Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples a clear instruction: to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–5). They didn’t know exactly what was coming, but they obeyed. Then, at Pentecost, the promise was fulfilled. The Holy Spirit was poured out, and what followed was the birth of the Church, a moment that would change history forever.
In Acts 1 and 2, we meet a group of ordinary people, once fearful and uncertain, who were transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit into bold witnesses for Christ (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:14–41). Their courage didn’t come from within themselves, but from the Spirit of God who now lived in them.
We are living in that same era, the Church age. The Holy Spirit who empowered them is the same Spirit who empowers us today: to live boldly for Jesus, to proclaim His Gospel, and to be continually changed from the inside out (Romans 8:11, Galatians 5:22–25, Acts 1:8).
Acts 1:1–11 (ESV)
Jesus gives final instructions to the disciples and tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit. He says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses...” Then He ascends into heaven while they watch.
Acts 2:1–13 (ESV)
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes suddenly like a mighty rushing wind. Tongues of fire rest on each of the disciples, and they begin to speak in other languages as the Spirit enables them. Jews from all over the world hear the message in their own language and are amazed and confused.
Bible Study Questions
1. The Church Waits for Power from God
Before Jesus ascended, He gave clear instructions to the disciples: don’t go anywhere or do anything until they receive the promised Holy Spirit. Jesus knew that head knowledge wasn’t enough — they needed power to obey and witness. Waiting wasn’t passive — it was faithful obedience. Are there areas where we need to wait on God instead of rushing ahead?
Acts 1:4-5 ESV
And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
2. The Spirit Fills the Church with Power
On the day of Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit came and filled the believers. This wasn’t just an emotional moment — it was God equipping His Church for the mission. The Spirit enabled them to speak in new tongues so others could hear the gospel. What does it mean for us today to be filled with the Spirit?
Acts 2:1–4 ESV
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Ephesians 5:18–20 ESV
…be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs… giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. The Spirit Gives Boldness to Speak
Peter, who once denied Jesus out of fear, stood boldly and preached the gospel to thousands after being filled with the Spirit. His confidence wasn’t in himself — it was in the message and the power of God. How does the Holy Spirit give us courage to speak the truth today?
Acts 2:14, 22–24 ESV
But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them… “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth… you crucified and killed… God raised him up…”
2 Timothy 1:7–8 ESV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…
4. The Gospel Cuts to the Heart
When the people heard Peter's sermon, they were deeply convicted. This shows that when we speak God’s Word, it does the work. True boldness is trusting God to move in people’s hearts. Are we willing to share, even if we feel scared?
Acts 2:37–39 ESV
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter… “What shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized…”
Hebrews 4:12 ESV
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…
5. The Church is Born and Grows
Those who believed were baptized and added to the Church. They didn’t just attend services — they lived as a spiritual family, devoted to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and generosity. This is what Church is meant to be. How can we live this out today?
Acts 2:41–42, 46–47 ESV
So those who received his word were baptized… And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Romans 12:4–5 ESV
For as in one body we have many members… so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Ephesians 3:14–21 (ESV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.