are available for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (vs. 21, 39, 41)

- As His spirit-filled and empowered witnesses we will feel compelled to His mission to seek and save the lost (vs. 40)

As the church, citizens of His kingdom, let’s remain faithful to the on-going mission of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit to offer this Good News to those who are still walking in darkness.

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