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Notice the phenomena that accompanied the happening.
There was the sound which resembled a violent wind. It is interesting that the Hebrew word for spirit 'ruach' also means a strong wind. Again there was the appearance of what seemed to be flames reaching out to rest on each of them. This is reminiscent of Old Testament incidents when the presence of God was revealed by fire. Then strangest of all was the speaking in other languages, unlearnt, which were understood by visitors to the city.

Notice too the consequences.
A group of timid and frightened people were filled with courage. They left their hiding place and went out on to the streets to proclaim the wonders of God. Then Peter was empowered to preach his first great sermon, proclaiming Jesus, crucified and risen. In that inspired message every point was grounded in Old Testament scriptures. Read these verses in Acts 2, that is verses 14 - 41, and see what an effective summary it is of all we have learnt.

Notice especially verse 39. The promise, that is the gift of the Holy Spirit, was available to all those present listening to words of Peter. This promise was not just for them, but for their children and people who are 'far off'. Far off meant not just in distance, but in time, that is future generations. Therefore accept the promise is for us today, perhaps thousands of miles from the spot where Peter was speaking, and thousands of years later. Also be careful not to misunderstand the promise. The giving of the Spirit to children of believers is not automatic. Because our parents are Spirit-filled people does not mean that we shall be as well. There is no hereditary principle here. The Spirit is indeed available to all, but is not necessarily accepted by all. God has a regard for each soul as an individual, and relates to each one personally, without regard for anyone else, whether it be family, nation or church affiliation.

The availability of the Holy Spirit for all who hear the call of God and respond is emphasised in the event recorded in Acts chapter 10. This is the story of Cornelius. If you read this story and compare it to the events in Acts 2, you will be able to note some similarities, but also some differences. The main difference is that one story concerns Jews and the other Gentiles. Another of God's promises is being fulfilled. His promises are for all races, nations and people. His purposes are for Jew and Gentile alike, without favouritism. Notice the character of Cornelius (verse 2), and that he had an awareness of God. Notice too his obedience, in doing what the angel of God told him to do. Peter's reaction is interesting as well, because in obeying the vision God gave him, he was disregarding Jewish law.

Peter's sermon to the Gentiles in Acts 10 vv. 34 - 43 contains the essence of the earlier sermon, although without the quotations from the Old Testament. It was while Peter was speaking about the forgiveness of sins received by those who believe, that the Holy Spirit came and moved upon all the listeners. The only two manifestations mentioned here are speaking in other languages and giving worship and praise to God. This was enough to convince Peter that they had truly received the Holy Spirit, and that their experience was as real as his own.