2:1 Now on the day of the Feast of Pentecost they were all in one place.

2:2 Suddenly from heaven came a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it completely filled the house where they were sitting.

2:3 What looked like tongues of fire split up and settled on each one of them,

2:4 and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. So they began to speak in different languages as the Spirit caused them to speak.

2:5 Now there were Judeans staying in Jerusalem, godly folk from nations all over the region.

2:6 When they heard the sound, a huge crowd gathered. But they were confused, because each one heard them speaking in their own language.

2:7 They were beside themselves and wondered aloud, “Look! Aren’t these who are speaking all Galileans?

2:8 So how are we hearing this in our native-born languages?

2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia,

2:10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, repatriated Romans

2:11 (both Judeans and proselytes), Cretans, Arabs… we are hearing them speak the majestic things of God in our languages!”

2:12 Still beside themselves, they were all baffled and said to each other, “What does this mean?”

2:13 But others sneered and said, “They’re just drunk on sweet wine!”

2:14 Now Peter, standing with the Eleven, was inspired to speak up: “Judeans and all residents of Jerusalem, know this, and take heed to my words!

2:15 Of course these people are not drunk, as you presume; it’s still morning!

2:16 Rather, this is what the prophet Joel was inspired to predict:

2:17 “ ‘And it will happen in the last days,’ says God, ‘that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh: your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your youths will have visions, and your elders will have dreams.

2:18 In fact, even on my male and female slaves I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

2:19 And I will give omens in the sky above, signs on the earth below: blood and fire and plumes of smoke.

2:20 The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the day of the majestic appearing of the Master.

2:21 And it will come to pass that everyone who invokes the name of the Master will be saved.’”

2:22 “People of Israel, hear these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a man proven to you to be from God by the powerful deeds, miracles, and signs God performed through him among you, as you well know.

2:23 In accordance with the deliberate plan and foresight of God, he was handed over to you, who convinced lawless people to crucify him.

2:24 “But God raised him up, breaking the bonds of death that couldn’t possibly hold him.

2:25 David says about him, “I always saw the Master before me, seeing that he is at my right hand, so I will not be shaken.

2:26 Therefore my heart was made glad and my tongue rejoiced, yet my flesh will pitch its tent on hope.

2:27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades. Nor will you allow your Pure One to make the acquaintance of Decay

2:28 but rather the paths of Life; you will fill me with the joy of your presence.”

2:29 “Brothers and sisters, let me speak bluntly to you regarding the patriarch David: he died and was buried, and his grave is still here today.

2:30 But he was in fact a prophet, and he knew that God swore an oath to him that one of his descendants would sit on his throne.

2:31 He foresaw this and spoke about the resurrection of the Anointed, who was not abandoned in Hades, nor did his flesh experience decay.

2:32 This is Jesus whom God raised, of which we are all witnesses.

2:33 “So with him being exalted to the right hand of God, as well as obtaining the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out what you now see and hear.

2:34 For David did not ascend into heaven but said, ‘the Master said to my Master, “Sit to my right

2:35 until I make your enemies your footrest.”’

2:36 So let the whole house of Israel know for sure that God made him Master as well as the Anointed— this Jesus you crucified!”

2:37 Upon hearing this, they were cut to the heart. So they said to Peter and the rest of the Ambassadors, “Sisters and brothers, what are we to do?”

2:38 Peter answered, “Change your minds, each of you, and be immersed in the name of Jesus the Anointed for the pardon of your failures. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2:39 This promise is to you and your children, and to those far away— to whomever the Master our God invites.”

2:40 And with many more words he implored and encouraged them, saying “Be saved from this crooked generation!”

2:41 Those who affirmed and accepted what he said were immersed, and about three thousand souls were added that day.

2:42 They continued in the Ambassadors’ teachings, in the partnership of sharing meals, and in prayers.

2:43 Fear came upon everyone as the ambassadors performed many miracles and signs.

2:44 Now all those who believed stayed close to each other and shared everything.

2:45 They sold their possessions and properties and disbursed the proceeds to others according to their needs.

2:46 They continued in unity day after day in the temple, and from home to home sharing meals with one joyful heart,

2:47 praising God. They were favorable toward everyone, and the Master added more each day to the number being saved in that place.