Pentecost · The Day of Pentecost · Year C
Acts 2:1-21
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
June 4, 2028
Overview & Insights
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues.” (Acts 2:4)
The history of the early church was far more complex than Luke would have us believe. But we may still accept that it began with “a determinative Jerusalem Pentecost” that gave the church its impetus and character. The essential historicity of this event has been firmly established (see Dunn, Jesus , pp. 135–56). To an outside observer, it might have appeared as an outburst of enthusiasm within the sect of the Nazarenes. To the believers, it was an episode of critical importance in the history of salvation (see Martin, p. 70), for it saw the fulfillment of the Father’s promises in the prophecies of Isaiah 32:15 and Joel 2:28–32 (cf. 1:14f.), indicating thereby that a new age had dawned and that the kingdom of God had come (see disc. on 1:6).
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Acts 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's detailed walk through the Pentecost narrative and Peter's sermon.
Acts 2 Commentary Precept Austin
An inductive, verse-by-verse study of the Spirit's coming and Peter's Joel quotation.
Acts 2:1 Commentaries BibleHub
A single page collecting several classic commentaries on the Pentecost account.
Commentary on Acts 2:1-21 Working Preacher
Reads the sign of tongues alongside prophecy as the fuller mark of the Spirit's coming.
Acts 2:1-21 / Genesis 11:1-9 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Preaching reflection connecting the Spirit's gift of tongues back to Babel's confusion.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What happens at Pentecost?
A sound like a mighty wind fills the house and tongues of fire rest on each of them; filled with the Spirit they proclaim God's works in many languages, and Peter declares Joel's promise fulfilled.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 14:23-31
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.