A brief meditation designed to snap you back into the restoring power of God’s love.
2026-05-24
Pentecost!
This Sunday, most Christians will celebrate Pentecost. We reflect on the Scripture passages about that day, when the disciples gathered in prayer and were surprised by the Holy Spirit’s anointing. Many know Luke’s account in Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples as tongues of fire during the Jewish festival of Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks.
On that day, God the Holy Spirit came to dwell in Jesus’ disciples and worked through them so powerfully that no one could ignore Him. The language barrier was removed, and everyone heard the same message clearly. But what was that message? The apostle Peter boldly preached to the thousands of faithful Jews gathered in Jerusalem.
Without the clear witness of Scripture, some churches and ministries might lead us to think Peter’s message was: “The end is near, repent—but give us your money first,” or “If you keep failing, God will hate you.” Others imply, “Obey all our church’s rules, or you won’t be saved,” or “Support our ministry and God will reward you with exuberant health and prosperity.” You know the kind of message I mean.
Many messages preached today in Jesus’ name do not align with what Peter and the others proclaimed at Pentecost. So what was Peter’s message that God confirmed with the miracle of translation into many languages?
First, Peter explained the situation and why each of them was hearing the message in their own languages:
[…] this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:16-21).
Unlike many messages preached today, Peter proclaimed the beginning of the new age foretold by the prophets. The Bible calls this era “the last days”—the age of the Holy Spirit, the New Covenant, and God’s grace. It is no longer the age of Moses or the physical nation of Israel, but the age of the spiritual Body of Christ. Jesus, the last Adam, has conquered sin and death. After quoting Joel and other Scriptures, Peter explained that this salvation is found in Jesus:
22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:22-24).
After explaining the situation, Peter immediately focuses on Jesus—his identity, his death, and his resurrection. The true Gospel is about Jesus’ death on the cross and his victory over death in the resurrection. Peter then quotes King David:
34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:34-36).
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle spoke so that all could understand and handled the Scriptures with great skill. He showed that Jesus is Lord and the long-awaited Messiah. When the true gospel is heard, the heart is moved to repentance:
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:37-39).
Repentance arises from recognizing that Jesus died for us. It responds to God’s grace, love, and forgiveness. Baptism symbolizes this spiritual reality, expressing our dependence on God for salvation and our desire for close communion with the Trinity. The listeners didn’t merely say, “Okay, sure, I believe.” They were baptized, joyfully joined the proclamation, and accepted those whom Jesus had called.
Why Pentecost? The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called the “other Comforter,” continued Jesus’ mission to call humanity to salvation. He filled the disciples with power, grace, and gifts to proclaim Jesus’ name, his resurrection, and the invitation to join Him. The Holy Spirit, not human effort, drives the proclamation of the Gospel. When humans preach without the Spirit, they produce messages like those described above.
This is a lengthy topic, so I suggest reading at least the first four chapters of Acts. You’ll discover how the true New Age began. Meanwhile, if possible, join us at church this Sunday. We will hold a Christ-centred, Holy Spirit-filled worship service. We will celebrate Pentecost by worshipping and honouring God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, through the fellowship the Holy Spirit has granted us. Come and rejoice with us—it’s Pentecost!
In the communion of the Holy Spirit,
Alvaro.
Alvaro Palacio
gcitorontoeast.org 