The Pneumatological Phenomenon in Acts 2:1–6: Implications for Christian Mission in Africa

Abstract

The book of Acts presents an exciting story of the beginning and growth of the Christian Church amidst inner problems and outward conflict. As a book  that gives an account of how the Christian gospel spread from Jerusalem to various parts of the known world of the first century, Acts provides a useful  paradigm for Christian mission in every generation. Of interest to the present study is the place of the Holy Spirit in Christian mission in Africa as evident  in the Pentecostal experience and its accompanying events. Thus, this article explores how contextual applications of missiological principles derived  from the Pentecost experience might help improve Christian mission in contemporary Africa. The article conducts a textual analysis of Acts 2:1–6 to  unravel the meaning of the text. After a critical analysis of relevant texts, the article argues that in order to fulfill its mandate, the Church must be called  back to its Pentecostal and missionary roots, and to the absolute necessity of the Spirit’s empowerment for the effective participation in the mission of  God. The article also notes that the missiological implications of the Pentecost experience include the importance of the use of the vernacular, or mother- tongues, in both missions and Christian life. After concluding that contemporary missionaries can only succeed if they are empowered by the Spirit, the study charges the Church to seek divine empowerment for mission, both locally and globally.