The Holy Spirit came upon all the disciples, including the apostles when they were all gathering in the upper room where they were all staying. It was during the Pentecost Jewish festival, which was celebrated fifty days after the commemoration of the Passover. Jesus died during the Passover, and so this happened fifty days after Jesus died. The Feast was also known as "The Feast of Harvest" because people from different parts of the world would offer their firstfruit offerings of the summer wheat crop to the temple as a thanksgiving offering to God. As the disciples were all gathering, a sound from Heaven like a mighty windstorm filled the house, then like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them, and everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Then, many Jews from different countries heard their own languages being spoken by the disciples, speaking about the wonderful things God had done. The Jews were all confused and surprised because the disciples, which were Galilean, spoke their languages. (Acts 2:1-13)
The speaking of different languages by the disciples happened through the Holy Spirit that came upon them. Many Bible scholars believe that this was when the church began. From this time forth, the Holy Spirit would empower and guide the disciples or the church. As believers of Jesus today, we receive the Holy Spirit at the moment when we genuinely believe in Jesus and surrender and repent of our sins. The speaking of tongues or languages happens through the power of the Holy Spirit, and not all believers speak in tongues. Believers only speak of different languages as the Holy Spirit directs. And speaking in tongues is not the only evidence that the Holy Spirit is upon us. The biggest evidence of the Holy Spirit in us is the change in our hearts and our love for God and others.
The Holy Spirit is a person that is part of our triune God. The Holy Spirit is not just a Spirit; He is equally God as the Father and God our Lord Jesus. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one as God. So let us be encouraged today that the Holy Spirit is in us wherever we go and whatever is happening in our lives. He is there to guide, comfort, and give us the strength to go through our day today.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully and meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you). What does the Holy Spirit do when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior? What is the biggest evidence in my life that the Holy Spirit is in me? What does the Holy Spirit do when He comes upon my life?
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to come upon me to guide, comfort, counsel, teach, and give me the strength to live a life that is pleasing to you. Please help me to yield and trust my life to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May you bless and guide me throughout the day. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.