The Fulfillment of the Promised Holy Spirit

During the annual Passover celebration, Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God, gave His life for our sins, was buried, and on the third day rose from the grave. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended back to heaven. Before He went back to glory, He commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit to come shortly (1:4-5, paraphrased).

Jesus didn’t tell them exactly when it was coming, but they were to remain there, expect the blessing of the soon to come Promise. They did as told. Ten days after Jesus “was taken up,” fifty days after His resurrection, the Promise came: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they (about one hundred twenty all together) were all with one accord in one place” (v.1). They were together physically, but more importantly, of the same mind – unified in purpose. Suddenly all those gathered in that upper room heard a sound that came from heaven. The sound was “as of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting” (v.2). “There appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them” (v.3). They were all miraculously “filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in other tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately]” in languages they had not learned before (v.4, AMP).

As Creator, God has dominion over the earth; it all belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). On that Pentecost, He demonstrated His authority and power over nature, man, and His creativity in fulfilling the promise of the Holy Spirit.  “When the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father. He will testify and bear witness about Me” (John 15:26, AMP). Accept Jesus’ work on the cross by faith today, and His Holy Spirit will come and dwell in you at the moment you become born again. Give God glory!