Upon This Rock #6: Peter, The Pentecostal Pastor

Today’s focus is on the transformation of Peter, particularly as seen in Acts 2, and what it means to be truly “Pentecostal” in the biblical sense. Peter’s journey from failure and fear to bold proclamation is not just a story of personal redemption, but a model for what happens when the Holy Spirit is at work in the life of a believer and in the church. The events of Pentecost are not about sensationalism or emotional excess, but about God’s Spirit empowering ordinary people for extraordinary mission.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a reversal of Babel’s curse, signifying that God’s presence would now dwell in all believers, not just in a temple or a select few. The wind and fire that filled the room were Old Testament symbols of God’s presence, now resting on each person, making them living tabernacles. This was the fulfillment of Moses’ prayer that all God’s people would have His Spirit. The miracle was not just in the speaking of tongues, but in the fact that people from every nation heard the wonders of God in their own language. This points to the heart of God’s mission: the gospel is for all people, in every language and culture.

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost is a model for Spirit-filled proclamation. He does not draw attention to himself or to the experience, but points to Jesus Christ, grounding his message in Scripture and calling for repentance and faith. The true mark of the Spirit’s work is not ecstatic experience, but a community devoted to the teaching of Christ, transformed lives, and a mission that crosses every barrier.

The Holy Spirit’s presence is essential for mission, for unity, for transformation, and for boldness. Peter, once afraid and in hiding, becomes a courageous witness, willing to risk everything for the sake of Christ. This same Spirit is available to all believers, empowering us to be witnesses in our own contexts—locally and globally. The call is not to make others like us, but to bring the good news of Jesus in a way that is understandable and transformative for every person.

May we, like Peter, be filled with the Spirit, pointing others to Jesus, and living as witnesses to His resurrection and Lordship in every aspect of our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Holy Spirit empowers global and local mission The Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost broke down language and cultural barriers, making the gospel accessible to all. True mission is not about making others like us, but about bringing Christ to people in their own context. The Spirit gives power, guidance, gifts, and unity, making effective witness possible wherever we are sent. [19:31]
• 2. Authentic Pentecostal experience points to Jesus through Scripture A genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit always magnifies Christ and is rooted in the Word. The focus is not on personal experience or spiritual status, but on proclaiming Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The Spirit’s work leads to a community devoted to Christ’s teaching, not to emotionalism or self-promotion. [23:48]
• 3. The Spirit transforms failures into bold witnesses Peter’s transformation from denial to bold proclamation is a testimony to the Spirit’s power. The Spirit enables us to move beyond fear and failure, giving us courage to speak and live for Christ, even when it is costly. Our witness is not just in words, but in a life shaped by the mission and presence of God. [27:02]
• 4. Mission is the calling of every believer Being filled with the Spirit is not reserved for a select few; every follower of Jesus is called to be on mission. Our identity is found in being sent people—witnesses in word, deed, and character. The Spirit equips us to embody the gospel in every sphere of life, making us agents of transformation wherever we go. [28:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:27] - The Baptist Dog Joke
• [01:40] - Series Introduction: “And Upon This Rock”
• [02:36] - The Baggage of “Pentecostal”
• [05:14] - Defining Pentecostal Biblically
• [05:44] - Jesus’ Final Instructions
• [07:20] - The Day of Pentecost
• [08:49] - Peter’s First Sermon
• [10:24] - The Birth of the Church
• [12:16] - The Pattern of Peter’s Preaching
• [13:38] - The Miracle: Reversing Babel
• [14:23] - Old Testament Images: Wind and Fire
• [16:40] - Living Tabernacles: The Spirit on All
• [17:24] - Peter Explains Pentecost
• [19:31] - The Spirit and Global Mission
• [23:48] - Authentic Pentecostal Experience
• [27:02] - The Spirit Transforms Peter
• [28:33] - Every Believer on Mission
• [29:13] - Pointing People to Jesus
• [30:35] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Acts 2:1-21, 36-41 (ESV) — 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? ... 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” ... 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, ... 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ ... 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Genesis 11:1-9 (ESV) 1 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. ... 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. Joel 2:28-32 (ESV) 28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. ... 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

Observation Questions

1. What were the visible and audible signs that accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost? (Acts 2:2-4)
2. According to the sermon, what was the significance of people from many nations hearing the wonders of God in their own languages? [07:53]
3. How did Peter explain the events of Pentecost to the crowd, and what Old Testament prophet did he quote? [09:08]
4. What was the response of the crowd after Peter’s sermon, and what did Peter call them to do? (Acts 2:37-38)

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the sermon say that the miracle at Pentecost was not just about speaking in tongues, but about reversing the curse of Babel? How does this connect to God’s mission? [13:38]
2. The sermon describes Peter’s transformation from fear and failure to boldness. What role did the Holy Spirit play in this change, and what does this suggest about the Spirit’s work in believers? [27:02]
3. According to the sermon, what is the true mark of an authentic Pentecostal experience? How does this differ from some common perceptions? [23:48]
4. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit’s presence is essential for unity and mission. How does the Spirit help believers cross cultural and language barriers? [19:31]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says that the Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses “in our own contexts—locally and globally.” Who is someone in your life or community that you feel called to share the good news with, and what might it look like to do that in a way they can understand? [19:31]
2. Peter’s boldness came after a time of fear and failure. Is there an area in your life where you feel held back by fear or past mistakes? How might you invite the Holy Spirit to help you move forward with courage? [27:02]
3. The sermon emphasizes that the Spirit’s work is not about emotional experiences or drawing attention to ourselves, but about pointing people to Jesus. Are there ways you have focused more on experiences or status than on Jesus? What would it look like to shift your focus? [23:48]
4. The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost broke down language and cultural barriers. Are there barriers—cultural, relational, or otherwise—that keep you from connecting with others about your faith? What is one step you could take to cross that barrier this week? [19:31]
5. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to community. What is one practical way you can devote yourself more fully to learning from Scripture or building up your church community this month? [25:53]
6. The sermon says that every believer is called to be on mission, not just a select few. What does “being on mission” look like in your daily life—at work, at home, or in your neighborhood? Is there a specific action you feel prompted to take? [28:33]
7. The Spirit brings unity among believers from different backgrounds. Is there someone in your church or life who is different from you that you could reach out to this week? What might it look like to build unity with them? [22:42]