Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
And they were all filled
The phrase "they were all filled" signifies a complete and total experience shared by every individual present. The Greek word for "filled" is "plēthō," which implies being filled to the brim, leaving no room for anything else. This suggests a profound and overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit, indicating that the disciples were entirely under the influence and guidance of the Spirit. Historically, this moment marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8, where He assured His followers that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This filling is not just a partial experience but a total immersion in the divine presence, empowering them for the mission ahead.

with the Holy Spirit
The "Holy Spirit" is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Son. In the original Greek, "Holy Spirit" is "Hagios Pneuma," where "Hagios" means holy, set apart, and "Pneuma" means spirit or breath. This emphasizes the sacred and life-giving nature of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost is a pivotal moment in Christian history, marking the birth of the Church and the beginning of the Spirit's indwelling presence in believers. This event fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Joel 2:28-29, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people, signifying a new era of divine interaction and empowerment.

and began to speak
The phrase "began to speak" indicates the initiation of a new action prompted by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "laleō" is used here, which means to talk or to utter words. This speaking is not of human origin but is divinely inspired, showcasing the immediate effect of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The disciples, who were once fearful and uncertain, are now bold and articulate, ready to proclaim the works of God. This transformation highlights the power of the Holy Spirit to equip and enable believers for ministry and witness.

in other tongues
The term "other tongues" refers to languages that were not previously known to the speakers. The Greek word "glōssa" is used, which can mean both the physical tongue and a language or dialect. This miraculous ability to speak in different languages serves a specific purpose: to communicate the gospel to the diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. This event underscores the universality of the Christian message and God's desire for all nations to hear and understand His word. It also reverses the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), symbolizing the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.

as the Spirit enabled them
The phrase "as the Spirit enabled them" highlights the source of the disciples' newfound ability. The Greek word "didōmi" means to give or grant, indicating that this gift of speaking in tongues is a divine endowment, not a human achievement. The Holy Spirit is the active agent, orchestrating and empowering the disciples' speech. This underscores the dependence of believers on the Spirit for effective ministry and the importance of yielding to His guidance. The Spirit's enabling is a reminder that God equips those He calls, providing the necessary gifts and abilities to fulfill His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Disciples
The primary group present in the upper room, including the apostles and other followers of Jesus, who were waiting in Jerusalem as instructed by Jesus.

2. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who fills the disciples, empowering them for the mission of spreading the Gospel.

3. Jerusalem
The city where this event takes place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.

4. Pentecost
A Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover, marking the occasion when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples.

5. Other Tongues
The various languages spoken by the disciples, enabling them to communicate the Gospel to people from different nations gathered in Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
The Fulfillment of Promise
The event of Pentecost fulfills Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating God's faithfulness.

Empowerment for Mission
The filling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness and spread the Gospel, emphasizing the necessity of relying on the Spirit for effective ministry.

Unity in Diversity
The ability to speak in different tongues signifies the breaking of cultural and linguistic barriers, highlighting the universal nature of the Gospel.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is essential for understanding and proclaiming God's truth, guiding believers into all truth and enabling them to live out their faith.

Openness to the Spirit's Work
Believers are encouraged to be open to the Spirit's leading and gifting, recognizing that God equips each person uniquely for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the event of Pentecost in Acts 2:4 fulfill the promises made by Jesus and the prophecies of the Old Testament?

2. In what ways does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:4 relate to the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12?

3. How can the unity demonstrated at Pentecost serve as a model for the church today in overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers?

4. What are some practical ways we can rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment in our daily lives and ministries?

5. How does the event of Pentecost challenge us to be open to the diverse ways the Holy Spirit might work in and through us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joel 2:28-29
This Old Testament prophecy foretells the outpouring of the Spirit on all people, which Peter later references in his sermon in Acts 2.

John 14:16-17
Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who will be with and in the disciples.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Discusses the variety of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, given by the Holy Spirit for the common good.

