Pentecost

The events that happened on Pentecost were unassailably from God; no one could doubt that who was there. And there was a strong ring of judgment to it, for the tongues that appeared were divided (a reference to judging) and were of fire (another judgment reference). And some mocked, to whom Peter then preached. These were some of the very men who had crucified Jesus, as he makes clear in his sermon; and henceforth all judgment will be done on the basis of whether you are with Jesus or against him; and so they were without excuse: they had crucified the Lord of Glory. So they were cut to the heart, and likely thought they were about to be consigned to hell. How sweet then, must Peter's words to them been, when he said, Repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Even for this, for what they did to Jesus, there was forgiveness; for in fact his death was to make atonement even for them, as he had said, "Father, forgive them." Such a brilliant display of divine mercy! And so also for you, O poor miserable sinners, there is divine mercy. For this is the meaning of Pentecost: the spreading of the Gospel of forgiveness and life for Jesus' sake. Sermon for Pentecost, audio (including bits of several languages)