NOTES for Act 2:1-11
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. |
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. |
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. |
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. |
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. |
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. |
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? |
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? |
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, |
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, |
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. |
Hide
Today is a special feast for God: after passing through the horror of losing Her Bridegroom, His Resurrection, and His return to heaven, the Church receives the long-awaited Comforter. This is the birthday of the Church, the Bride of Christ. The newborn Bride fills the world with a loud voice full of joy. How exactly the psalmist described today's events: "Clap your hands, all peoples, shout to God with a voice of joy; for the Lord Most High is awesome, a great King over all the earth (...) God has gone up with shouts, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet (...) God has reigned over the nations, God has sat upon His holy throne; the princes of the peoples have gathered to the people of the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth are God's; He is highly exalted over them" (see Ps. 46). Today the Lord fulfills His promise: "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within him" (John 7:38).
Today these streams pour out upon the world. The joy that fills the apostles overflows; such a thing is impossible and must not be kept inside oneself. The strong wind that filled the upper room where the disciples had gathered continues to blow into the world. And everyone who "heard them speaking in his own language" understands that in the miracle taking place practically before his eyes, there is a place for him too. The fire sets the people around the apostles aflame. And "about three thousand souls were added" to the Church that day (Acts 2:41). This is how, and only how, the living "transmission" of faith happens: the Holy Spirit sets us aflame, and we are amazed and astonished at the great works of God (see Acts 2:7, 2:11).
Readings for 8 June 2025
The Bible for beginners
There are no readings on Sunday
Three-year Bible reading plan
There are no readings on Sunday
Five-year Bible reading plan
There are no readings on Sunday
After registering, you can subscribe to any Bible reading plan. Personalized settings and other services for registered users are planned, so we recommend registering now. Registration is free. | ||
