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In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost is an important feast day, which occurs 50 days after the
Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:15-17). Pentecost always occurs on a Sunday. The Holy Spirit
fulfills Pentecost, and Jesus Christ is our Firstfruits. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 says, “For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ
the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”

The 120 in the upper room were of one accord, one mind, and one purpose. They were in
prayer, waiting for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit from the newly resurrected and ascended
Lord Jesus.

A SOUND FROM HEAVEN

Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled
all the house where they were sitting.

And suddenly there came a sound (echos: booming roar) from heaven as of a rushing mighty
(violent) wind, and it (the sound, roar) filled all the house where they were sitting.

The work of the Holy Spirit is sometimes progressive in Christian growth, but when His work
relates to the giving of a gift or calling, it is an instantaneous work (Acts 16:16-18). This is how
the church age began and also how it will end (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
The booming, echoing sound from heaven hit the atmosphere over Jerusalem and descended
into the room where the disciples were sitting. Though they were sitting, the position of prayer
is not important to the Lord. Prayer is heard whether we kneel or sit. While waiting a number of
days for the promise of the Spirit, the disciples probably took on many postures including sitting.

Wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8). The church began with a noise and it will end with
one also --- the sound of a shout and trumpet! The church swept in like a wind and it will be swept
out like one also.

C. THEY BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES
THEY BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES

Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of
them.

The Holy Spirit and tongues of fire had already arrived, but the disciples could not see
them with their physical eyes. Suddenly, what had already existed manifested as tongues
like fire and the disciples could actually see this manifestation. This is the same way the
angels suddenly appeared to the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:10), and the way
Peter’s eyes will later be opened to an angel while he is in press (Acts 12:7).

The Holy Spirit is one person, but he decides to everyone (1 Corinthians 12:11). On this
day, the disciples spoke many languages of men and angels (1 Corinthians 13:1), but all
were given by the Holy Spirit. Each tongue over each head represented a language unique