While the eleven apostles waited in Jerusalem, Matthias was chosen to replace the now-dead Judas. During the Jewish feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles just as Jesus had promised. The Spirit gave these uneducated men the miraculous power to speak in languages they had never learned or spoken before (speak in tongues). Because of this, all of the crowds of Jewish pilgrims from many countries were able to hear about Jesus in their own languages. After Peter preached the first “gospel sermon,” 3,000 people were baptized. Emphasise that this was the beginning, or “birthday”, of the church.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Acts 1:12-2:41
Outline:
- Matthias replaces Judas (Acts 1:12-26)
- The Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles (Acts 2:1-13)
- Peter’s Sermon and the crowd’s response (Acts 2:14-41)
Tips for teaching:
- Tell the story to children using an interactive parallel to a Birthday Party. Link to full instructions here.
- Children's Craft: Children can write the words of Acts 2:38 on a card and then wrap the card as a gift. (the gift of the Spirit)
- Children's Craft: To represent the Holy Spirit children can make a windsock or windchime or simply tape streamers on a stick.
- Adults might enjoy the YouTube clip: “Why is Pentecost Significant Today?”
- Have adults read Peter’s sermon again (verses 14-36) and then discuss the following:
- What OT texts does Peter quote from?
- Why would Peter use so many quotes to this audience?
- From Peter’s sermon what facts about Jesus would be key for non-believers to understand?
- What is significant about Peter’s climatic conclusion in v.36? What implications do you see?
- Using v.37-38, describe what one must do to become a follower of Jesus
- Reflecting on your baptism, tell the class why you were baptised and what you were feeling at the time. Include the events that led to your decision to be baptised.
- How would you encourage others to be baptised based on your own baptism?
Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Sermon at Pentecost
Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org