Pentecost

Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection his followers were filled with the Holy Spirit, just as he had promised. Ordinary people from Galilee began to proclaim God’s mighty deeds in the languages of the Roman Empire. This is what we think of as Pentecost (named for the Jewish holiday on which it happened). But there are multiple Pentecosts in the book of Acts, times when groups of believers receive the Holy Spirit in a dramatic way. These Pentecosts follow Jesus’ game plan described in Acts 1:8. The first was among Jews in Jerusalem, the second among Samaritans, and the third among Gentiles. God was making it clear that the gospel going to the ends of the earth would happen through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Read Acts 2:1-11 and then consider:

1. The crowds in Jerusalem were shocked when they heard declarations of God’s power in their native languages. What is the significance of this miracle as the first work of the Holy Spirit? What does it tell us about God’s plans and priorities?

Read Acts 8:4-17 and then consider:

1. After the stoning of Stephen, Philip the Evangelist left Jerusalem and travelled to the city of Samaria where he preached the gospel and performed signs and wonders. What are the various ways the Samaritans responded to Philip’s ministry?
2. What is the significance of the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit through Peter and John praying for them? What does Peter and John’s ministry in Samaria show about their understanding of the gospel?

Read Acts 10:44-48 and then consider:

1. Though Peter readily travelled to Samaria and prayed for the new believers, God had to overcome great resistance to get Peter to share the gospel with Gentiles. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit falling upon Cornelius and his household while Peter was still speaking? What does it reveal about God?
2. Why were Peter’s companions astounded? What was God demonstrating to them about his mission?