This Sunday was the Feast of Pentecost, on which we remember and give thanks for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, what some consider the Church’s birthday. Sadly, there is much confusion in Christianity about the Holy Spirit and what can be expected from his ministry. The Pentecost event was marked with power and vivid manifestations and gifts of language, but Peter explains it all in terms of the ministry of Jesus.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit points people to Jesus.

There is plenty of Scriptural support for the Holy Spirit granting power, performance and purity to people, but these are not the most central aspects of the Holy Spirit’s ministry. Peter’s sermon very quickly steers away from the manifestations and onto Jesus. We could organize the following points around three other alliterated ideas: the man, the members and the mission.

1. The Man. Jesus of Nazareth was God’s anointed Savior (v.22). The Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts that Jesus is the Lord and that we should believe in Jesus.

2. The Members. Belonging in the name of Jesus is God’s promise for those he calls to himself (v.39). The Holy Spirit speaks a word of identity to Christians that we belong to God in Jesus. (cf. Romans 8:16).

3. The Mission. It is to Jesus that believers are to be witnesses (v. 32). Jesus told his followers that the Holy Spirit would empower them to be his witnesses in the world (cf. Acts 1:8).

Taking It Home: Thank God for sending his Spirit to always be with Christians. You are encouraged to pray “come Holy Spirit,” and do so often. He may grant you power, performance, or purity, but expect him always to elevate Jesus Christ in your heart and life.