Session 8: The Spirit

Session Overview

Creedal Statement

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ
his only begotten Son our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
he descended into hell [to the dead];
the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and
sits on the right hand of God
the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge
the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body; and
the life everlasting.
Amen.

Key Elements

• Key Passage - Acts 1:1–2:47
• Scripture Memory - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. Ezekiel 36:26–27
• Catechism - Q: Who raises us to new life in Christ? A: Holy Spirit.

Introduction

But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.

Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without the wind, or chariots without steeds; like branches without sap, we are withered; like coals without fire, we are useless; as an offering without the sacrificial flame, we are unaccepted.

The Christian life begins and endures by the presence and power of God. Without God’s presence and power, there is no hope for salvation, no comfort in affliction, no peace in fear, no courage in witness, and no transformation of life. Left to ourselves, we crumble, decay, and self-destruct. Irrefutably, God is the source and substance of life—life on this earth and life in the world to come. As Creator, God infuses and sustains the life of his creatures. As Redeemer, God rescues fallen creation and restores repentant sinners to a relationship with himself. As Sanctifier, God brings about a lasting change in our lives and in the world. God is the essential spring for all life. As such, we perpetually live in full and complete dependence upon God. In all areas of life, God mediates his presence and power to us through the Holy Spirit.

In general terms, God accomplishes his redemptive work by restoring humans to a vibrant relationship with himself. In the Old Testament, we see God acting for his people. At the coming of Christ, we observe God living with his people. And, in the first days of the church, we witness God dwelling in his people through the coming of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit came, he empowered God’s people for witness, guided them in the truth, filled them for service, offered them a preview of the kingdom of God, and ultimately brought about the work of conversion. Without the presence of the Spirit, the Christian life is an impossibility. Therefore, all disciples must have an accurate understanding of the Holy Spirit, an understanding that accompanies an actual experience with the Holy Spirit. To lay this faith foundation, we turn to the Scriptures as a sure and certain guide of truth.

In Acts 1:1–2:47, we read about the ascension of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the formation of the early church. Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Spirit. This same Spirit empowered Jesus in his earthly ministry and would empower the early Christians in their missional work of worldwide witness. Establishing the core leadership of the apostolic community, the early Christians yielded to the Spirit’s guidance by submitting to the prophetic voice of inspired Scripture. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the Christian community, enabling them to speak in foreign languages. This supernatural coming of the Spirit was a sign that God’s plan of salvation was being fulfilled. Peter preached the gospel to the crowd of amazed listeners, calling them urgently to faith, repentance, and baptism. Believers in Christ received the Holy Spirit and joined the community of the church.

The opening chapters of Acts detail an important historical event in the life of the church: the coming of the Holy Spirit. The biblical record of this historical event also teaches us about the nature, person, and activity of the Holy Spirit. Foundational to the faith is an accurate understanding and genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit. God invites us into a rich relationship with himself. Gracious and sovereign, God sends his Spirit to establish a relationship with his people. In this way, the Holy Spirit is a divine authority to whom we submit, a heavenly gift whom we receive, a sure guide whom we follow, and God’s very presence by whom we are transformed to believe and bear witness to the gospel. Certainly, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit are key to filling the Christian life with vitality and power. Knowing this, let us study these first chapters of Acts with attentiveness and eagerness, seeking to learn and live the summons of this biblical text.

Biblical Interpretation: Hearing the Word

Study the Text: The Bible is God’s inspired word to his people. Christian disciples mature in the faith when they are grounded in God’s word. In this movement, you will study the basic details of the biblical text.

Observation Questions

Read (or listen to) the whole passage of Scripture. Discuss the questions below for each section of the story. Pay attention to the details of the text to recall what the passage is saying. Use the focus verses to guide your conversation.

Storycraft

Retell the story in your own words, recounting the overall flow of the narrative, the main segments of the story, and the major developments that take place.

Narrative Elements

Story Retell

Theological Dialogue: Discussing the Plot

Explore the Text: God’s word is his trustworthy and sufficient revelation to his people. We grow as Christ’s disciples by rooting our lives in God’s unchanging truth. In this movement, you will explore vital teachings of this biblical passage.

Discussion Questions

Summarize the biblical story. As a community, discuss the following questions. Be attentive to the truths taught in this text. Use the commentary on the next pages to uncover core principles this passage teaches about the Christian faith.

Biblical Commentary

Use this commentary to help you understand the meaning of the text. Refer to the infographic on the next page to think through how narratives work.

Passage Introduction

Key Idea

The person of the Holy Spirit is God’s promise for those who place their faith in Christ, inviting us to join his mission, empowering us to faithful witness, guiding us in the truth, filling us for service, previewing the kingdom of God, and bringing about the work of conversion.

