The believers of the Old Testament had the profound experience of knowing that their God was with them. The redeemed of the New Testament, or the believers of the Christian age of salvation, know this even more deeply. For us, it is true not only that "God is with us" and "God is for us" but also that "God is in us."

This crucial fact—that God comes to earth in the person of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More to dwell within people—is presented to us at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. This divinely inspired account details the origins of the Christian witness as well as the beginnings of the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More of God on earth. This special period in God's dealings with mankind is characterized by two essential factors that we find right at the start of this book:

1. After completing His work on the cross, the Lord Jesus dwells in heaven as a glorified man.
2. God," the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More, dwells on this earth within the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More and in each believer.

The presence of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More on earth distinguishes the Christian age of salvationSalvation is part of God's plan of saving people. Those who are in danger and cannot help themselves need salvation. We owe our salvation to our Savior, who went to... More from all others and gives it a unique character. The starting point is the coming of the Spirit, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.

An Announced Event

The event on the day of PentecostThis name (Greek) is used twice in the New Testament and means "the fiftieth day.” This refers to the 50th day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This day... More was foretold. On the one hand, the Lord Jesus was the first person on earth to receive the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More permanently. Furthermore, He announced to His disciples that they would also receive the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More.

The first clear indication of this is found in John 7:39, where we read: "But this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believe in him were to receive; for the Spirit had not yet come, because Jesus had not yet been glorified." The Lord Jesus mentions the coming of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More several times in His parting words to the disciples in John 13-16 (particularly in 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; and 16:7, 13-15). Without going into detail about these profound teachings, we can note several fundamental truths communicated by the Lord regarding the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More:

• The prerequisite for the coming of the Spirit of God to earth is the work on the cross and the glorification of the Lord in heaven (John 7:39; 16:7).
• The gift of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More comes directly from the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus; at the same time, the Son also gives the Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26).
• The worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More will neither receive nor can it receive the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More. The gift of the Spirit is meant for believers (John 7:39; 14:17).
• The gift of the Spirit is not temporary. Just as ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More possesses the Spirit as a man for eternity, the Spirit will also be with believers forever (John 14:16).
• The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More is the divine teacher whose ministry is focused on bearing witness to the Son and glorifying Him (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-15).

In addition to these references from the Gospel of John, the Lord also discusses the coming of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More in Luke 11:13, attributing the gift of the Spirit to the Father. Earlier, John the Baptist testified that the MessiahMessiah is a Hebrew word (Maschíach) meaning “the Anointed One.” In the New Testament, the Greek form “the Christ” is used and applied to the Lord Jesus alone. The Jews,... More would baptize with the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). Together with Acts 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 12:13, it becomes clear that this prophecyProphecy includes any message that God saw fit to pass on to his people or anyone from the nations. Romans 16:26 speaks of the New Testament Scriptures as "prophetic writings."... More refers to the Day of PentecostThis name (Greek) is used twice in the New Testament and means "the fiftieth day.” This refers to the 50th day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This day... More.

The Gospels, therefore, speak of the coming of the Holy Spirit as a future event. Even in Acts 1, the outpouring of the Spirit has not yet occurred. Twice, the Lord tells His disciples that they will receive the Spirit "not many days hence" (Acts 1:5, 8). The fulfillment of these words leads us directly to the day of PentecostThis name (Greek) is used twice in the New Testament and means "the fiftieth day.” This refers to the 50th day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This day... More in Acts 2.

The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2 begins with the significant words: "And when the day of Pentecost was fulfilled..." Although the disciples did not know the exact day the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More would come, this day had been established long before. God had foreshadowed this event in the Old Testament and specified a period of 50 days between the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More.

The fulfillment of Pentecost can be traced back to the Feast of Weeks, which is mentioned in Exodus 23:16 and other places in the Old Testament. This Feast of Weeks (also known as the Feast of Harvest and the Day of First-fruits) was later referred to as "Pentecost" (from the Greek word ‘pentekosté’, meaning "the fiftieth") by Greek-speaking Jews. The 50-day interval is highlighted again in Exodus 23:16.

The chronology of events is as follows:

1. The PassoverPassover is translated as "sparing, passing by". It refers, on the one hand, to the Passover feast itself and, on the other, to the sacrifice, the Passover lamb (a foreshadowing... More was celebrated on the 14th day of the first month.
2. On the first day after the SabbathThe last day of the week that God had set aside as a day of rest in the OT because He rested from His work after the 6-day work of... More of the PassoverPassover is translated as "sparing, passing by". It refers, on the one hand, to the Passover feast itself and, on the other, to the sacrifice, the Passover lamb (a foreshadowing... More week (i.e., on our Sunday), the sheaf of first fruits was presented.
3. Fifty days later, the Feast of WeeksFifty days or seven weeks (hence the name of the feast) after the feast of the firstfruits, a "new" grain offering consisting of two "loaves" had to be brought (Lev... More occurred, during which a new food offering was made. This offering consisted of two loaves of bread made from fine flour and uniquely baked with leavenA dough for the production of baked goods that is usually kept in fermentation by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The fermentation process is stopped when leaven is exposed to... More.

