As those in the room went out among the crowd to spread the Good News, some accused those speaking in tongues of being intoxicated. Peter explained to the crowd that this was the work of the Holy Spirit, as prophesied in Scripture, and began preaching to them. Peter then called on those present – about 3,000 people – to be baptized. That moment firmly established Peter as the leader of the faith – the “rock” Jesus had previously told him he would become – and is known as the birthday of the Church.

