May 24, 2026

UNIT 2 Pentencost

LESSON: 13

Study Text: Acts 1:1-8; 2:1-29

Central Truth: God poured out the Holy Spirit so that everyone who follows Jesus may be filled.

KEY Verse-- Acts 2:39 The promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (KJV).

"This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away-all who have been called by the Lord our God" (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

On Pentecost Sunday, we commemorate the outpouring of the Hily Spirit as described in Acts 2:1-4. John the Baptist mentioned this event in Matthew 3:11, describing Jesus as One who would "baptize you with the Holy spirit and with fire." In John 14:36, Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would be sent to them by the  father.

DISCUSSION STARTER--Waiting for Promises?

What has been promised to you that you have had to wait for--either from God or from other people? How long did you have to wait, or are  you still waiting? _______________________________________________________________________________.

When God makes a promise, He always keeps it, even though we need to wait for its fulfillment. Jesus promised to wait for the promise to be fulfilled. This lesson explores the biblical teaching of Holy Spirit baptism--a unique, empowering experience that remains available to all believers.

                                                  PART 1--Prophecies of Baptism in the Spirit

Commanded to Wait                              Acts 1:4-5

After Jesus' death and resurrection. He called the disciples to engage in a period of waiting until they were "baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:4-5). He said they would not have to wait too long for the gift the Father had promised to them.

? Why did Jesus want His followers to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit before engaging in ministry?

The Promise of Empowerment                Acts 1:6-8

After Jesus told them to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit, the disciples posed a question: "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Jesus drew their focus back to the task at hand, reminding them of two things. First, while the Father still had plans to restore the kingdom to Israel, they did not need to know the specific timing of that plan. Second, instead of focusing on what they could not know, the disciples needed a new perspective. In a short time, they would be tasked with an urgent purpose--proclaiming the gospel. To that end, they would receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Christ (verse 8).

? Is there any significance to salvation and the baptism in the Holy Spirit both being described as gifts from God? Explain?

PART 2--Receiving the Baptism in the Spirit

Filled with the Spirit         Acts 2:1-4

Acts 2 opens by describing the Day of Pentecost. Jesus' followers were together, waiting and praying (verse 1), when the promised outpouring of the Spirit suddenly happened (verse 2). It began with a sound like a rushing wind filling the place where they had gathered. Then, they began seeing what looked like tongues or flames of fire that rested on each one of them (verse 3). After these powerful signs, the people began to speak "in other languages, as the Holy spirit gave them this ability" (verse 4). They did not speak mindlessly. They used their tongues and minds, but the words came from the Spirit.

? What are some things Christians can do to prepare themselves to be baptized in the Holy Spirit?

The Crowd's amazement         Acts 2:5-13

This  outpouring occurred during Pentecost, fifty days after Passover, , when the promised when the Jews celebrated that year's harvest. Many Jews would travel to Jerusalem for Passover and stay until the Feast of Pentecost, so the streets were filled with Jewish worshippers during this time. The crowd included Jews from other nations, so many different languages were being spoken in Jerusalem that day. These foreigners heard about the wonderful works of God in their own languages (Acts 2:5-6) and were amazed when they recognized (probably by their clothing) that the speakers were Galileans (verses 7-8). Verses 9-11 go on to list the specific origins of these visitors. we can imagine how amazing it was to hear people voicing praise to God in this way. It was a miraculous moment, leaving many in the crowd puzzled (verse 12). Unable to understand what was happening, some even attributed their behavior to drunkenness (verse 13). 

? Why is it important to recognize that the events on the Day of Pentecost were miraculous, not able to be explained naturally?

PART 3-Spirit Baptism for All Believers

      Peter Proclaims the Gospel             Acts 2:14-18

The event on the Day of Pentecost left the crowd wondering what it all meant. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Peter offered an explanation (Acts 2:14). He first dispelled any notion that what they were hearing was a result of drunkenness (verse 15). Then Peter cited the prophet Joel (verses 16-18), who had prophesied that God would pour His Spirit out on all people. Peter made it clear that this event was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. Furthermore, the gift would continue to be poured out through all generations who seek God for salvation (Acts 2:18-21).

? Who can receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

People Respond     Acts 2:37-39

Peter's message "pierced their hearts" *Acts 2:37). As the message of Christ was preached in the power of the Spirit, people were moved and asked what they should do. Peter's reply is the essence of the gospel (verse 38). He reminded the crowd again of the words of Joel 2:32). "To those far away" (Acts 2:39) pointed to many more than the thousands visiting Jerusalem that day and even far beyond their descendants. This expression ultimately pointed to the Gentiles.

? What does Acts 2 teach about who can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

On the Day of Pentecost, the power of the Spirit fell on Jesus' followers. God continues to empower His people with the baptism in the Holy Spirit, including the gift of speaking in other languages, which is the initial physical evidence of the Baptism. One important purpose of Holy Spirit baptism is empowerment for service so that the whole world can hear gospel and learn to follow Jesus. If you have not yet been baptized in the holy Spirit, ask God for this gift  today.

LIVING IT OUT

Pray for those in your group who have not yet received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

              Monday: Spirit-Filled Elders. Numbers 11:24-29

                             Tuesday: Anointed by the Spirit Promised. Isaiah 61:1-11

                  Wednesday: The Holy Spirit Promised. Joel 2:28-32

          Thursday: John Prepared the Way. Matthew 3:1-9

       Friday: Baptism in the Spirit. John 1:29-34

Saturday: Baptism into Christ. 12:12-18

RADIANT LIFE

Volume 107 Number 3 Mar. Apr. May 2026

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