"Under the Influence" Acts 2:1-13 When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost it caused the believers to be able to speak in many languages, making it clear that the Gospel message is for all people. This caused many of the people to think the believers were under the influence of alcohol. In truth, they were "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit, causing the "First Church" to exhibit certain characteristics. These characteristics are also indicators that a church today is "under the influence of the Holy Spirit as well.