Unstoppable! 'Wind and Fire' — Acts 2:1-3

Friday, January 20, 2023

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
— Acts 2:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

The words for Spirit in the original biblical languages also mean wind or breath. On this Pentecost day, this wind was no light breeze or gentle breath from heaven. The Lord announced the significance of this Pentecost with "the roaring of a mighty windstorm"! The Spirit came to that place and on Jesus' followers with great power (Acts 1:4-5). Then, the Spirit appeared as flames of fire to cleanse and purify Jesus' messengers for their role in leading people to Christ. Luke's imagery fits the moment — sound and power with cleansing and purity, all to signify a new era of salvation. And, the Spirit of God leads the way!

Today's Prayer

Your display of power and grace at Pentecost amazes me, O LORD. Thank you for sending your Spirit and demonstrating your presence with the apostles as they preached Jesus. I want to have their courage as they spoke so boldly about Jesus to the same people who wanted Jesus crucified. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for pouring out the Spirit on me when you saved me and made me your own. I thank you in your name, Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 3:1-16
  • Acts 1:1-5

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:1-3 NLT — On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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