Week 7: When the Spirit Came
“On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” —Acts 2:1–4
As we close out our Pentecost series, I’m not going to try to tackle every question or controversy surrounding Acts 2 in one short blog post. Instead, I simply want us to focus on the purpose of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and why it still matters today.
In week 6 of this series, we laid the foundation by noting that on the evening of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:22). Because of Christ’s finished work at the cross and the empty tomb, the disciples could now fully enter into the new covenant and receive the Holy Spirit’s renewing presence. The disciples were spiritually reborn.
The outpouring of the Spirit described in Acts 2:1-4 occurred after their experience in John 20:22. It is important to understand that this is why their baptism in the Holy Spirit is considered a second, separate work of the Spirit.
To be filled with the Holy Spirit isn’t about chasing a feeling or manufacturing a moment—according to Luke 24:49, it is a promise fulfilled by Christ. It is a gift Jesus promised to send after his ascension, empowering believers to carry out their mission.
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
These words of Jesus remind us that ministry and witnessing were never meant to be carried out solely in human strength. Before the disciples could move forward into the mission God had given them, they first needed to be spiritually prepared and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In Mark 16:15–16, Jesus commissioned His followers to take the Good News to all the world. That calling was far beyond their natural abilities.
That promise was not only for the early disciples. It is an invitation extended to every believer today. The same Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost now dwells within us—not merely to comfort us, but to guide, strengthen, empower, and work through us in ways we could never accomplish on our own.
Jesus made it clear that our heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:9-11), including the gift of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This experience is not something we earn or create—it is received by faith as we come to Him with open and willing hearts.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit and for the promise that you continue to empower your people today. Fill us afresh with your presence, strengthen us to live boldly for Christ, and help us walk in obedience, love, and faith each day. May our lives reflect your power and bring glory to Jesus. Amen.
