The Book of Acts: To the Ends of the Earth (Acts 2:1-21)

September 25, 2025 Series: To the Ends of the Earth

Topic: Spirit Scripture: Acts 2:1–21

To The Ends of the Earth
Part 4- The Spirit's Power
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Sunday, September 28th, 2025
Key Passage
Acts 2:1–21, ESV
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.[b] 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
18 even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
20 the sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
“We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.” — Vance Havner
I. The Promised Spirit Arrives (Acts 2:1–15)
II. The Prophetic Fulfillment Declared (Acts 2:16–21)
III. The Positions on Spiritual Gifts
· Continuationist — all gifts continue.
· Cessationist — sign gifts ceased with the apostles.
· Open but Cautious — gifts may occur, but must be tested by Scripture.
Takeaway: Different perspectives exist, but the Spirit’s gifts are never for self-glory—they are for Christ’s mission and the church’s good.
IV. The Purpose of the Spirit (Acts 1-2, Genesis 11:1-9, 1 Peter 4:10, Ephesians 2:8-10)
Application — Three Spirit-Filled Responses:
1. Proclaim Christ in sharing your faith.
o Acts 1:8 — “And you will be my witness”
o Acts 2:11 — “We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”
o Spirit-filled believers boldly declare Christ in everyday life.
2. Praise Christ in singing with your voices.
o Acts 2:47 — “Praising God and having favor with all the people.”
o Spirit-filled believers are worshiping believers — joyfully singing His praise.
3. Participate in Christ’s Church by serving
o 1 Peter 4:10 — “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.”
o Ephesians 2:10 — “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
o Spirit-filled believers serve faithfully, building up the body in love.

Talk It Over

  • What’s one time you felt “powerless” and had to rely on God’s strength?
  • ReadActs 2:1–4. What do wind, fire, and tongues teach us about the Spirit’s presence and purpose?
  • ReadActs 2:12–13. Why do some respond in faith and others in mockery? How do you see that today?
  • ReadActs 2:16–21. What does this teach us about God’s promises?
  • What does it look like toProclaim Christ as a witness where you live, work, or play?
  • How doespraising Christ in song strengthen your own faith and the faith of others?
  • Where is God calling you toparticipate by serving — in the church or in your community?
  • Which of the three applications (Proclaim, Praise, Participate) do you need to grow in most right now?

 

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June 4, 2026

The Book of Acts-To the Ends of the Earth (Acts 9:19b-31)

May 28, 2026

The Book of Acts: To The Ends of the Earth (Acts 9:1-19)