Passage Overview

What may seem to be a sad departure turns out to be a joyous occasion: the ascension of Jesus brings about the descent of the Holy Spirit. In this story, the coming of the Spirit is central, as his coming is vital for the life of every disciple. When the Spirit came, the disciples were empowered to be worldwide witnesses, the church was guided through God’s inspired word, the early believers were enabled to speak diverse native languages, God’s prophetic word was fulfilled, and a bewildered crowd was brought to faith, repentance, and baptism. In the sending of the Spirit, salvation is possible for the sinner, and life is attainable for the lost. So complete is God’s salvation work that he gives his own presence to his people. To receive God’s salvation, we must unreservedly surrender our lives to God. Full and complete dependence upon God is ever and only the means for life and salvation. Use the commentary in concert with the biblical text to consider the role of the Spirit in the Christian life, aiming to understand and experience his presence and power in your life.

Passage Outline

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.

For wherever the Holy Spirit is present, He makes men of gold out of men of clay … Such a thing it is to be a spiritual man! Only let us also bring ourselves into … the grace from above, and all becomes easy.

Introduction

God remains actively engaged in his created world. God’s commitment to his eternal plan, his love for his people, and his unspeakable power ensure the successful accomplishment of his salvation purposes. Amazingly, God uses his people as Spirit-empowered agents in this redemptive work. Left to ourselves, we could never accomplish God’s eternal purposes. We are too prone to wander from the truth, too inattentive to maintain course, too frail to offer our service, too fearful to bear witness to Christ, too nearsighted to see the coming kingdom, and completely unable to bring another human to believe the gospel. In our own strength, God’s purposes would not be accomplished. Cosmic tragedy would ensue if God’s mission were dependent upon human skill or will or ingenuity. Nevertheless, God’s people are invited to serve God’s purpose in God’s strength. Essential to this divine arrangement is the presence, power, and person of the Holy Spirit.

The narrative record of Acts 1:1–2:47 recounts the coming of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the early Christian disciples as a church community. Fundamentally, the church is a community of Spirit-empowered followers of Jesus who bear witness to Jesus through their words and actions. Prior to his heavenly ascension, Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit (cf. Luke 24:49; John 14:16–17; 15:26–27; 16:7), the same Spirit who had empowered Jesus’ own earthly ministry. Affirming that the Holy Spirit would bring power to God’s people, Jesus commissioned his disciples to be worldwide witnesses. The early Christians heeded the Holy Spirit’s guidance from inspired Scripture as a means to galvanize their team of apostolic leaders. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, miraculously enabling them to speak in foreign tongues. Peter explained that the spectacular coming of the Holy Spirit was a fulfillment of God’s ancient plan of salvation. As such, Peter preached the gospel to the crowd, calling them to faith, repentance, and membership in the church community. Unified by the indwelling presence of the Spirit, the early church lived a vibrant community life of devotion to God that strengthened the believers and their witness to the surrounding world.

The Holy Spirit continues the work of Jesus after the ascension. Fully God, the Holy Spirit is worthy of praise, honor, and worship. The Holy Spirit has harmoniously worked in concert with the supreme will of God the Father and the redemptive work of God the Son, Jesus Christ. Eternal and sovereign, the Holy Spirit has been actively engaged in all aspects of God’s salvation plan: the formation of God’s all-wise decrees, the creation of the world, the earthly life and ministry of Jesus, and the ongoing development of human history. In addition, the Spirit of God continues to work today, accomplishing God’s will on earth through his people. In this biblical narrative, we will see how the Holy Spirit is an authoritative continuation of Jesus’ ministry on earth. He authenticated Jesus’ ministry, empowered disciples for global witness, guided God’s people in the truth, filled believers for ministry service, powerfully manifested God’s kingdom power, and awakened sinners to new life. As each scene of the Pentecost story unfolds, we glimpse a unique way in which the Holy Spirit continued the ministry of Jesus in his ascended absence.

Wait for the Gift: Living Under the Spirit’s Divine Authority

Biblical Narrative (Acts 1:1–5)

In Luke’s prologue to Acts, he mentions his “first book” written to “Theophilus” (1:1). This first account refers to Luke’s Gospel account (cf. Luke 1:1–4) and identifies the book of Acts as its sequel. In Luke’s Gospel narrative—the first of his two-part work—Luke “wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach” (1:1). This assumes that the book of Acts is a continuation of Luke’s earlier Gospel account, chronicling how the ministry of Jesus continued through the Spirit-empowered people of the church. Luke’s first account detailed the events and teachings of Jesus’ ministry “until the day He was taken up to heaven” (1:2). The account of Acts continues the narrative with Jesus “giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen” (1:2).

