The Evidence of Pentecost
A Sermon on Acts 2:12
Originally preached May 25, 1958
Scripture
12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
Sermon Description
What was the significance of the historical event known as Pentecost? According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Acts 2:12, there would be no Church if not for what occurred in the Upper Room that day. The filling of the disciples with the Holy Spirit during the feast of Pentecost was a fulfillment of prophecy and reveals to us God’s plan for redemption. This event falls properly in line with other important events involving our salvation, specifically the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sending of the Holy Ghost is one of the mighty proofs that the Son of God carries out what He promises, and He is who He says He is. Salvation comes when one is face to face with the power of the Holy Spirit. He descends and He works to convict sin. Do you feel guilty in your sin before God? Perhaps the Holy Spirit is working in you for the purpose of salvation! Dr. Lloyd-Jones pleads with you to “call on the name of the Lord” as he explains what exactly that entails in this sermon covering the historical event of Pentecost.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon text is Acts 2:12 - "And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?"
- The sermon examines the events of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2.
- Pentecost was a historical event and the birth of the Christian church.
- Pentecost fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, proving the Bible is the Word of God.
- Pentecost proved Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. He had promised to send the Holy Spirit.
- Pentecost shows the way of salvation - through the conviction of sin, repentance, and faith in Christ.
- Salvation is a free gift for "whosoever" believes - regardless of age, background, or sin.
- To be saved, one must call on the name of the Lord, repent of sins, and believe in Christ.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Pentecost Mean According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
What was the primary question addressed in the Pentecost sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the primary question that focuses our attention on Pentecost is found in Acts 2:12: "And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying, one to another, what meaneth this?" This question helps us understand why this day is traditionally observed in the church and what this notable event represents in Christian history.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasize that Pentecost is a historical event?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Pentecost is a historical event because Christianity is not merely a philosophy or concept but "the record of a series of events and effects which have taken place in this world." He stresses that without this literal, historical event, "we wouldn't be here in this building at this moment, for there wouldn't be a Christian church." Pentecost marks the inauguration of the Christian church as we know it.
How does Pentecost relate to Old Testament prophecy?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Pentecost is a fulfillment of prophecy. Peter pointed out that what happened was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2), but it was also foretold by Isaiah, Ezekiel, and even in Leviticus through the feast of Pentecost. This event is part of God's plan of redemption that He foretold throughout the Old Testament. It's the last in a great series of redemptive events including John the Baptist's ministry, Christ's birth, death, resurrection, and ascension.
How does Pentecost validate Jesus Christ's claims about Himself?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Pentecost proves Jesus is who He claimed to be - the Son of God. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would send the Holy Spirit. Jesus explicitly promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit after His departure (John 14-16, Acts 1:4-8). By fulfilling this promise at Pentecost, Jesus validated His claims to deity and Messiahship. As Lloyd-Jones states, "It is the final proof of the fact that he is what he claimed to be the only begotten son of God."
What is the Holy Spirit's primary work according to the sermon?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Holy Spirit's primary work is convicting people of sin. When Peter preached about how the people had crucified Jesus, "they were pricked in their heart" and asked "what shall we do?" The Holy Spirit convicted them of their sinfulness - that they had lived for themselves rather than for God, that they had failed to recognize God's Son, and that they were helpless in their sin. This conviction is the beginning of salvation.
What is the way of salvation as presented in the Pentecost sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the way of salvation is presented in Joel's prophecy: "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." This means:
- Recognizing one's sinfulness and helplessness before God
- Repenting and confessing sin to God
- Believing that Jesus is the Son of God who died to take our punishment
- Calling out to Christ to receive us into His salvation
As Peter told the crowd: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of the Lord Jesus, for remission of sins."
Who can be saved according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones' interpretation of Pentecost?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that salvation is available to "whosoever" - regardless of nationality, skin color, background, age, or past sins. He states: "It doesn't matter whether you're young or old... it doesn't matter how old you are, nor how young you are." He specifically mentions that the promise applies to "young men," "old men," and everyone in between. Salvation does not depend "in any respect whatsoever upon you and me. It is all in the Lord" and is given "as a free gift."
Sermons on Authority
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.