Where Are You, God? 30 First Encounters With Godنموونە

Day 19: Pentecost - The Word Goes Global

Fifty days after Jesus' death and resurrection, 120 believers were gathered in an upper room when heaven invaded earth dramatically. What happened next would fulfill Jesus' promise and launch the greatest movement in human history.

"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting" (Acts 2:2). Then came the visible sign: "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them" (Acts 2:3). The Holy Spirit had arrived with power.

Every Tongue, Every Nation

"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:4). This wasn't random spiritual ecstasy—it was purposeful communication. Jerusalem was packed with Jewish pilgrims from across the Roman Empire, and suddenly they were hearing the Gospel in their native languages.

"Utterly amazed, they asked: 'Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?'" (Acts 2:7-8). The crowd included people from at least fifteen different regions, yet each heard clearly in their mother tongue.

The Prophetic Fulfillment

Peter immediately recognized what was happening. This was Joel's ancient prophecy: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people" (Acts 2:17). The "all people" wasn't just Jewish—it meant every nation, tribe, and tongue would receive God's Spirit.

Three Thousand in One Day

Peter's sermon cut straight to the heart. When the crowd asked, "What shall we do?" Peter replied: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38). The result was staggering: "About three thousand were added to their number that day" (Acts 2:41).

The Global Commission Begins

Jesus had promised: "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Pentecost was the launch pad. Representatives from across the known world heard the Gospel and would carry it home, planting seeds that will one day reach every corner of the globe.

Still Speaking Today

The same Spirit that enabled those first believers to cross language barriers is still at work today. God's Word continues reaching every people group, fulfilling the Pentecost promise that began in that upper room.