Climactic for Luke’s narrative (and the Christian faith), Jesus was betrayed, tried, abused, crucified, and buried. These events formed the pinnacle of human history by fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. In the divine plan, Jesus’ passion and death on the cross secured salvation for sinful humans. While these events of Jesus’ “suffering” (1:3) were part of God’s plan, divine redemption was ensured because of Jesus’ resurrection three days later. The crucifixion of Jesus was a sufficient payment for human sin; Jesus’ resurrection was a conquering triumph over God’s enemies. After Jesus rose again from the dead, “He presented Himself” to his followers, showing them “with many convincing proofs that He was alive” (1:3). The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus verified that he had truly risen from the dead, assuring his followers that God’s plan of salvation was indeed successful. Additionally, Jesus’ appearances were a means to instruct his followers how to continue his mission. Consequently, Jesus “appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (1:3).

The disciples’ continuation of Jesus’ ministry was a community work that required divine assistance. As such, the disciples were “gathered together” (1:4; cf. 1:6, 14; 2:1, 6, 44, 46), demonstrating the importance of fellowship and interdependence in the company of believers. Additionally, Jesus told his disciples to “not leave Jerusalem” (1:4). At this time crucial to God’s unfolding plan and the disciples’ empowerment, the believers were to “wait for the gift the Father promised” (1:4). The promised gift was something the disciples had “heard [Jesus] discuss” (1:4). Jesus explained the essence of this gift when he told the disciples “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (1:5). In this powerful foretelling, Jesus spoke about the prophesied coming of the Holy Spirit, a baptism by God’s Spirit that would empower God’s people as they continued the ministry of Jesus. As John’s water baptism called people to repentance of their sin and faith in Christ, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a means of marking people—through their submission and service of King Jesus—as legitimate citizens of the kingdom of God.

Biblical Principles

Continued Ministry. Inasmuch as the church’s missional work is a continuation of “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” (1:1), Christian disciples must rely upon Jesus’ power to faithfully discharge their calling. Accordingly, Jesus’ followers must be endowed with the Holy Spirit for this work. The Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus to instruct his first disciples (1:2) is the same Holy Spirit promised to subsequent followers of Christ (1:5). God’s Spirit, a promised gift from the Father (1:4), is God’s gracious and divine presence with his people. To be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” (1:5) is to be immersed under his authority and sovereign command. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that results from this baptism means that the community of Christian disciples is an embodiment of God’s presence in the world. The “convincing proofs that He was alive” (1:3) were vital to reinforce the faith of the early Christians and to embolden their ministry in the world. Since Jesus is alive today, the Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering the church transforms the church itself into a “convincing proof” of the living and resurrected Christ. This kind of embodied witness can only happen through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Kingdom of God. During Jesus’ forty-day post-resurrection appearances, “he spoke about the kingdom of God” (1:3; cf. 1:6–7). The Holy Spirit was a distinctive mark of Jesus’ kingdom ministry (1:2) and a promised gift from the Father to the church (1:4). This divine gift itself was a promise that confirmed that all of God’s other kingdom promises would come to fruition. God’s very presence gifted to his people, the Spirit is a sign and foretaste of the coming kingdom. In fact, for believers baptized by the Holy Spirit, their faithful and obedient presence in the world is a means of living out God’s kingdom reality in the present age, while they wait for the full realization of the kingdom at a future time (cf. 1:6–8, 11). The instruction for the disciples to wait for the coming of the Spirit (1:4) is a reminder that we who have received this Spirit wait for the consummation of God’s coming kingdom. Even when the disciples received the Spirit, they did not experience the fullness of God’s kingdom coming to earth at that exact moment. Even their inquiry about the timing of the kingdom was not fully answered by Jesus. Instead, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit enabled the first disciples (and enables all future disciples) to live as faithful Christ-followers who anticipate and long for God’s certain and coming kingdom. Consequently, to be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” (1:5) is to come under the authority, power, and guidance of God’s Spirit. To live in submission to the Spirit is to live as a loyal citizen of God’s present and coming kingdom.

You Will Be My Witness: Accepting the Spirit’s Global Assignment

Biblical Narrative (Acts 1:6–11)

Near the end of Jesus’ forty-day period of post-resurrection appearances, the disciples “came together” (1:4) and asked Jesus to explain the significance of the events they had recently experienced: Jesus’ death, resurrection, appearances, and the promised coming of the Holy Spirit. Particularly, the disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (1:6). Based upon the disciples’ understanding at the time, God’s people hoped for the coming of the promised Messiah in order to usher in God’s kingdom rule, delivering them from the tyranny of their oppressive enemies. In other words, for the disciples, all of Jesus’ teachings and actions seemed to anticipate an imminent restoration of God’s kingdom.

In reply to the disciples’ intrigue, Jesus did not provide a direct answer. Instead, he told his followers, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority” (1:7). The full coming of God’s kingdom was determined and governed by the Father. Rather than knowing the specific times God would unfold his kingdom plan, the disciples were to serve God faithfully in their present duties. Accordingly, Jesus told the disciples, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (1:8). The empowering presence of the Holy Spirit would enable Christ’s followers to spread the good news of Jesus throughout the globe: to be “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (1:8). In essence, the disciples’ fascination with kingdom timetables could handicap them from participation in the pressing urgency of kingdom work. As a result, Jesus redirected their focus, calling them to anticipate the coming of the Spirit so that they could bear witness to Christ throughout the world.

