Acts 2:1-21
Some days have passed since the ascension of the Lord. His Promise, which is also that of the Father, is now to be fulfilled (Acts 1:4). In the form of "cloven tongues, like as of fire", the Holy Spirit, a divine Person, descends to earth and abides on the disciples. Immediately His power is manifested in them; they become able to express themselves in languages which they did not know. God thus remedies in grace the curse of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).
The Jewish feast of Pentecost drew to Jerusalem each year a considerable number of Israelites who were scattered among the nations. This gathering together of people is to be the opportunity for the first large Gospel meeting. But the multitude is in for a surprise! Each one is able to hear in his own language "the wonderful works of God". And those who speak to them are "Galileans" without education (cf. Acts 4:13; John 7:15). It is not necessary to become part of an elite company or to have carried out special courses of study to be a worker for the Lord. Dependence on Him, submitting oneself to the influence of His Spirit, these are the only necessary conditions. May each one of us fulfil these conditions!