Acts 2:1 to 2:41 The Holy Spirit empowers believers with divine strength, boldness, and love to testify to Jesus Christ. Describe the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Jerusalem. Contrast Peter's earlier fear with his boldness through the Spirit. Learn that the Holy Spirit lives inside all who repent and trust in Christ. Ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, about 120 disciples were gathered in one place in [Jerusalem](/bible/explorer/place/jerusalem) praying together during the festival of Pentecost. Wind and Tongues of Fire When the day of Pentecost arrived, the disciples were all together in one place praying. Suddenly, there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Devout Visitors Hear God's Praises God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven were staying in [Jerusalem](/bible/explorer/place/jerusalem) for the festival. When they heard the sound, a massive crowd gathered in bewilderment, because each one heard the disciples speaking the wondrous works of God in their own native languages! Amazed and perplexed, they asked: 'What does this mean?' Peter's Bold Sermon and Three Thousand Saved Then Peter stood up with the eleven and raised his voice. The disciple who once shrunk back in fear before a servant girl now proclaimed with fearless boldness that Jesus of Nazareth, whom they crucified, had risen and was both Lord and Christ! Cut to the heart, the crowd asked: 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter answered: 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' That day about three thousand souls believed and were added to the church! And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 What visible and audible signs accompanied the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost? A gentle snowfall A sound like a mighty rushing wind and divided tongues as of fire Thunder without rain A quiet whisper A sound like a mighty rushing wind and divided tongues as of fire The Holy Spirit came with the sound of a rushing wind and tongues like fire resting on believers. How did the foreign visitors in Jerusalem understand the disciples? They used sign language Each one heard the wondrous works of God in their own native language They had Greek interpreters They read written scrolls Each one heard the wondrous works of God in their own native language The Spirit enabled believers to proclaim God's praises in the native languages of all the visiting pilgrims. How many people repented, believed, and were baptized after Peter's sermon? About twelve people About fifty people About three thousand people Only the Roman guards About three thousand people Through the power of the Holy Spirit, approximately three thousand people were saved that day. Pray each morning this week asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, give you courage to do right, and fill you with love for others. Holy Spirit, thank you for coming to dwell within us. Fill us with your power, love, and bold courage so we can stand up for Jesus and bear witness to his truth wherever we go. Amen. What transformed Peter from someone who denied Jesus into a bold preacher? How does the Holy Spirit help you when you feel shy or afraid to do what is right? Explain the birth of the church at Pentecost through the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. Blow through a pinwheel or fan to illustrate that though wind is invisible, its power is clearly seen, just like the Holy Spirit. Does the Holy Spirit live in us today? Confirm that everyone who trusts in Jesus receives the Holy Spirit as their Counselor and Helper. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes teaching, 10 minutes discussion, 10 minutes prayer.