In some respects, Pentecost may be viewed as the inaugural revival of the New Testament epoch. Certainly, the description of the conviction of sin experienced, the “sense of awe” (Acts 2:43) which was evoked, and the detailed model of what church life ought to be (Acts 2:44–47) point in that direction. This is what revival is. We might say that revival is the unstopping of the pent-up energies of the Spirit of God breaking down the dams which have been erected against his convicting and converting ministry in whole communities of individuals, as happened at Pentecost and in the “awakenings” which have followed.
In these contexts, duplicating the pattern of the Day of Pentecost, the proclamation of Christians appears to possess a special access of “power” as the Spirit bears witness to Christ along, with, and through the witness of disciples (Jn. 15:26-27; cf. Acts 4:33; 6:8; 10:38). This is evident in Philip’s mission in Samaria. Paul’s letters indicate that he experienced this in a number of strategic centers in the course of his journeys (e.g. 1 Cor. 2:4; 1 Thes. 1:5).
The powerful coming of the Spirit by no means solved all problems. The spiritual quickenings which took place
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