Revival: The Pentecost Experience

We are living in days where the signs mentioned in the Bible—especially in 2 Timothy and Revelation—are becoming more visible day by day, reminding us that the last days are drawing near. In every part of the world, God’s people are crying out for revival. We desire to see God move in our families, our churches, and our cities just as He moved on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.

But before we pray for a “Pentecostal revival,” we must first understand what Pentecost actually was. Many people misunderstand the word Pentecostal. Some think it refers to a particular Christian group, a church denomination, or a style of worship. Others even think revival will come only if we change churches or join a certain group.

These ideas usually come because people do not fully understand what happened in the early church. When we lack clarity, many of these stories can form. But the original meaning of Pentecost is far deeper and more beautiful than any denomination or label.

The Pentecost we read in Acts 2 was not about forming a new church group. It was not about separating believers into different names or divisions. It was about God Himself coming down to strengthen His people.

Pentecost was a powerful moment when God poured out His Holy Spirit on ordinary men and women who were waiting in prayer. It was not just an event or a festival; it was a divine encounter that changed weak disciples into bold witnesses. It filled them with power to speak, purity to live holy, and passion to serve God without fear.

This experience transformed the early church. Ordinary disciples became courageous preachers. Confused followers became Spirit-filled leaders. A small group in an upper room became a movement that reached the nations.

Introduction to Pentecost

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples many times. Before ascending to heaven, He gave them an important instruction.

[Acts 1:3-5 NIV] 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

In obedience to Jesus’ command, the disciples stayed in Jerusalem. They met regularly and continued steadfastly in prayer.

And when the Day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place (Acts 2:1), united in heart and waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost Experience

We read about the Pentecost experience in Acts chapter 2. There are difference experience’s that happened in the day of Pentecost

1.        The Sound of Heaven

[Acts 2:2 NIV] 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

• Suddenly — God’s movements are often unexpected (Acts 1:4). Jesus already told them that the exact time was not for them to know ( Acts 1:7).

• They were waiting patiently — obedient, united, and expectant.

• The sound came from heaven — not created by the disciples, not natural, but supernatural.

• This heavenly sound resembles how God reveals Himself in Scripture:

  • Thunder, wind, lightning, rain (Jeremiah 51:15–16).       

  • At the Lord’s return — the roar of waters, thunder, trumpet, angelic voice (Revelation 19:6, 17; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).

• A Beautiful Mystery - The sound filled only the house where they sat. Heaven broke into a small room — God chooses humble places to release great power.

2.        Tongues of Fire — The Purifying Work

[Acts 2:3 NIV] 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

What Does This Fire Mean?

• It was not physical fire but a visible sign of God’s presence.

• Fire in Scripture represents purifying, refining, and making holy.  

  • [Malachi 3:3 NIV] 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,

• The Holy Spirit works with fire to:

  • Burn away impurities

  • Refine character

  • Produce holiness

  • Protect believers from returning to old sins

• Its with this fire he protects us from going near the garbage of world, think of the sins that you are redeemed how you don’t go near them.

• The “HOLY” Part of the Holy-Spirit is accomplished thru the “Fire”, When we are filled with Holy Spirit - the fire of Holy Spirit refines us every day. This is why a Spirit-filled believer is quick to repent, quick to sense conviction, and eager to walk in holiness.

• A Beautiful Mystery  - Separation - About 120 people were present, but Scripture does not say everyone received it. The fire rested on each person individually — the Holy Spirit’s work is personal.

3.        Bewilderment — God’s Works Beyond Human Understanding

[Acts 2:6 NIV] 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

What Is Bewilderment?

• A state of shock, awe, and confusion — like seeing something you’ve never seen before ( It’s like seeing Taj Mahal or When you fly for the first time an airplane and see the clouds and white clouds around you).

• Pentecost was unfamiliar, unexplainable, and supernatural — and the crowd felt it.

• Bewilderment is the human reaction to the supernatural work of God—when He moves in ways beyond our understanding.

4.        The Gift of Tongues — Heaven’s Language

[Acts 2:4 NIV] 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

• The Spirit of tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit - “as the Spirit enabled them.”

• The Spirit of tongue is to edify God and have a conversation with God that Our Soul and God only can understand, no human can understand that in their worldly wisdom. If someone were to interpret by world wisdom it will be like drunkard blabbering [Acts 2:13 NIV] 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine

• There are two parts we read - All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit “and (+)” began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

• So having an experience of Holy Spirit is one and Gift of tongues is another. It does not mean that experience of tongues is the only sign that one person is filled with Holy Spirit. Many believers are misled with this belief in many churches.

• You cannot get it on your own, it must be gifted by our Lord in his Sovereignty, to us so having Holy Spirit is one and getting the spirit of tongue is another one additional gift.

What does this Speaking in Tongue Experience?

[Acts 2:8, 11 NIV] 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? ... 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

• While they were gathered in that small room, there were Jews, converts, Cretans, Arabs, and people from various regions. When they received the gift of tongues, each one began speaking in a language that was not their own. The speaker did not understand what they were saying, but the people from those regions recognized the languages and understood them clearly.

