NT Fire Starters – Day 161: Acts 2:1-36

READ: Acts 2:1-36

THINK: Acts chapter 2 is one of the key passages in all the Bible for those who consider themselves to be “Pentecostal.” A Pentecostal perspective is based on a firm belief that Christians today can and should experience the purposes and power of God’s Holy Spirit in the same way Christ’s followers did in the first century church. This chapter describes events on the day when God generously sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to fill and empower His followers so they could pursue and accomplish their ultimate mission for Him on earth.

RESPOND: What is Pentecost? (See 2:1 note.) What was the atmosphere surrounding the Holy Spirit’s arrival (v. 1)? What was significant about the extraordinary signs accompanying the Spirit’s arrival? (See 2:2-3 note.) What’s the significance of being “baptized in” or “filled with” the Holy Spirit? (See 2:4 note; See also 4:31 note.) In this passage, what’s the initial physical evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit? (See 2:4 note.) What does it mean to “speak in other tongues”? What was the first indication that the baptism in the Holy Spirit would provide a witness to people of all nations (vv. 5-12)? What does Peter’s message indicate about the Spirit’s life-transforming power? (See 2:14-40 note.) What Old Testament prophecy began to be fulfilled on Pentecost? (See 2:16 note.) What are “the last days” mentioned in verse 17 (see first note)? What does it mean that “Your sons and daughters will prophesy”? (See 2:17 second note.) Who can be baptized in the Holy Spirit and what indication does Joel give that the baptism in the Spirit is still available for every Christian? (See 2:18 notes.) Why was it “impossible for death to keep its hold” on Jesus? (See 2:24 note.) What does the outpouring of the Holy Spirit prove about Jesus? (See 2:33 note.) What’s significant about the fact that Jesus is “both Lord and Christ”? (See 2:36 note.)

PRAY: Pray that the power of the Holy Spirit flows through you to effectively communicate Jesus’ message. If you haven’t been baptized in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, ask God to give you this powerful gift.

ACT: Make a deliberate effort to talk to at least one person about Jesus today. If you haven’t been baptized in the Holy Spirit since receiving Christ, spend time worshiping God and waiting for His power to fill you. Read the articles on Baptism in the Holy Spirit, p. 1508, and Speaking in Tongues, p. 1514 for practical insight in receiving this gift.