After Jesus gave this commission to his disciples (cf. Luke 24:36–53), Jesus ascended to heaven in plain view. The scene was dramatic and extraordinary. The disciples watched Jesus “as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight” (1:9). Fixated on this stunning sight, Jesus’ followers were “looking intently into the sky as He was going” (1:10). As they gazed upward, angelic messengers appeared—“two men dressed in white stood beside them” (1:10). Confronting the stationary and fixed response of the disciples, the angels asked the band of Jesus’ followers, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” (1:11). Although Jesus’ instructions about the coming of the Spirit were clear, the disciples were (yet again) captivated by a supernatural and unexpected event occurring before their eyes. In one sense, this response is understandable since Jesus had “been taken from [them] into heaven” (1:11). In another sense, Jesus had clearly articulated the missional calling to which he was commissioning his followers (cf. Luke 24:45–49). Providing some explanation for this sudden and spectacular event, these heavenly emissaries told the disciples, “this same Jesus … will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven” (1:11). Engaged in the work of God’s kingdom, God’s people would be motivated, sustained, and equipped for their work of gospel witness by the power of the Holy Spirit and the hope of Jesus’ bodily return.

Biblical Principles

Divine Power. Given only to genuine believers, the Holy Spirit is God’s power bestowed on his people. That Jesus described this divine empowerment with the term “comes upon” (1:8) is significant. God’s Spirit is not an impersonal force or spiritual energy. He is not a tool or instrument in the hands of aspiring and religious human beings. The Holy Spirit is sovereign and supreme. He is personal and active. In concert with God the Father and God the Son, the Holy Spirit comes and goes, moves and acts, and speaks and reveals according to his sovereign will. The power of the Holy Spirit turns Christ-followers into God’s divine instruments. When the Holy Spirit comes upon people, they become submissive and useful vessels in God’s hands. When God’s Spirit descends from his high and heavenly realm, he asserts his powerful presence over God’s people. Importantly, as God’s people come under the power of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit transforms them into channels that powerfully transmit the message of the gospel. To come under the power of the Holy Spirit is to become a representative of God in the world.

Empowered Witness. Jesus promised that when the Holy Spirit came, the disciples would “receive power” (1:8). The power given to the disciples would give them the ability to fulfill their missional calling, a calling given by Jesus himself: to be witnesses of Jesus throughout the whole world (1:8). This worldwide witness of Christ amounted to a global mission in which believers from every age and culture would participate. In the early church (and throughout subsequent years of church history), the idea of “bearing witness” quickly became related to the reality of martyrdom. It was not (and is not) unusual for witnesses to risk their lives for the sake of communicating the gospel of Christ. Left to ourselves, we easily succumb to fear, peer pressure, or self-preservation; this results in a cowardly abandonment of our witnessing work. On the contrary, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can offer a bold, unashamed, and powerful testimony of Jesus in all places on the earth (even the ends of the earth), regardless of the consequences. With the Spirit’s presence, we can face ridicule, persecution, unfair treatment, and even death in our witness of Christ.

Truth Be Told: Heeding the Spirit’s Inspired Voice

Biblical Narrative (Acts 1:12–26)

After receiving Jesus’ missional imperative and witnessing his heavenly ascension, the disciples “returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives” (1:12). Since this was “near the city,” it was “a Sabbath day’s journey away” (1:12). Returning to Jerusalem was an act of faith in and obedience to Jesus’ earlier promise of the coming Holy Spirit (1:4; cf. Luke 24:52; Acts 1:8). When they arrived, the company of disciples “went to the upper room where they were staying” (1:13; cf. 1:14). The full community comprised “a gathering of about a hundred and twenty” (1:15). A time of collective worship and intense fellowship, the gathering reinforced the believers’ devotion to Christ and prepared them for the unfolding events of Jesus’ prophetic word. In this way, the believing community gathered with “one accord” and “they all continued in prayer” (1:14), expressing their continued devotion to Christ even in his ascended absence.

The early church viewed their community as a faith family—brothers and sisters who shared a communion allegiance to Jesus. At that time, the lead disciple, Peter, “stood up among the brothers” (1:15) and addressed them. In his speech, Peter talked to the disciples about the leadership gap left by Judas’ betrayal. Speaking to the gathered assembly, Peter told them that Judas, “a guide for those who arrested Jesus” (1:16), was “one of [their] number and shared in this ministry” (1:16). Overwhelmed with guilt and remorse, Judas used “the reward for his wickedness” to buy a field where “he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out” (1:18). The site of Judas’ fateful and grotesque death was known as the “Field of Blood” (1:19). As Judas was “abandoned to go to his rightful place” (1:25), the early Christians believed that his death was a fitting judgment for his heinous and egregious act of betrayal.

