Why would anyone pass up the opportunity to receive a free gift? So, once he accepts the gift, why would anyone keep this good news to themselves? Most people would like to share and tell others how they too could receive the gift. This must be how the disciples felt as they waited for the Lord to fulfill His promise to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). They had a gift from God to share, which offered eternal life through His Son Jesus. The Holy Spirit was to help them and empower them to be witnesses to His message of salvation. In Acts 2:1-47, Luke speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and the Christian mission. The descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and on the Virgin Mary gives them the courage to practice their faith. This confirms their responsibility to follow the teachings of Jesus and spread the gospel “to the ends of the earth” (1:8). The reaction of the crowd hearing in their own language (2:5-13) is personally significant because it shows how God's powerful presence will and always will amaze people. This multilingual testimony symbolizes the universal offer of salvation. This challenges the current understanding of Him and people become curious and turn their attention to what other surprises He has to reveal. Some people are confused but open to understanding the miracle, while others dismiss it as drunkenness. This prepares the hearts of individuals willing to receive the blessing of God's grace. Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, then goes on to tell the people that the Jewish leaders were responsible for Jesus' crucifixion, but not by accident. Jesus being put to death and raised from the dead was God's divine plan all along and this...... middle of paper ......e of salvation and uphold the teachings of Jesus. It seems that some churches compromise in order to get people to worship. They allowed Gnosticism to influence people with a Christian worldview (158). God's message does not change over time; this remains the same message given to the early church at Pentecost. I understand that the method of presenting the gospel may be different over the centuries, but not the basic message itself. The Church, at all times in history, should be filled with the Holy Spirit, capable of being a witness to Christ and his Gospel. Works CitedMueller, JJ SJ, et al. Theological foundations: concepts and methods for understanding the Christian faith. Winona, Minn.: Saint Mary's Press. 2007. Print. Saint Mary's Press College Study Bible: New American Bible. Winona, Minnesota: Saint Mary's Press, 2007. Print.