The Holy Spirit Comes

Before Jesus returned to the Father, He told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. "Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

They gathered in an upper room — about one hundred and twenty of them — and they prayed. Ten days passed. Then came the day of Pentecost.

Suddenly a sound came from heaven like a mighty rushing wind. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. What looked like tongues of fire appeared and rested on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.

They began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them voice. Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims from many nations. They heard the sound, and they came running.

"How is it that each of us hears them in our own language?" the crowd asked. "We hear them telling the mighty works of God." Some mocked. "They have had too much wine."

Peter stood up, and the eleven beside him. He preached. He told of Jesus crucified and risen. His voice was bold, because the Spirit was in him. The people were cut to the heart. "What shall we do?" Peter said, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." About three thousand people were added that day. The Church had begun.