Acts - 2:1-13 - The Baptism of the Spirit Part 2

Acts 2:1–13 – The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Lesson 4 & 5

1. The Setting: Pentecost and Its Significance

Luke describes the miracle of the Holy Spirit’s coming in just four verses. This event took place during the Jewish festival of Pentecost, which, according to Leviticus 23:15–16, was celebrated on the day after the seventh Sabbath—50 days after Passover.

Originally, Pentecost was known as the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:17–22). It marked the end of a seven-week harvest period that began with the offering of the first barley sheaf at Passover and concluded with the wheat harvest.

For Jews, Pentecost commemorates the giving of the Law at Sinai.

For Christians, it marks the giving of the Holy Spirit.

This shows:

The coming of the Spirit is in continuity with God’s purposes (just as the Law was given).

The Spirit introduces a new covenant reality—highlighting the essential difference between the Jewish law and faith in Jesus.

Note: Christ died on Passover and rose on the Feast of First fruits. Like the Passover lamb, Christ was sacrificed for us.

2. The Signs of the Holy Spirit’s Arrival

The Holy Spirit’s arrival was marked by three miraculous signs: wind, fire, and inspired speech. Each of these held deep significance in Jewish tradition as signs of God’s presence.

a. Wind

— The Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma both mean “wind” and “spirit.” — The rushing wind (Acts 2:2) symbolizes the invisible but powerful movement of God’s Spirit.

b. Fire

— Fire symbolized God's presence in the Old Testament:

Exodus 13:21 – the pillar of fire guiding Israel

Exodus 3:2–5 – the burning bush before Moses — The tongues of fire (Acts 2:3) rested on each believer, showing the Spirit’s personal indwelling.

c. Inspired Speech

— Prophetic speech was associated with the Spirit in the Old Testament (Numbers 11:26–29). — Though prophecy ceased for a time, the Jews believed the Messianic age would restore it (Ezekiel 37). — Here, it is fulfilled as the disciples speak in languages they had not learned.

3. The Reaction of the Crowd

Verses 5–6

The crowd heard the sound and gathered. Each person heard their own native language being spoken.

Verses 7–8

This amazed them. The disciples were Galileans—uneducated in foreign languages—yet were speaking perfectly in tongues from every region represented.

Verses 9–11

Luke lists multiple regions. Each one had a significant Jewish population, which further explains why so many were gathered in Jerusalem.

4. The Response: Amazement or Mockery

Verses 12–13

The crowd was divided. — The God-fearing Jews were amazed and perplexed, asking, “What does this mean?” — Others, lacking spiritual insight, mocked the disciples, accusing them of being drunk.

Key Insight: Miracles, by themselves, are not always convincing. They require the preparation of the heart for their true meaning to take root. Those who were open marveled; those who were closed off ridiculed.