Peter explained that the Scriptures predicted Judas’ betrayal of Jesus: “the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas” (1:16). Quoting from the book of Psalms, Peter explained that Judas’ judgment—“may his place be deserted” (1:20; cf. Psalm 9:25)—and his replacement—“may another take his position” (1:20; cf. Psalm 109:8)—was prophesied in the Old Testament. As a result, Peter instructed the community to select another disciple to fill Judas’ position. Specifically, the replacement should be “one of the men who have accompanied [the disciples] the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among [them]” (1:21) so that he could be “a witness with us of [Jesus’] resurrection” (1:22). Two men were proposed: Joseph and Matthias (1:23). Demonstrating their devotion to and dependence upon God, the disciples asked God to identify which of the two he wanted “to take up this ministry and apostleship” (1:24). They trusted God to “know everyone’s heart” (1:24) and to reveal the fitting replacement. Through the casting of lots, God identified Matthias as Judas’ replacement (1:26). In this way, the disciples’ leadership team was once again complete in number and person.

Biblical Principles

Fulfillment and Foretelling. Peter clearly asserted that the Holy Spirit spoke about Judas’ betrayal and replacement many years prior to the actual historical events. Describing this, Peter said that “the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas” (1:16). Subsequently, Peter quoted from the Old Testament Scripture, particularly from the book of Psalms (1:20). That the Spirit can predict events of such a nature showcases his divine knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Inasmuch as the Spirit is the source of divine authority and divine power, he is also the source of divine truth. Amazingly, the Spirit (through human agents such as David) recorded divine truth in the Scripture. Described in personal terms as the author of Scripture, the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or divine energy. He is God’s personal presence with his people, equal to the Father and the Son. Further, the Scripture that Christian disciples read, study, translate, and memorize today is God’s Spirit-inspired word: a reliable record of God’s promises and fulfillments, an accurate testimony of revealed truth, and a sure guide for life and faith.

Guidance and Submission. In this biblical text, the apostles relied upon the Holy Spirit to enlighten God’s people to reliable truth. Specifically, they needed to resolve their leadership and ministry gap left by unfaithful Judas (1:16–22). In a time when the disciples needed clear guidance, they sought wisdom from God’s inspired word. A divine word that provides timeless truth for all generations and timely wisdom for specific situations, the Bible is a work of the Spirit. Importantly, the community of believers read, considered, and applied God’s word as a covenant fellowship. God’s Spirit, as the author of the Bible, is also the Bible’s best interpreter. As the Spirit indwells God’s people, this means communal interpretation of the Bible is a most important work. We should study, discuss, and explore God’s truth in the context of the Christian community. The importance of reading God’s word, however, is not just to accumulate new and inspiring knowledge. Our knowledge must be translated into action. As a believer, to rightly hear God’s word in faith is to reverently heed it in obedience. Here again, we notice that a vibrant relationship with God is administered through the Spirit of truth, in the writing, reading, and application of God’s inspired word.

The Wonders of God: Relying on the Spirit’s Supernatural Empowerment

Biblical Narrative (Acts 2:1–13)

Pentecost was a celebration in the Old Testament of the fiftieth day (the passing of seven full weeks makes it the fiftieth day) after Passover (cf. Leviticus 23:4–22). When Pentecost arrived, the disciples were once again gathered “all together in one place” (2:1). In a sudden moment, “a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (2:2). In a supernatural demonstration that God had visited this fellowship of Jesus’ followers, there appeared “tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them” (2:3). At this time, the disciples “were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and, as a result, they “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (2:4).

Since the feast of Pentecost was underway, “there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven” (2:5). This multicultural gathering of religious devotees witnessed this miraculous event. As the “sound rang out,” the large group of people “came together in bewilderment” (2:6). Their astonishment resulted from the fact that “each one heard [the disciples] speaking his own language” (2:6). This surprising event left the crowd “astounded and amazed” because the men speaking in their languages were “Galileans” (2:7). The diverse group of people from many nations represented a multiplicity of diverse languages (2:9–11). For these Jewish Galileans to speak in the “native language” (2:8) of each people was surely a remarkable demonstration. As the disciples spoke, they were “declaring the wonders of God in [their] own tongues” (2:11). The crowd had a mixed response of astonishment, confusion, interest, and mockery (2:7, 12–13). Some wanted to know the meaning of the event (2:12), while others derided the disciples, saying they were intoxicated (2:13).

