Topical Encyclopedia The event of Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts, marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church, characterized by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the conversion of about three thousand individuals. This significant occurrence is detailed in Acts 2, where the Apostle Peter delivers a powerful sermon that leads to a mass conversion.Context and Background Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, was a Jewish festival occurring fifty days after Passover. It was a time when Jews from various regions gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai. This setting provided a diverse audience for the events that unfolded. The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-4 describes the arrival of the Holy Spirit: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This miraculous event drew a crowd, as people from various nations heard the disciples speaking in their own languages, declaring the wonders of God. The phenomenon of speaking in tongues served as a divine sign, authenticating the message that was to follow. Peter's Sermon Seizing the opportunity, Peter stood with the eleven apostles and addressed the crowd. His sermon, recorded in Acts 2:14-36, is a profound exposition of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter begins by explaining the events as the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy concerning the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:16-21). He then proclaims Jesus as the promised Messiah, crucified and raised by God, citing Davidic prophecy to affirm Jesus' resurrection and exaltation (Acts 2:22-36). Peter's message is both convicting and hopeful, as he calls the people to recognize their role in Jesus' crucifixion and to respond to God's redemptive work through Christ. The Response and Conversion The response to Peter's sermon is immediate and profound. Acts 2:37-41 records the reaction: "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call.' With many other words he testified, and he urged them, 'Be saved from this corrupt generation.' Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day." The conversion of about three thousand people signifies the birth of the Church and the beginning of its mission to spread the Gospel. This mass conversion underscores the power of the Holy Spirit in transforming hearts and the effectiveness of the apostolic witness. Significance The conversion at Pentecost is a testament to the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17) and the inauguration of the Church's mission to the world. It highlights the centrality of repentance, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Spirit in the Christian faith. The event also demonstrates the inclusivity of the Gospel, as people from diverse backgrounds are united in Christ. The account of Pentecost serves as a foundational narrative for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit, the authority of apostolic preaching, and the transformative power of the Gospel message. Nave's Topical Index Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls. Nave's Topical Index Library Peter's First Sermon A Fourfold Cord The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian Laymen Called to the Field of Missions. Luther's Catechisms. AD 1529. The Propagation of Christianity. Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence. On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles Our Lord Himself Spoke of his Return in the Language of Imminency. The Great Revival Resources Is a gospel crusade a biblical method of evangelism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the Inquisitions? | GotQuestions.org What is the canopy theory? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Converts: At Pentecost, About Three-Thousand People Converts: Jews and Greeks at Antioch Converts: The Mariners With Jonah Converts: The Thief on the Cross Converts: Zealous: Nebuchadnezzar Converts: Zealous: The Blind Men Converts: Zealous: The Deaf Man Converts: Zealous: The Man Possessed by Demons Converts: Zealous: The Woman of Samaria Related Terms |
    |