In Acts 2:1-21, we see Jesus send the Spirit to the 120 disciples.  It is Pentecost, 50 days after Passover, and all the disciples are together. 

Suddenly there is the sound of a mighty wind, and what appears to be fire sits above each one.  We often see wind and fire when God comes down in the Old Testament, suggesting that we should see this event as a theophany.  God has come down among his people. 

They are all filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in other tongues.  Crowds begin to gather, and the disciples spill out of the house.  Jews from all over the Roman Empire are there, and they hear the disciples speaking in their tongues, and they are amazed.  Peter gets up and begins to explain what is happening from the book of Joel. 

From his explanation, we can glean at least three reasons that the coming of the Spirit is important for us today:

• New Relationship – God has poured out his Spirit on all of the disciples (v17, 18).  Not just a few receive the Spirit as in the Old Testament, but all of his people.  God now dwells with us.  Jesus is with us through his Spirit.  We can always enjoy a relationship with God because the Spirit dwells in us. 
• New Purpose – The disciples were waiting for the Spirit so they could go and be Jesus’ witnesses (1:8).  Now that the Spirit has come, that is exactly what they are doing – they are being witnesses to Jesus Christ.  And so the Spirit empowers us to fulfill this new purpose – to share the good news with others.
• New Era – The Spirit’s coming is directly related to the last days (v17) before the Day of the Lord (v20).  Since the coming of the Spirit, we are living in the last days awaiting the return of Jesus.  He is coming, and we need to be ready.