Biblical Principles

The Divine Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit came in a new and powerful way. The Holy Spirit filled Christ’s disciples to perform an incredible feat: speaking in the native tongues of an ethnically diverse group of Pentecost pilgrims. Once again affirming the personal and divine nature of God’s Spirit, we see that the Holy Spirit rushed upon them, filled them, and enabled them (2:2, 4). The sudden nature of his coming (2:1) highlights the Spirit’s sovereignty. The Holy Spirit cannot be forced, conjured, or manipulated. Additionally, the mighty rushing wind associated with this coming emphasizes the Spirit’s power and strength (2:2). That the Spirit’s presence filled the entire house (2:2) accentuates the fullness and vibrancy that corresponds to the Spirit’s presence and activity. The “flames of fire” (2:3) over each of the disciples draw attention to the transcendent and divine nature of the Spirit: God’s very presence was among them.

Under the Spirit’s Control. In contrast to the controlling and intoxicating effect of wine (2:13), the disciples were under the gracious and remarkable presence of the Holy Spirit. He enabled, empowered, and sanctioned their supernatural speech to the crowd. The demonstration of God’s power through the speech of the disciples is a call for all disciples to submit their whole lives to God’s service. Each person has a special and unique calling to fulfill as part of God’s overarching plan of salvation. Just as the one flame separated into many flames and the one Spirit brought about speech in multiple languages, so the one Spirit outfits all disciples to serve God in a unique way. In Jesus, God accomplishes salvation for his people; by the Spirit, God accomplishes things in and through his people. In short, the Holy Spirit transforms us into powerful instruments in the hands of God.

In the Last Days: Experiencing the Spirit’s Prophetic Fulfillment

Biblical Narrative (Acts 2:14–21)

Providing explanation to the bewildered group of Pentecost pilgrims, Peter “addressed the crowd” and told them to “listen carefully to [his] words” (2:14). Peter told them that the “men are not drunk” at this early morning hour (2:15). Instead, the spectacular event was a fulfillment of an ancient prophecy given by “the prophet Joel” (2:16). Many years before, Joel had prophesied that a day would come when God would “pour out [His] Spirit on all people” (2:17; cf. 2:18). The coming of the Spirit would be a sign of “the last days” (2:17) in which God was fulfilling his redemptive plan such that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:21) and inviting people to escape “the great and glorious Day of the Lord” (2:20). The coming of the Spirit and the promised fulfillment of God’s salvation plan would be confirmed by miraculous events: prophecy, visions, dreams, and wonders (2:17–20). Those who call on God’s name in faith and repentance receive divine salvation; those who do not call on God’s name face God’s fearful judgment.

Biblical Principles

Fulfillment and Fullness. Peter’s citation of the prophet Joel teaches us important things about the Holy Spirit. For God to “pour out” (2:17; cf. 2:18) his Spirit on his people was a display of God’s grace and generosity. The sending of the Spirit was a demonstration of God’s favor to establish a relationship with his people. God established this relationship by fulfilling his work of salvation, a work that Christ accomplished on the cross. The miraculous and magnificent signs of the Spirit—prophecies, dreams, visions, and wonders (2:17–20)—are evidence that God’s plan of salvation was being fulfilled. That Peter quoted from an Old Testament prophet showed that the Pentecost miracle was a fulfillment of God’s ancient promises. For believers, the Spirit is the fullness of God’s presence with his people. The work of Christ on the cross has made it possible for God and man to be reconciled. This is demonstrated by the lavish outpouring of God’s Spirit, who is not limited to a specific ethnic group but is available to “all people” (2:17) who will respond to God in repentance and faith (2:21).

Salvation and Judgment. Based on this passage, the early Christians (and we) live in the last days (2:17). These final days are a season in which God’s judgment is coming (2:20). Although humans face this “great and glorious Day of the Lord” (2:20), God has provided a means for life and salvation. Those who want to escape God’s judgment should heed Joel’s instruction: “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:21). The promise of God’s coming kingdom is a promise of God dwelling with his people forever. The dwelling of God with men is Eden restored. It is the curse lifted. It is the uninhibited flourishing that God intended when he created the world. And this flourishing is realized in the powerful coming of the Holy Spirit. In this way, believers enjoy the presence of the indwelling Spirit as a foretaste and guarantee of the coming kingdom in all its fullness. Inasmuch as the coming of the Spirit is the fulfillment of ancient promises, the Holy Spirit is also a guarantee that God’s future promises will also be fulfilled.

Cut to the Heart: Undergoing the Spirit’s Transforming Impact

Biblical Narrative (Acts 2:22–47)

After explaining the Holy Spirit’s coming as a fulfillment of a divine promise, Peter preached the good news of the gospel to the listening crowd (2:22). Peter told them that “Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs” (2:22). A Jewish audience, the gathered people had known about the miraculous deeds “God did among [them] through [Jesus]” (2:22). Tragically, Jesus was not accepted by the Jewish leaders. Instead, “the hands of the lawless” unjustly sentenced Jesus and “put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross” (2:23; cf. 2:36).

