The early church · New Testament
The Story of Pentecost
The disciples wait and pray in Jerusalem; on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit comes on them, Peter preaches, about three thousand are baptised, and the first church shares life together.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Before his ascension Jesus tells the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. They gather and pray, and Matthias is chosen to replace Judas. Acts 1:4–8Acts 1:12–26
On the day of Pentecost the Spirit comes with a sound like wind and tongues like fire, and the disciples speak in other languages. Peter explains the event from the prophet Joel and proclaims Jesus crucified and raised; about three thousand are baptised. Acts 2:1–4Acts 2:14–41
Principal passages
People in this story
- Simon Peter The Story of Simon Peter
- John the apostle The Story of John the apostle
- Mary, mother of Jesus The Story of Mary, mother of Jesus
- Matthias The Story of Matthias
Places named
- Jerusalem, the upper room Acts 1:12–13
Only places the passages name. Locations are not guessed.
The story, event by event
In the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here.
Waiting and praying
After the ascension the apostles return to Jerusalem and devote themselves to prayer in the upper room, together with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Matthias chosen
Peter speaks about Judas and the need for another witness of the resurrection. Two men are proposed; the believers pray, cast lots, and Matthias is added to the eleven.
The Spirit comes
When the day of Pentecost comes, a sound like a mighty rushing wind fills the house, tongues like fire rest on each of them, and they are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other languages.
People: Simon Peter
Each in their own language
Devout Jews from every nation are in Jerusalem. Amazed, they hear the disciples speaking of God’s mighty works in their own languages; some ask what it means, others mock.
Peter’s sermon
Peter says this is what Joel foretold: God pouring out his Spirit on all people. He proclaims that God raised Jesus, whom they crucified, and made him both Lord and Christ.
“What shall we do?”
Cut to the heart, the crowd asks what to do. Peter tells them to repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. About three thousand are added.
People: Simon Peter
The first community
The believers devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. They share their possessions as anyone has need, meet daily, and eat together with glad and sincere hearts.
Related and parallel passages
- Luke 24:49 Supporting passage · Waiting and praying — Jesus tells them to stay in the city until they are clothed with power from on high.
- Joel 2:28–32 Supporting passage · Peter’s sermon — Quoted in Acts 2:17-21
Later in the Bible
Later passages that recall or interpret this story. They are not events within it.
- Acts 11:15–17 Later recollection — Peter compares the Spirit coming on Cornelius’ household with “the beginning”.
- John 14:16–17 Teaching or quotation mentioning them — Jesus promises another Counsellor, the Spirit of truth.
Connected themes
- Generosity Illustrates the theme
The first believers share with anyone in need. Acts 2:44–45
- Repentance
Peter’s first sermon ends with a call to repent. Acts 2:38
- Joy
The first believers eat together with gladness. Acts 2:46
Questions for study
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What were the disciples doing before the Spirit came (Acts 1:14)?
- How does Peter use Joel 2 to explain what the crowd sees?
- What does Peter tell the crowd to do in Acts 2:38, and what is promised?
- Which of the habits in Acts 2:42-47 are present in your own community?
Reading plans
- The Book of Acts
Day two reads Pentecost. Acts 2:1–4
Use offline
Save this story on your device, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: Acts. The study keeps only its own notes and references; the Scripture comes from the books on your device, never a second copy.