The Mighty Works Of God — Acts 2:1–13 | Pentecost

The Mighty Works of God — Acts 2:1–13

Sep 23, 2026 11

Jesus promised that his disciples would receive power to be his witnesses. At Pentecost, that promise became a reality. The mighty works of God were being declared in languages the gathered crowd could understand.

Acts 2:6–8

[6] And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. [7] And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? [8] And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? (ESV)

Jesus kept his promise

Before this crowd gathered, Jesus’ disciples had been waiting in Jerusalem, just as he had instructed. Then came a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and tongues as of fire rested on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had done exactly what he promised. The Spirit empowered the disciples, and the gathered crowd heard the mighty works of God in their own native languages.

Jerusalem was filled with devout Jews from across the surrounding nations, including visitors celebrating Pentecost. These people were astonished. How could Galileans speak in their own native languages?

They heard the mighty works of God

Look at what they heard in verse 11: “we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

The content mattered. It wasn’t meaningless babble. They heard who God is and what he had done. As Peter would soon explain, God’s greatest saving work centres on Jesus, his life, his death and his resurrection.

This crowd was made up of Jews and converts to Judaism from many places. As Acts unfolds, the mission spreads from Jerusalem, through Judea and Samaria, and then begins its journey to the ends of the earth. From this launch moment, God was showing that his good news was for the whole world.

[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]

The responses were divided. Some were amazed and wanted to understand. Others dismissed the disciples as drunk.

We still see different responses when people hear the good news of Jesus. Some are curious and ready to listen. Others dismiss it. Here, Peter stood up and explained what God had done.

The Good News is…

Jesus has kept his promise. His Spirit has come, and people gathered from across the nations are hearing the mighty works of God in their own languages. The gospel of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is still good news for the world! The mission Jesus gave his disciples has begun, and by his Spirit, we too are part of that ongoing mission in the world.

Further reading: Acts 2:1-13

Reflection

Give thanks to God for keeping his promise to send the Spirit. Ask him to empower you to make his good news known.

Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited