The Holy Spirit brings others to believe in Jesus through the gospel we proclaim.

Righteousness for humankind was secured by Jesus’ perfect life. The price for sins was paid in full on the cross. The certainty of our resurrection from the dead was declared by Jesus’ resurrection. The King of kings took back the full use of his almighty power. This is the gospel truth. Now what?

Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit: “Very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:7,8).

Jesus fulfilled that promise on Pentecost when he sent the Holy Spirit on the apostles with power to do what he commissioned them to do. The Advocate, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was sent to walk with Jesus’ disciples in their work.

“Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11,12).

It didn’t take long for that work to begin. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles preached to the crowds on Pentecost. “A great multitude . . . from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9) heard the gospel being proclaimed in their own language. Faith in that gospel brought nations once separated from God because of the sin of arrogance at Babel into one family of believers in Jesus. Three thousand believers were added that day, and the number has continued to grow through the work of that same Spirit.

Celebrated the Sunday 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, Pentecost remains a major festival in the Christian church. We have the Holy Spirit in us to guide us, walk with us, comfort us, and remind us of all that Jesus has done so that we can proclaim his work of salvation. Jesus said, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11,12).

Pentecost promises—the Holy Spirit and proclamation—continue to be spread through you and me, Jesus’ witnesses. The Holy Spirit brings others to believe in Jesus through the gospel we proclaim. Rejoice in this gift!

Author: Snowden Sims
Volume 112, Number 06
Issue: June 2025