Genesis 11:1-9
The Tower of Babel, where God confused human language, contrasts with Pentecost, where God unites through diverse languages.
Baptism of the Holy GhostR.A. Redford Acts 2:4
Characteristics of Spirit-Inspired SpeechCornelius a Lapide.Acts 2:4
Filled with the SpiritBp. Andrewes.Acts 2:4
Filled with the SpiritH. Arnold Thomas, M. A.Acts 2:4
Filled with the SpiritCornelius a Lapide.Acts 2:4
Filled with the Spirit and Receiving the SpiritW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 2:4
Fulness of the Spirit not Necessarily MiraculousW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 2:4
Power of a Man When God Works by HimBp. Phillips Brooks.Acts 2:4
The Fulness of the Spirit the Need of the ChurchT. G. Tarn.Acts 2:4
The Gospel for All NationsM. Henry.Acts 2:4
The Great Lesson of the PentecostR. Tuck Acts 2:4
The Historic Movement Towards SpirituallyJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 2:4
The New Tongue Which Ought to Fall to Our Lot by the Spirit of PentecostGerok.Acts 2:4
The Soul Filled with the Holy GhostW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 2:4
A New Manifestation of the Divine SpiritD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
A Whitsunday MeditationA. Mackennal, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
Are We Ready for Spiritual PowerT. J. Longhurst.Acts 2:1-4
Awaking to TruthTheodore T. Munger.Acts 2:1-4
Belief in the Holy GhostC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
Effect of the Holy SpiritActs 2:1-4
Holy Spirit: the Method of His Bestowment UnrevealedH. W. Beecher.Acts 2:1-4
It's No' Bilin'Acts 2:1-4
PentecostC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
PentecostDean Vaughan.Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost -- the First-FruitsGeorge Deane, D. Sc.Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost a Spiritual Spring FeastGerok.Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost; Or, the First Christian DayA. J. Morris.Acts 2:1-4
Revival Preceded by PrayerT. De Witt Talmage.Acts 2:1-4
Revivals -- Occasional ThingsT. H. Skinner.Acts 2:1-4
Revivals of ReligionC. Hodge, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
Spiritual Influence from Another WorldM. G. Pearse.Acts 2:1-4
Sudden Revivals ExplainedC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
The Advent of the SpiritThe Study and the PulpitActs 2:1-4
The Baptism of the Spirit ExperiencedC. G. Finney, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Baptism of the Spirit: its EffectsArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 2:1-4
The Coming of the Holy SpiritJames Freeman Clarke.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostBaxter Dickinson.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostB. Dickinson, M. A.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostH. Allon, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of Pentecost: the Manifestation of the SpiritR.A. Redford Acts 2:1-4
The Descending SpiritG. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Descent of the SpiritD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Epoch of the Spiritual DispensationE. Johnson Acts 2:1-4
The Feast of HarvestC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
The Fitness of the Day of PentecostDean Plumptre.Acts 2:1-4
The Gift of Pentecost the Best Gift of GodGerok.Acts 2:1-4
The Gift of the Spirit Dependent Upon ConditionsJ. Marshall Mather.Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit IndispensableT. Guthrie, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit NeededC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
The Outpouring of the SpiritJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Outpouring of the SpiritJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Outward Unity of the Pentecostal ChurchG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Pentecostal OutpouringFamily ChurchmanActs 2:1-4
The Sending of the Holy GhostBp. Andrewes.Acts 2:1-4
The Symbols of the Spirit's PresenceR. Tuck Acts 2:1-4
The Time of the Spirit's Outpouring Proves the Unity of the Two DispensationsG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The White Sunday (Children's SermonJ. Vaughan, M. A.Acts 2:1-4
Waiting Where the Spirit is Likely to ComeJ. W. Harrald.Acts 2:1-4
Whir-SundayF. W. Brown.Acts 2:1-4
The Coming of God in PowerW. Clarkson Acts 2:1-13
The Day of Pentecost, and its Immediate GiftsP.C. Barker Acts 2:1-41
People
Arabians, David, Elam, Elamites, Israelites, Joel, Parthians, Peter
Places
Asia, Cappadocia, Crete, Cyrene, Egypt, Jerusalem, Judea, Libya, Mesopotamia, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Pontus, Rome
Topics
Ability, Declare, Different, Enabled, Filled, Foreign, Forth, Full, Ghost, Giving, Holy, Languages, Power, Speak, Spirit, Talking, Tongues, Utter, Utterance
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 2:4

     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of
     3221   Holy Spirit, and prayer
     3251   Holy Spirit, filling with
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     5841   ecstasy
     6670   grace, and Holy Spirit
     7028   church, life of
     7708   apostles, function
     7907   baptism, practice
     7972   tongues, gift of
     8422   equipping, spiritual

Acts 2:1-4

     3275   Holy Spirit, in the church
     4804   breath
     7361   Feast of Weeks
     8145   renewal, people of God

Acts 2:1-11

     5374   languages
     7755   preaching, importance

Acts 2:1-12

     1444   revelation, NT

Acts 2:1-13

     5345   influence
     7757   preaching, effects
     8817   ridicule, objects of

Acts 2:1-21

     4544   wine
     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Acts 2:1-41