All of this carries important significance. The Passover symbolizes our Savior's death on the cross:” For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7). The sheaf of first-fruits references the resurrection of Christ, the victor of Golgotha, on the first day of the week (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, where Christ is called the "first-fruits" twice). By counting 50 days from the resurrection, we arrive at the day of PentecostThis name (Greek) is used twice in the New Testament and means "the fiftieth day.” This refers to the 50th day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This day... More, fulfilling the Feast of WeeksFifty days or seven weeks (hence the name of the feast) after the feast of the firstfruits, a "new" grain offering consisting of two "loaves" had to be brought (Lev... More, when the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More descended to Earth.

Two Aspects of the Holy Spirit's Coming

An attentive reader of Acts 2:1-4 will notice that the coming of the Holy Spirit is described from two perspectives. On the one hand, the Spirit filled the entire house where the disciples were sitting, represented by the image of a rushing wind. On the other hand, the Spirit appeared as fiery tongues that rested on each of them. Jesus had hinted at these two aspects in Chapter 1 when He spoke of the "baptism with the Holy Spirit" and indicated that the Spirit would come upon them "personally." The first aspect refers to the communal experience, while the second emphasizes the personal experience. We see these themes later in the letters of the New Testament. The communal aspect pertains to the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More (congregation or church) of God on Earth, while the personal aspect relates to the indwelling of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More in each believer.

The Communal Aspect

Pentecost is rightly described as the birth of the assembly. Although the teaching regarding the church was not fully developed at that time, beyond the references in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 16:18 and 18:20), the foundation was laid. In Acts 2, the baptism with "the Holy Spirit took place," which Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:13: "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks."

This notion is reflected in the two loaves that comprised the new grain offering mentioned in Exodus 23. While God's actions in the Old Testament were primarily focused on one people, Israel, His graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More now extends to all nations. In the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More of God, there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Through the coming of the Spirit, believers from both groups form one body united in the Spirit.

Paul further emphasizes this idea in Ephesians 2, discussing the house of God. He explains to the Ephesians that everything separating Jews and Gentiles has been removed through the work of Jesus Christ. Christ has reconciled them, making the path to God accessible to all believers. "For through him (Christ) we both (Jews and Gentiles) have access by one Spirit to the Father" (Ephesians 2:18). The beginning of the chapter clarifies where those who now have access to the Father through the Spirit came from—they were once dead in their sins and trespasses. The leaven in the two loaves of the new grain offering serves as a reminder of these sins. "Leavened, they shall be baked." We must always remember where God has brought us.

Therefore, the assembly of God on Earth began through the Holy Spirit. The assembly was "formed" through the baptism with the Holy SpiritThe baptism with the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 12:13) is a unique event that took place on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The Lord Jesus had announced it... More, which also serves as the unifying bond in the body of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More. The assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More is where God dwells through the Spirit. This is why Paul writes to the Corinthians: “Do you not know that you are the templeThe house and dwelling place of God in Jerusalem in the OT. The forerunner was the tabernacle.  It consisted of two main rooms, the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies,... More of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Thus, we see the Spirit of God in relation to the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More, depicted both as the body and the dwelling place of God.

The Personal Aspect

According to multiple announcements from the Lord Himself, the Holy Spirit was to take possession of each believer on the day of Pentecost. This is implied in the words that the divided tongues sat "on each one of them." The important truth of the personal indwelling of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More in every believer is further confirmed in the epistles. Here are two passages:

"But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if God's Spirit dwells in you... if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:9-11).

“Or do you not know that your body is the templeThe house and dwelling place of God in Jerusalem in the OT. The forerunner was the tabernacle.  It consisted of two main rooms, the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies,... More of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More who is in you, whom you have from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The fact that God, the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More, dwells within a person has far-reaching consequences. On the one hand, this brings enormous blessings that we can share; on the other hand, it entails responsibilities, though we will deal with that later.

In Acts 2, we learn about the nature of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More coming upon individual believers. I would like to point out three key aspects:

1. Divided Tongues:

This indicates that the gift of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More was not limited to Jewish believers. The proclamation of the gospel was meant to reach all nations. The Lord Jesus told His disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

2. Tongues as of Fire:

In many places within God's Word, fire symbolizes divine justice revealed in judgment. This serves as a reminder that grace reigns today through justice (Romans 5:21). God's grace is built upon divine justice, which our Lord encountered in judgment. Only on this foundation can God grant people His Spirit. Additionally, the mention of fire reminds us that the Spirit has to judge something within every believer—namely, the flesh. Flesh and spirit are often in conflict. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." (Galatians 5:16-17).

3. Tongues Sat on Each Individual:

This signifies that God does not give the Spirit by measure (John 3:34). Every believer receives the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More in the same rich form and measure. God makes no distinctions. The measure of this gift does not depend on us; it is based solely on the shed blood of the Lord Jesus. Consequently, God gives the Spirit without distinction. The youngest believer possesses the Spirit as fully as a seasoned father in ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More. (Note that differences in how we allow the Spirit to work in us is a significant topic we will address at another time).

In summary, God's fulfillment of PentecostThis name (Greek) is used twice in the New Testament and means "the fiftieth day.” This refers to the 50th day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This day... More marks the descent of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More onto this earth. From that day on, the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More of God was formed, where the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More dwells. Moreover, from that day forward, the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More personally takes possession of everyone who believes in the gospel of salvationSalvation is part of God's plan of saving people. Those who are in danger and cannot help themselves need salvation. We owe our salvation to our Savior, who went to... More (Ephesians 1:13) to dwell within them.