On this Pentecost Sunday, let us reflect upon one of the most foundational passages on the birth of the church. Up until this time, the revelation of the God of Israel was restricted to a few prophets and leaders.
A reflection by Bob Young for Pentecost, March 24, 2026.
Our passage begins with the disciples gathering in one place during the Feast of Pentecost (50 days after Passover). At the time, the City of Jerusalem was filled with Jews from “every nation under heaven”.
Suddenly the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and a localized group of Jesus’ followers assembled in the Upper Room, filling them and causing them to speak in other unlearned languages, as the spirit enabled. The multitudes of Jews assembled outside from across the Roman Empire were amazed at hearing the mighty works of God described in their own native languages.
Some thought that the disciples were drunk, but, in his speech, Peter proclaimed that they were not witnessing intoxication, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Peter draws from the prophecy of Joel (2:28-32) to define the new era in which the Holy Spirit is no longer reserved for kings or select prophets. It is poured out on “all flesh”, inclusive of gender, age and social status.
Everyone is empowered to prophesy and participate in the work of God.
The Holy Spirit acts as the bridge that connects the message of Jesus to every culture and language. It shifts the faith from the internal experience of a small group into a global movement that actively engages the world. While Jesus will always be the bridegroom of the church, the movement became less dependent upon the personal presence of Jesus to that of the church, the body of believers in Jesus Christ.
We can thank God that we have a wonderful church where we can go and commune with God and our fellow believers, receive a prophetic word from the pulpit, and leave to serve and witness our faith in the communities in which we live.
Bob Young