     7505   Jews, the

Acts 2:2-4

     3120   Holy Spirit, descriptions

Acts 2:2-11

     1450   signs, kinds of

Acts 2:3-4

     5193   tongue

Library
November 25 Evening
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.--ACTS 2:21. Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, and he reared up altars for Baal. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.--And
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 3 Evening
Things which are despised, hath God chosen.--I COR. 1:28. Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? Jesus, . . . saw two brethren, . . . casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me.--Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 4. "They were all Filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4).
"They were all filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4). Blessed secret of spiritual purity, victory and joy, of physical life and healing, and all power for service. Filled with the Spirit there is no room for self or sin, for fret or care. Filled with the Spirit we repel the elements of disease that are in the air as the red-hot iron repels the water that touches it. Filled with the Spirit we are always ready for service, and Satan turns away when he finds the Holy Ghost enrobing us in His garments
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Pentecost
Text: Acts 2, 1-13. 1 And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Monday
Text: Acts 2, 14-28. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works. This and the following epistle text are too long to consider here, as they contain so many beautiful quotations from the Old Testament, which should not be passed over too briefly. Hence their discussion is reserved for their proper place.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Tuesday
Text: Acts 2, 29-36. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Name Above Every Name
'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.'--ACTS ii. 36. It is no part of my purpose at this time to consider the special circumstances under which these words were spoken, nor even to enter upon an exposition of their whole scope. I select them for one reason, the occurrence in them of the three names by which we designate our Saviour--Jesus, Lord, Christ. To us they are very little more than three proper
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Fourfold Cord
'And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.' --ACTS ii. 42. The Early Church was not a pattern for us, and the idea of its greatly superior purity is very largely a delusion. But still, though that be true, the occasional glimpses that we get at intervals in the early chapters of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles do present a very instructive and beautiful picture of what a Christian society may be, and therefore of what Christian
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Pure Church an Increasing Church
'And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.'--ACTS ii. 47. 'And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved.'--(R. V.) You observe that the principal alterations of these words in the Revised Version are two: the one the omission of 'the church,' the other the substitution of 'were being saved' for 'such as should be saved.' The former of these changes has an interest as suggesting that at the early period referred to the name of 'the church' had not yet been
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments
'And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
'A rushing mighty wind.' ... 'Cloven tongues like as of fire.' ... 'I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' --ACTS ii. 2, 3, 17. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One.'--1 JOHN ii. 20. Wind, fire, water, oil,--these four are constant Scriptural symbols for the Spirit of God. We have them all in these fragments of verses which I have taken for my text now, and which I have isolated from their context for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. I think that perhaps we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Peter's First Sermon
'This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, 35. Until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Historical and Spiritual Causes of the Death of Christ
"Him, being by the determined will and foreknowledge of God given up, through the hand of lawless men, ye affixed to a cross and slew."--ACTS II. 23. St. Paul places this in the very forefront of that gospel which, as it had been delivered to him, so he in his turn had delivered to the Corinthians, that "Christ died for our sins." Neglecting all, deeper interpretations of this, it is at least clear that in the apostle's mind there was the closest and most intimate connexion between the death of
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
Eccles. 4:9-12 -- "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe be to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Among the many reasons assignable for the sad decay of true Christianity, perhaps the neglecting
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Great Assize
[i.e., The Last Judgment -- GL] [21] "We shall all stand before the judgement-seat of Christ." Rom. 14:10. 1. How many circumstances concur to raise the awfulness of the present solemnity! -- The general concourse of people of every age, sex, rank, and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly gathered together, not only from the neighboring, but from distant, parts; criminals, speedily to be brought forth and having no way to escape; officers, waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Means of Grace
"Ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them." Mal. 3:7. I. 1. But are there any ordinances now, since life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel? Are there, under the Christian dispensation, any means ordained of God, as the usual channels of his grace? This question could never have been proposed in the apostolical church, unless by one who openly avowed himself to be a Heathen; the whole body of Christians being agreed, that Christ had ordained certain outward means,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Pricked in their Heart
Peter's discourse was not distinguished by any special rhetorical display: he used not the words of man's wisdom or eloquence. It was not an oration, but it was a heart-moving argument, entreaty, and exhortation. He gave his hearers a simple, well-reasoned, Scriptural discourse, sustained by the facts of experience; and every passage of it pointed to the Lord Jesus. It was in these respects a model of what a sermon ought to be as to its contents. His plea was personally addressed to the people who
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Baptism of the Spirit
And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.' (Acts ii. 2, 4.) The Holy Ghost is the active force in all spiritual life. It is, therefore, important that we should realize the close connexion between the experience of Holiness and that 'Promise of the Father' for which the early disciples were to wait. All followers of Jesus should realize, as truly as the disciples did on that historic day, that their day of Pentecost
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Promises of the Christian Home.
"The promise is unto you, and to your children." ACTS II., 39. "Parent who plantedst in the joy of love, Yet hast not gather'd fruit,--save rankling thorns, Or Sodom's bitter apples,--hast thou read Heaven's promise to the seeker? Thou may'st bring Those o'er whose cradle thou didst watch with pride, And lay them at thy Savior's feet, for lo! His shadow falling on the wayward soul, May give it holy health. And when thou kneel'st Low at the pavement of sweet Mercy's gate, Beseeching for thine erring
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
This is subject enough for volumes. There is scarcely a text in the Bible but what has been perverted by some one confused by the fogs of Babylon. Perhaps you can not find two individuals in the whole of sectism that see "eye to eye" upon the whole truth. To mention all the erroneous teachings of apostates would be almost impossible. However we believe it to be compatible with this work and to the glory of God to mention and refute a few of the false doctrines that have been most effectual in obscuring
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Its Effects.
Among the effects and benefits which in this life accompany and flow from being filled with the Holy Ghost, may be mentioned the following:-- 1. Courage. "Oh, I could not do so and so--I have not the courage," is a reply frequently made by Christian people when asked to undertake some piece of service or other for the Master. The first point to be settled is, "Is that the Master's will for me?" If so, lack of courage is a confession to the lack of the "Fullness of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit-filled
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian?
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

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