ONE OF THE MOST MOVING SCENES in the Bible has to be Peter's speech on the Day of Pentecost to the Jews in Jerusalem, followed by their massive conversion to Christianity. According to the account in Acts, "And there were added that day about three thousand souls" (2:41, English Standard Version). For a churchgoer today, that membership statistic would be impressive, to say the least. It also begs some important questions and a deep consideration of the vibrancy of the primitive Church. For instance, What happened that day that would cause thousands of "souls" to want to join the new church?
The answer may lie in the events earlier that day and the days leading up to Pentecost.
Jesus had prophesied that the disciples were to be baptized by the Holy Ghost shortly after his ascension. Ten days later, on the morning of Pentecost, while they were gathered "with one accord in one place" in an upstairs room, suddenly a strong wind of indiscernible origin swept through the building. It made such a noise that it could be heard around Jerusalem. Jews from distant lands and of diverse languages who had converged for the feast of Pentecost were drawn to it, each hearing the message of the Holy Ghost articulated by Jesus' disciples and followers in his or her own language. Initially perplexed, the Jews attributed the extraordinary event to drunkenness (see, Acts 2:1–13, New King James Version). But then, it seems that a deeper spiritual awe settled in, and they were receptive to the speech that Peter then delivered recounting Jesus' Messianic mission, and its opportunity for redemption and regeneration—for the new gospel that it was. A change of heart took place in 3,000 people who listened.