• All these believers were edifying and praise God - Worshiping God “we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

• Speaking in tongues is to praise God in the language that we cannot understand but heaven can understand what we speak.

• When we speak in tongues - Satan cannot understand this, it’s like a secure hotline to heaven. Only the heavily can understand

• When we pray in tongues the spirit is in prayer with God 1 Corinth 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. “

• This is why God has enabled another acts of the Holy Spirit to Interpret the Gift of tongue - [1 Corinthians 14:13-17 NIV]

• Some were amazed and perplexed — unable to fully believe what they were seeing. [Acts 2:12 NIV] 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

Peter’s Spirit-Led Message on the Day of Pentecost

Peter, who was one among the 120 believers filled with the Holy Spirit, stood up and explained to the crowd what had happened. His message on the Day of Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2:14–36.

• A Witness to Christ’s Resurrection:  Just as Jesus said in Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit empowered them to be His witnesses. Peter boldly declared [Acts 2:32 NIV] 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

• Conviction of Sin — Hearts Cut Deeply: His Spirit-anointed words pierced the hearts of the listeners, leading them to cry out, “Brothers, what shall we do?”  [Acts 2:37 NIV] 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

• Calling People to Repent, Be Baptized, and Receive the Holy Spirit: Peter urged them to turn from their sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, promising that they too would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:38 NIV] 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• A Promise for Families and Generations to Come: Salvation extended to families and future generations - [Acts 2:39 NIV] 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."

• Call for Baptism - Peter pleaded with them to separate themselves from the corruption of the world. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 people were added to the church that day Acts 2:40-41 NIV]40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

One message brought 3,000 souls into the Kingdom — not Peter’s ability, but the Holy Spirit’s power thru the Pentecostal experience made this happen. This is why there is a cry for revival like the Pentecostal experience today as well.

Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

The Pentecostal experience did not end as a one-time event. It continued in the way the believers lived, worshiped, and supported one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:42–47 gives us a beautiful picture of this Spirit-filled community and their daily fellowship.

Let’s look at what the early believers experienced through this fellowship:

1. Deep devotion to teaching and fellowship (Acts 2:42)- They were eager to learn God’s Word and grow together. Fellowship was not occasional—it was intentional and continuous.

2. Daily prayer and breaking of bread (Acts 2:42 b)- Prayer and communion were at the centre of their life. They remembered Jesus often and prayed together regularly. Acts 2:42 (b) “…to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” 

3. Signs, wonders, and a sense of awe (Acts 2:43)  - The Holy Spirit worked powerfully among them, and everyone recognized God’s presence in their midst.

4.  Unity and generosity (Acts 2:44)- - They were of one heart and mind. They cared for each other so deeply that they were willing to sacrifice personal possessions for those in need.

5.  Sharing resources (Acts 2:45)- They did not hold back the blessing they received, they shared back to others who lacked that so nobody lacked anything, because everyone shared what they had. Their faith was practical, not just emotional.

6.  Daily Consistent worship (Acts 2:45)-  They worshiped daily, both in the temple and in their homes. Worship wasn’t limited to a weekly gathering—it was a lifestyle.

7.  Joyful and sincere hearts (Acts 2:46)- The Holy Spirit produced genuine joy, gratitude, and purity in their attitudes.

8.  Favor with people (Acts 2:46) - Their transformed lives made a visible impact in the community. People respected them and were drawn to their faith. The works of their lives edified and made them living witness to God

9.  Daily growth in salvation(Acts 2:47) - God added to their number every day. Revival wasn’t a special event—it became their normal way of life.

This is the true outcome of the Pentecostal experience: a church filled with love, unity, generosity, joy, and spiritual power. The Holy Spirit not only changed individuals but shaped an entire community that reflected Christ to the world.

How do we Experience this Day of Pentecost ?

Pentecost reminds us that true revival does not come from human effort, church activities, or emotional moments. Revival begins when God’s people choose to obey His Word, wait patiently for His timing, pray earnestly, and open their hearts completely to the Holy Spirit—just as the believers did in the upper room.

When the Holy Spirit moves, He does more than touch individuals; He transforms entire communities. The early church became a living example of unity, generosity, worship, prayer, joy, and spiritual strength. Revival was not a one-day event for them—it became their everyday lifestyle. And as a result, God added new believers to the church daily.

As Believers of Christ today, we are called to pray for this kind of revival. We must pray for God to move among the unsaved so that many will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that in the last days, even though the world will become darker and more difficult, God will also open doors for salvation. There will be a great harvest of souls—a revival marked by mass salvation and transformed lives.

This revival will not come through our strength, but through persistent, unceasing prayer. Just as the early church prayed and experienced the power of God, we too will encounter His move when we commit ourselves to prayer.

Therefore, let us become spiritual warriors who intercede faithfully, believing for God’s mighty work. The Bible calls us clearly:  [1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV] 17 Pray without ceasing.