The Master's words had been very clear just before he ascended. His disciples were to tell the story of his life and teaching, of his crucifixion and resurrection, everywhere—in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in the neighboring territories, "into all the world."
So, immediately after he passed from their sight, they began to preach the risen Christ in Jerusalem. Then, shortly after the ascension, came the Day of Pentecost, the traditional harvest festival of the Jews. A sound like "a rushing mighty wind" filled the house where the faithful band of Jesus' followers were worshiping. As the book of Acts describes it, "tongues like as of fire" hovered over the congregation—and all received the Holy Spirit. With this divine inspiration, they began to speak in a multitude of different languages.
Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem from all over the empire—even as far away as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome—discovered to their amazement that they could actually understand what Jesus' followers said. "We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."
