When Jesus was murdered on the cross the early followers of Jesus thought they had missed it! The humiliation of Jesus hanging naked on a cross - executed before the world - was too much. As they got together to work out what life had in store next, the amazing happened - Jesus who's death was witnessed by thousands, came back to life! For 40 days he met with his friends, ate with them, chatted with them, taught them - over 500 saw him alive - and then, in yet another amazing event, was carried off to be with his Father, God, in heaven!

He told the early followers to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the next chapter in their lives! He promised them the Holy Spirit - a Spirit that gives power to the followers of Jesus (both then and throughout history since!) This power enables people to be the people God destined them to be and to equip them make a stand for the Good News of Jesus throughout the world.

Around 120 of them waited in the upstairs room of the place they were staying. They were still in this room 10 days later when the Jewish faith was celebrating the Feast of Pentecost. Jews from around the world were visiting Jerusalem to celebrate this important day. Suddenly, in the upstairs room, they heard a noise like a strong blowing wind and then something like flames of fire seperated and stood over each person in the room. As this happened they all started to speak in different languages as the Holy Spirit filled and enpowered them.

Many of the Jews heard the noise and a crowd came together to see what was happening. As the followers of Jesus spilled out of the upstairs room the Jews were amazed because each one heard spoken their own language - and they were being told the great things God had done!

Some said they were drunk, but Peter stood up and told the crowd that this is what the Prophet Joel said would happen - God pouring out his Spirit on all kinds of people (Joel 2:28-32) and that anyone who wants to can become a follower of Jesus! (read about this is Acts 1 and 2)

Also see this link!