On June 9, 2025 Christians all over the world celebrated the day of Pentecost. It was the day the disciples and other devout of God received the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to send. In Acts 1: 4 Jesus ordered the disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Holy Spirit of the Father. Jesus gave no time lines but a simple instruction to wait in Jerusalem. We cannot set timelines for Jesus. He chooses his own time and place in perfection.
The disciples were patient in waiting in Jerusalem in absolute obedience so they received the promised Holy Spirit. Are we patient with God? Jesus’ instructions to wait in Jerusalem meant to tarry prayerfully and in faith in his promise. We cannot wait on God without prayer or faith. Do we engage in waiting on God in a prayerful mood and in faith? Do we avoid the places Jesus wants us to avoid? Or do we go where Jesus approves? Or do we choose our own places of comfort rather than what Jesus says?
Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
In Acts 2: 1-4, on the day of Pentecost, the disciples were all gathered together in one place when the Holy Spirit came like a rush of a violent wind and filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit. It is not speaking in tongues. It however allows the speaking of tongues as a gift of the Spirit. It was when the disciples and the devout people of God received the Holy Spirit that they spoke in tongues, not the other way. We must first receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Christ Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour, then he may enable the speaking in tongues or possess other gifts. Speaking in tongues is not a measure of holiness and it does not make one holier.
Not all tongues come from God. Some come from the devil hence we need the gift of discernment, 1 Corinthians 12: 10. True tongues allow us to utter the mysteries of God. Proverbs 15: 29 says the LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Access to the Holy Spirit is thus based on our relationship with God through Christ Jesus. James 5: 16 says the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. 1 Peter 3: 12 says for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
What was the purpose of the Holy Spirit?
On the day of Pentecost, Acts 2: 6-12 says the people were bewildered because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each… And how is it that we hear, each of us in our own native language? … In our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Spiritual barriers got broken
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit broke all artificial barriers to God and between believers. The barriers included language, race, colour, tribe, rich, poor, geographical regions, etc. All ceased to exists and all spoke one heavenly language. In Christ we are all one and there is no distinction between us. Romans 10:12 says for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. Read also Acts 15: 9; Romans 3: 22. The Holy Spirit united the body of Christ as one people in Faith in God on the day of Pentecost.
They spoke about God’s deeds of power
In Acts 2: 11 they spoke about God’s deeds of power. The Holy Spirit enabled them to speak the mystery of God in new tongues. They had the benefit of a new chapter in their relationship with God, a new chapter of mystery and utterance. God’s deeds of power are only known to his devout ones. Knowing God’s deeds of power gives peace. Jesus said in John 14: 27, peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do we have the peace of Christ in our hearts as his people?
The Holy Spirit was likened to God’s fire
In Acts 2: 3 divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. The fire symbolized God’s light to illuminate their spiritual path so they did not miss their providential way to eternity; to guide them on their spiritual journey in a world of spiritual darkness; to banish fear for the mission of God; as spiritual purity and preservation against the evil one; and to make them glow for Jesus on the mission. The fire on each of the people was personal to each person signifying that each was personally accountable to God for his relationship with his Holy Spirit. We are also accountable.
They received power to witness
Jesus said in Acts 1: 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a spokesperson for his devout people, Mark 13: 11. The Holy Spirit imbued God’s people with power as his witnesses, Acts 1: 8. He was sent to make them bold, Acts 4: 31. He enables them to prophesy, Acts 19: 6. He was God’s seal upon his devout people, Ephesians 1: 13. He was the teacher, advocate and reminder of knowledge, John 14: 26. He was the Spirit of truth, John 15: 26; 16: 13. The Holy Spirit is the same today and forever till eternity.
How to relate with Holy Spirit
We must first be saved before we receive the Holy Spirit, then the gifts of the Spirit will follow if God permits. Paul asked in Ephesus in Acts 19: 2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” They were baptized into John’s baptism of repentance but Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Repentance does not invite Christ as Lord and Saviour but inviting Christ into our lives brings him along with his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is available to only those who repent in Christ Jesus else repentance will be empty. Only Jesus avails the Holy Spirit. When the people of Ephesus repented through John’s baptism, they were forgiven but without the Holy Spirit because they were not baptized into the Holy Spirit. However, in Christ Jesus, they received the Holy Spirit. Do we have the Holy Spirit? We may ask for it as permitted in John 16: 24.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, make our hearts pure and devout. Help us to prayerfully wait for your Holy Spirit so we may fulfill the mission which you have set before us. Baptize us with your Holy Spirit in your name, we pray, Amen!!
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