We can gain insight into the reason for Pentecost as Jesus explains the Holy Spirit. John 16:7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate (comforter, encourager, or counselor) won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.[1]
The Holy Spirit Tells Truth and Reminds Us of Jesus’ Words
John 14: 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.[2]
John 14: 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.[3]
John 15: 26 But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. [4]
The Holy Spirit Will Enable Evangelism
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.[5]
Matthew 28: 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.[6]
Mark 16: 20 And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.[7]
Mark 13: 11 But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.[8]
The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
The Holy Spirit came visibly and audibly with fire and the sound of wind. It enabled the disciples to speak in tongues or languages they had never learned. This was so foreigners could hear the good news of Jesus in their own language. These miracles were signs which pointed to what God was doing.
Peter explained that Jesus had done signs and wonders to show His identity. Acts 2: 22 People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.[9] Now that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, the disciples would continue to be empowered to do signs, wonders, and miracles to open hearts to hear about Jesus.
The Holy Spirit continues to work today. Where is He working in your life or those around you? If you can’t see anything, ask the Lord to open your spiritual eyes to how He is working today.
To learn how Jesus explains the Holy Spirit, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/pentecost
[1-9] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.