Pentecost

Bible Story: The Helper (Holy Spirit) Arrives

Focus Verse: Acts 2:17

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Book of the Bible: Acts 1:12-2:41

Overview

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus had instructed the apostles to go to Jerusalem and await the Holy Spirit. While waiting, the apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas (the apostle who betrayed Jesus and then killed himself). During the Jewish feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles just as Jesus had promised. The Spirit gave these uneducated men the miraculous power to speak in languages that they had never learned or spoken before (speak in tongues). Because of this all of the crowds of people from many countries were able to hear about Jesus in their own languages. After Peter preached the first “gospel sermon” 3000 people were baptized. Emphasise that this was the beginning or “birthday” of the church.