Although sinful men murdered Jesus by crucifixion, Jesus “was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge” (2:23). After three days, “God raised [Jesus] from the dead” (2:24; cf. 2:32). Jesus’ resurrection was prophesied by the Old Testament (2:25–28, 31; cf. Psalm 16:8–11) and witnessed by the disciples (3:32). By coming back to life, Jesus was released “from the agony of death” and demonstrated his power over death “because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches” (2:24). Unlike David, who did not rise again (2:29) and did not ascend to heaven (2:34), Jesus’ body did not see decay (2:31; cf. 2:27). After his resurrection, Jesus was “exalted … to the right hand of God” (2:33) when he ascended to heaven (cf. 1:6–11). Jesus’ ascension was followed by the sending of “the promised Holy Spirit” (2:33), the very event the disciples and gathered crowd had just experienced (cf. 2:1–4). One day, Jesus will return and “make [His] enemies a footstool for [His] feet” (2:35; cf. Psalm 110:1).

As the promised Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth (2:22) fulfilled God’s promise to establish his King on the Davidic throne (2:29–30). He is “both Lord and Christ” (2:36). Equal to the Father and distinct from the Father (2:34), Jesus is fully God and fully man in one person. The good news of Peter’s gospel message is that Jesus fulfills God’s work of salvation, bringing strength (2:25), hope (2:26), joy (2:26, 28), and life (2:27–28) to all who believe.

When the people heard Peter’s message, “they were cut to the heart” (2:37). Under a deep sense of conviction and guilt, the people asked Peter how they should respond (2:37). Peter told the people to “repent and be baptized … in the name of Jesus Christ” (2:38). Those who responded in faith and “embraced his message” (2:41) would receive “forgiveness of … sins” (2:38), “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (2:38), and “be saved from this corrupt generation” (2:40). In addition to this message, Peter talked to the people “with many other words” in a tone of urgency (2:40). Those who accepted the message in faith and repentance “were baptized” (2:41). That day, “about three thousand were added to the believers” (2:41).

Recipients of the Holy Spirit, the baptized community of believers were reconciled to God and united to each other. As such, “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (2:42). Miracles and wonders were being performed (2:43). As they devoted themselves to the community life of discipleship, Christ’s Spirit-empowered followers practiced sacrificial generosity. Displaying a sense of deep unity, “all the believers were together and had everything in common” (2:44). In fact, believers sold their belongings to share “with anyone who was in need” (2:45). Regular in their gathered worship, the believers met together in “one accord” (2:46). The believing community assembled “daily in the temple courts” and met “to break bread from house to house” (2:42). As they gathered, the believers shared “their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart” (2:46), worshiped God (2:47), and enjoyed “the favor of all the people” (2:47). As a result of this flourishing community life, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (2:47).

Biblical Principles

Conviction, Conversion, and Community. In this last scene, we see that the Holy Spirit granted God’s people eternal life. The Spirit was the source of conviction, conversion, and incorporation into the new community of Christ-followers, the church. This same Spirit continues to do this work in every generation. He brings people to an awareness of sin (2:37). He awakens sinful humans to new life (2:38). He initiates disciples into God’s new family, the church (2:41). In short, the Holy Spirit brings about transformation in the lives of people by bringing them to genuine faith in Christ. He removes the alienation and distance that exists between God and sinners. He reconciles sinners to God and turns the wicked and corrupt into faithful followers. The unifying work of the Spirit brings those who are “far off” (2:39) near to God and to other believers.

Church as Living Witness. To be added to the number of disciples means to enjoy the dynamic community life described in this narrative. Initiated by the Spirit into the community of faith, believers express their individual and collective devotion to God’s word, fellowship, prayer, generosity, worship, and witness (2:42–47). The Spirit applies Christ’s redemptive work to the lives of believers. As mentioned above, God’s Spirit forms individual believers into a unified church community. In this way, the Holy Spirit—resident in individual believers and the church community as a whole—makes the church itself a living witness of the gospel to the watching world. At the beginning of this narrative, the disciples were commissioned to bear witness to Christ throughout the whole world (1:6–8). In this final scene, we learn that the church itself is a powerful witness: a Spirit-empowered fellowship of faithful Christ-followers living out their vibrant community life before the watching world.

Conclusion

The first chapters of Acts teach us much about God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus’ ministry and teaching, giving authority to the commands that Jesus had given his apostles. This same authoritative Spirit was a promised gift from God who would be given to Jesus’ followers. At the time of his ascension, Jesus commanded his disciples to bear witness of him throughout the whole earth, assuring them that the empowering presence of the Spirit would assist them in their worldwide work. As a means to guide Christians in faith, life, and ministry, the Holy Spirit inspired the written Scriptures as a standard of truth—timeless and timely. At the time of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in foreign tongues. To a bewildered crowd, Peter explained that the coming of the Spirit was a fulfillment of prophecy and a foretaste of God’s kingdom. Those who repented from their sin and believed in the gospel received the Holy Spirit and joined the community of fellow believers.

