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.