Acts 2:1-4 - Debbie McCleery

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

Pentecost - 50th day after Passover - Harvest Feast/First Fruits

  • One day long

  • fell around May

  • everyone brought a free-will offering

  • birth of Jewish nation (giving of the law at Mt. Sinai) birth of Christian Church

Everyone together in one place on one day - God’s timing

Noise from heaven

  • violent rushing wind

  • filled the house

  • wind - breath of life

  • Holy Spirit - Spiritual life

  • God showing up - same instance in Exodus 19 and 1 Kings 19

Fire

  • Tongues - visual reference

  • Symbolism of God’s presence - burning bush and pillar of fire

  • John the Baptist foretold of Jesus Baptized with fire

  • represents purifying and cleansing

Women among those who spoke in tongues

  • Fulfilled Joe’s prophecy “your sons and daughters shall prophesy”

Tony Valdez