This powerful narrative instructs our faith and life today. It calls us to place our faith in Christ, embrace our mission in the world, participate actively in the life of the church, and establish our lives on the inspired truth of Holy Scripture. The historical and inspired narrative reminds us that God is still actively involved in his world. While miraculous and supernatural events still take place, God is also regularly at work through the ordinary lives of all Spirit-empowered disciples. Knowing this about the Christian community, we participate in God’s work best as we prioritize the church and integrate our lives with the community of fellow believers. Moreover, we lead lives of meaning and substance as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, guidance, and instruction. Truly, the Spirit applies the work of Christ to people and the world. Thankfully, because of the coming of the Holy Spirit, we can affirm with confidence that all that Jesus began to do and teach is indeed perpetuated up until this very day.

Session Synopsis

SESSION 8 SYNOPSIS
Holy Spirit	In this passage, the Bible teaches us about the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus made many appearances to his disciples. He told his followers to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower them for worldwide witness. Then, Jesus ascended to heaven. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit came in a miraculous display of power. This fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and gave an opportunity for Peter to preach the good news. Many people responded to his message in conviction, faith, and baptism. At this time, the church was established. The Holy Spirit played a major role in the early church: authenticating Jesus’ ministry, empowering disciples for gospel witness, revealing divine truth, filling believers for ministry service, manifesting God’s kingdom, and establishing believers in a covenant community of faith. A summary of this story’s principles is outlined below.
The Person and Nature of the Holy Spirit	The Holy Spirit is fully God: personal (1:8, 16; 2:4), all-powerful (1:8; 2:1–4, 16–21), all-knowing (1:16, 20), authoritative (1:2, 16), transcendent (2:3), and sovereign (2:2, 4). He is equal to God the Father and God the Son and worthy of the same obedience, worship, and love. He is also distinct from God the Father and God the Son, performing specific deeds to accomplish God’s plan of salvation (1:2, 4–5; 2:17, 33).
The Work of the Holy Spirit	The Holy Spirit is actively involved in the world and in the lives of God’s people. He authenticated and empowered Jesus’ ministry (1:2). He is the author of Scripture, God’s authoritative and inspired revelation of divine truth (1:1, 16, 20). He brings sinners to conviction and conversion (2:37–41). He gathers believers into the covenant community of the church (2:37–41, 42–47; cf. 1:12–15; 2:1–4). He fills believers for ministry service (2:1–4, 33) and empowers disciples for public witness of the gospel message (1:8; 2:4).
Prophetic Fulfillment and God’s Coming Kingdom	The Spirit is God’s presence with his people in Jesus’ ascended absence (1:6–11, 17). The coming of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment (1:16) of divine promises (1:4, 16, 20; 2:33, 39). The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost was accompanied by many wonders (2:1–13, 16–21, 33). The Spirit’s presence with his people in this way was a manifestation of the present and future coming of the kingdom of God (1:3; 6–8) in which God is bringing his promised plan of salvation to fruition (2:21, 39).
Life in the Spirit	In this passage, the Holy Spirit descends on his people. This coming is described as baptizing (1:5), coming upon (1:8), filling (2:4), being poured out (2:17–18, 33), and giving and receiving (2:33, 39). Christ’s disciples rightly respond to the Spirit by faith and repentance (2:37–41), faithful obedience (1:2, 16–26), submissive service (2:1–4), bold witness (2:4–13, 14–36, 47), and church commitment (1:12–15; 2:1–4, 37–41, 42–47).

Personal Reflection: Entering the Story

Apply the Text: The word of God is binding and authoritative, the only reliable guide for faith and godliness. True disciples submit themselves to God’s word. In this movement, you will apply God’s word to your lives.

Reflection Questions

Encourage one person to share a testimony about how this story has impacted them so far. Use the reflection questions to examine your life in light of this biblical passage.

Spiritual Practice

Ministry Practice: Rehearsing the Script

Minister the Text: God’s word is living and active. Through God’s word, the Christian community is edified. In this movement, you will utilize the biblical passage to minister to other believers and build them up in their faith.

Application Questions

Look at the infographic below. Use the questions to think about how to minister this text to other believers.

Missional Outreach: Publicizing the Truth

Witness the Text: The Bible is a message of God’s gracious salvation to the world. In word and deed, God’s people proclaim the good news of the gospel. In this movement, you will use this biblical passage to reach out to unbelievers.

Strategy Questions

Reflect on the infographic below. Consider how you can use this passage to witness to the surrounding world. Use the suggested ideas to prime your imagination. Then, put together a plan to share this passage with unbelievers, Afterward, reflect on this mission experience.