The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
(Genesis 11:1–9; Leviticus 23:15–22)

1And when the days of Pentecost were completed, they were all together in the same place. 2And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, like that of a wind approaching violently, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared to them separate tongues, as if of fire, which settled upon each one of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they began to speak in various languages, just as the Holy Spirit bestowed eloquence to them.

5Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, pious men from every nation that is under heaven. 6And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused in mind, because each one was listening to them speaking in his own language. 7Then all were astonished, and they wondered, saying: “Behold, are not all of these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we have each heard them in our own language, into which we were born? 9Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those who inhabit Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya which are around Cyrene, and new arrivals of the Romans, 11likewise Jews and new converts, Cretans and Arabs: we have heard them speaking in our own languages the mighty deeds of God.” 12And they were all astonished, and they wondered, saying to one another: “But what does this mean?” 13But others mockingly said, “These men are full of new wine.”

Peter Addresses the Crowd
(Psalm 16:1–11; Joel 2:28–32)

14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and he spoke to them: “Men of Judea, and all those who are staying in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and incline your ears to my words. 15For these men are not inebriated, as you suppose, for it is the third hour of the day. 16But this is what was spoken of by the prophet Joel:

17‘And this shall be: in the last days, says the Lord, I will pour out, from my Spirit, upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. And your youths shall see visions, and your elders shall dream dreams.

18And certainly, upon my men and women servants in those days, I will pour out from my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19And I will bestow wonders in heaven above, and signs on earth below: blood and fire and the vapor of smoke.

20The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and manifest day of the Lord arrives.

21And this shall be: whoever shall invoke the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene is a man confirmed by God among you through the miracles and wonders and signs that God accomplished through him in your midst, just as you also know. 23This man, under the definitive plan and foreknowledge of God, was delivered by the hands of the unjust, afflicted, and put to death. 24And he whom God has raised up has broken the sorrows of Hell, for certainly it was impossible for him to be held by it.

25For David said about him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always in my sight, for he is at my right hand, so that I may not be moved.

26Because of this, my heart has rejoiced, and my tongue has exulted. Moreover, my flesh shall also rest in hope.

27For you will not abandon my soul to Hell, nor will you allow your Holy One to see corruption.

28You have made known to me the ways of life. You will completely fill me with happiness by your presence.’

29Noble brothers, permit me to speak freely to you about the Patriarch David: for he passed away and was buried, and his sepulcher is with us, even to this very day. 30Therefore, he was a prophet, for he knew that God had sworn an oath to him about the fruit of his loins, about the One who would sit upon his throne. 31Foreseeing this, he was speaking about the Resurrection of the Christ. For he was neither left behind in Hell, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32This Jesus, God raised up again, and of this we are all witnesses. 33Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the Promise of the Holy Spirit, he poured this out, just as you now see and hear.

34For David did not ascend into heaven. But he himself said: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand,

35until I make your enemies your footstool.’ 36Therefore, may the entire house of Israel know most certainly that God has made this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Three Thousand Believe

37Now when they had heard these things, they were contrite in heart, and they said to Peter and to the other Apostles: “What should we do, noble brothers?” 38Yet truly, Peter said to them: “Do penance; and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the Promise is for you and for your sons, and for all who are far away: for whomever the Lord our God will have called.” 40And then, with very many other words, he testified and he exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this depraved generation.” 41Therefore, those who accepted his discourse were baptized. And about three thousand souls were added on that day.

The Fellowship of Believers
(Acts 4:32–37)

42Now they were persevering in the doctrine of the Apostles, and in the communion of the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers.

43And fear developed in every soul. Also, many miracles and signs were accomplished by the Apostles in Jerusalem. And there was a great awe in everyone. 44And then all who believed were together, and they held all things in common. 45They were selling their possessions and belongings, and dividing them to all, just as any of them had need. 46Also, they continued, daily, to be of one accord in the temple and to break bread among the houses; and they took their meals with exultation and simplicity of heart, 47praising God greatly, and holding favor with all the people. And every day, the Lord increased those who were being saved among them.