The Meaning of Pentecost - The Inauguration of the New Creation

The sound of many voices speaking in the languages of the nations and proclaiming God's mighty acts had drawn a crowd around the disciples. When they questioned the meaning of what they were witnessing, Peter responded by citing from the prophet Joel: God had promised through His prophets that the messianic kingdom would be marked by the worldwide outpouring of the Spirit; in that way He would take to Himself a people from every tribe, tongue and nation, making them sons in truth by virtue of His indwelling presence by the Spirit. That day had now come; the everlasting kingdom of heaven proclaimed by Jesus - the kingdom of the new creation - was being inaugurated.