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Week 2 - Knowing The Spirit’s Presence

  • Writer: Grant Watts
    Grant Watts
  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

Nehemiah

Knowing The Spirit’s Presence


Acts 2:1-21 is the "Big Bang" of the New Testament—the moment the Church moves from a group of waiting disciples to an empowered global movement. Exploring the presence of the Holy Spirit here requires looking at both the outward signs and the inward transformation.


I. Observation: What Happened?

  • The Setting: 

    • Why do you think God chose the Day of Pentecost (a major Jewish harvest festival) for this event? (See Acts 2:1)

  • The Physical Manifestations: Look at verses 2–3.

    • What three physical signs accompanied the Spirit’s arrival?

    • How do "wind" and "fire" symbolise God's presence in other parts of the Bible?

  • The Immediate Result: 

    • According to verse 4, what was the first thing the believers did once they were filled?

  • The Audience: In verses 5–11, notice the diversity of the crowd.

    • What was the specific miracle they experienced regarding language, and why was this significant for the mission of the Church?

 

II. Interpretation: What Does It Mean?

  • The Prophet Joel: Peter quotes Joel 2:28–32.

    • Why does he use this specific prophecy to explain what the crowd is seeing? (Acts 2:16–21)

  • Universal Access: In the Old Testament, the Spirit usually came upon specific people (kings, prophets) for specific tasks.

    • Based on verses 17–18, who is eligible to receive the Spirit now?

  • The "Last Days": Peter claims they are living in the "last days" (v. 17).

    • How does the presence of the Holy Spirit signal a new era in God’s relationship with humanity?

  • The Purpose of Power: 

    • Based on the shift in the disciples' behaviour—from hiding in a room to speaking boldly in public - what seems to be the primary purpose of the Spirit’s presence?

 

III. Application: What Does It Mean for Us?

  • Active Presence: 

    • Do we view the Holy Spirit more as a "force" or a "person"?

    • How does Acts 2 challenge or refine your personal view of the Spirit's presence?

  • Communication Barriers: The Spirit enabled people to hear the "wonders of God" in their own languages.

    • What are the "language barriers" in our modern world (cultural, social, or literal) that we need the Spirit’s help to cross?

  • Expectation vs. Reality: The crowd had mixed reactions—some were "amazed and perplexed" while others "made fun of them" (vv. 12–13).

    • When the Spirit moves in your life or church, do you expect it to be comfortable, or are you prepared for it to be disruptive?

  • The Boldness Gap: Peter, who previously denied Jesus, is now standing in front of thousands.

    • Where in your life do you need that same "Pentecost boldness" to speak or act on your faith?

 

Study Tip: To get the full picture, compare the "rushing wind" in Acts 2 to Genesis 1:2 (the Spirit hovering over creation) and John 20:22 (Jesus breathing on the disciples). It highlights that the Spirit’s presence is both a creative and commissioning force.

 

 
 
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