Pentecost: The Spirit Poured Out
21 June 2025 · 2 min read · Understanding the Bible
They were told to wait, and they did — about a hundred and twenty of them, in an upper room, in one accord in prayer. Then Pentecost: a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, cloven tongues like as of fire, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The reversal of Babel
The filled believers spoke in other tongues — and pilgrims from every nation heard the wonderful works of God each in his own language. Babel scattered humanity by confusing speech; Pentecost gathered it by translating grace. The church was born multilingual.
Peter — the denier of seven weeks earlier — stood and preached Joel and Jesus: this is that which was spoken by the prophet... God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. About three thousand souls were added that day.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
The promise is unto you
Peter's altar call still stands: repent, be baptised, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off — a range that includes every reader of these words.
Pentecost is not a museum piece; it is the church's operating condition. The same Spirit, the same gift, the same promise — unto as many as the Lord our God shall call.
