Acts 2:1-4 - Filled with the Holy Spirit

The Apostolic band returned from Olivet with dazzling hope, and were meeting for prayer continuously in the upper-room. They didn't know how long they had to wait before the Holy Spirit would descend. But they were full of expectant trust.

Exactly 10 days after the Ascension of the Lord, on the day of Pentecost, as they were gathered as usual, the Holy Spirit descended visibly upon them.  Pentecost was significant in that it was one of the three celebrations that Jews everywhere would gather in Jerusalem to celebrate, the Feast of Pentecost.

Pentecost is also known as the the feast of firstfruit. By the way, Jewish tradition in Jesus' day, believed that 50 days after Passover, Moses received the Ten Commandments.

As they were bowed praying, three significant things happened. First was the mighty rushing wind.  Wind speaks of the power of God. Luke said, suddenly, they felt the breeze of the Holy Spirit.

It came as a strong rushing mighty wind. Just imagine! The sleeves and hems of their long garments flapping to and fro. The power of God was literally felt as  the Holy Spirit filled the room and blow on everyone present.

Then there was the fire. Fire always speaks of the presence of God. It came not just to burn away the chaff of their lives, it came to warm their gathering. It divided itself into tongue-like flames, visibly seen and resting individually on everyone present.

This reminds us of what John the Baptist had said, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Luke 3:16)

Thirdly, each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues - human languages that they did not learn. The mouths were theirs, the utterances were God's. In other words, they offered their mouth to speak, and the Holy Spirit gave them the utterances. What they said was audibly heard.

What phenomena!  Wind, fire and speech! They felt, they saw and they spoke. What an experience!

What implications has all this for us today?  The Holy Spirit is bringing in a new lease of life to all who believe in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is given to empower us, to cleanse us and to enable us to speak for Christ. He is to lead, guide and empower you for service. Will you allow Him? Heed the call of God, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit..."!