Easter · The Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
May 24, 2026
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).
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Commentary
Commentary on Acts 2:1-21 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary Working Preacher
The Revised Common Lectionary Day of Pentecost commentary on the Spirit poured out and Peter's Joel sermon.
Acts 2 - Enduring Word Bible Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical exposition of tongues of fire, the crowd's languages, and the gospel proclaimed.
Acts 2 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
Precept Austin's detailed word study and cross-references on the outpouring of the Spirit and Peter's citation of Joel.
Acts 2:1 Commentaries - Bible Hub BibleHub
A classic aggregator of historic commentators on the day of Pentecost and the rushing mighty wind.
Acts 2:1-21 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary reading Pentecost as Spirit-empowered proclamation that gathers a divided world.
Background & Word Study
Acts - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Luke's second volume and the Spirit-driven mission it narrates.
Book of Acts Summary | Watch an Overview Video (Part 1) BibleProject
BibleProject's animated overview of Acts 1-12 opening with Pentecost and the birth of the church.
Acts 2:1 Interlinear - Bible Hub BibleHub
Greek interlinear with parsing for glossai (tongues), pnoe (wind), and the languages the crowd hears.
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.
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