“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’ And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’”
–Acts 2:1–13
Have you ever asked yourself what Pentecost means? If we recognize our root words we see that “five” is in there somewhere. Turns out it’s a measure of time: 50th…50 days from Easter Sunday. It’s also a reference to a Jewish festival from Bible times: a harvest feast to be celebrated seven weeks after Passover.
How extraordinary is it that after a season of watching and waiting, an outpouring of the Spirit results in a harvest of faith, just as Jesus had promised. The good news of the gospel fills us to overflowing, with great joy that is for all nations. Look at the fullness described in Luke’s telling of the events.
A sound from heaven that filled the entire house.
When the good news comes in power there is unmistakable energy. Sounds fall from heaven. Winds pick up. Flaming tongues appear. Unspeakable joy rests on each person present. How can “rushing” and “rest” both be used to describe the same experience?! And yet it works because that’s what the gospel is like: solid footing on a firm foundation, and at the same time “feet that are fitted and ready to run with the gospel of peace.” Feet that can stand firm and be ready to move at the same time? That’s what the fullness of Pentecost brings. To entire assemblies. To each person present.
All are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Great joy is always about being with. God the Father tells his people repeatedly in the Old Testament: I have chosen you; I will be with you. Jesus arrives on the scene and is Immanuel, God with us. And now there is new power and anointing at Pentecost as all are filled with the Holy Spirit. There’s that word again: with.
Joy is being in the Presence. Joy is God’s favor shining on us as his face is turned toward us. Joy is our names being written in heaven: we belong. Pentecost reminds us that Jesus keeps his promises. He promised he would never leave us, and here he is bringing just what we need, exactly when we need it: the fullness of his presence with us, and the Spirit’s anointing on us for ministry assignments locally and beyond.
They are filled with new wine.
A house full of heavenly sound. Holy Spirit filled followers. And now people from all nations are left amazed and perplexed. “What does this mean?” they ask themselves. The skeptical can only come up with an answer that places humanity at the center of the story: “These guys are full of it . . . they must be drunk!”
When the gospel spreads with contagious hilarity, it speaks to people in their heart language. All people. Pentecost reminds us that there is indeed a new wine; wine that fills everyday people with extraordinary anointing to bring in an abundant harvest. What does this mean for you? For your household? For your street? Your city?
We’ve journeyed together for 50 days from Resurrection to Pentecost. But Acts 2 is only the beginning. What’s next?!
Questions for Reflection:
1. Over the past 50 days, how have you experienced the good news of the gospel in your daily life?
2. How are your joy levels different now than they were on Easter Sunday? What has changed?
3. Who do you know in your missional space that might benefit from hearing these stories and reflections on the gospel?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darren and Pam Prince live in Whitechapel, London where they have served among asylum seekers, immigrants, and twelve-step recovery communities with London’s InnerCHANGE Team since 2007. Prior to that, they directed a ministry to homeless young people in San Francisco, California. Darren served as the InnerCHANGE General Director from 2014 – 2022 and is currently Novo’s Senior Vice President, shaping internal communications and organizational culture. Darren is passionate about making disciples, teaching the Bible, reading good books, befriending people on the margins, and sipping high quality coffee.