Pentecost Part 1

Acts 2:1-13

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Big Idea: The Holy Spirit gives the church supernatural power to witness for Jesus.

Three characteristics of the Spirit’s inauguration at Pentecost:

1. The Spirit comes in with a bang (v. 1-4)

2. The Spirit allows the gospel to transcend language and geographical barriers (v. 5-12)

3. Despite the obvious work of the Spirit not all will accept it (v. 13)

There are different types of text: Descriptive and Prescriptive – this text is descriptive.

Common Questions:

1. What is speaking in tongues?

It is used in 2 senses:

1) The spiritual gift in which the language is usually that of a known human language. The speaker does not know the language yet speaks praises to God in the language. Therefore it is clearly a miraculous work of God. This gift can be used in the body of Christ as long as it is used in an orderly manner. It must be interpreted. It is lower on Paul’s list of spiritual gifts that should be desired (see 1 Cor. 12-14 for further study)

2) The prayer language in which many or all Christians can possess. This is to be reserved for private prayer and not used in the community of believers. It is communication between you and God. (see 1 Cor. 12-14 for further study)

2. When someone receives the Holy Spirit must they speak in tongues?

Remember this text is descriptive not prescriptive. It is simply describing what happened. In the doctrinal discussions in the epistles it seems clear that not all believes speak in tongues. (1 Cor. 12:29-31)

3. Do all believers have the Holy Spirit?

The answer is simply – yes. (cf. 1 Cor. 12:3, 13; Ephesians 1:13)