“Katanusso & Metanaoe—the Piercing and the Turning”
Ricci Johnson-Wilson
February 21, 2025
Acts 2:1-12 AMPC
1 And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all assembled together in one place, 2 When suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were separated and distributed and which settled on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled (diffused throughout their souls) with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other (different, foreign) languages (tongues), as the Spirit kept giving them clear and loud expression (in each tongue in appropriate words). 5 Now there were then residing in Jerusalem Jews, devout and God-fearing men from every country under heaven.
6 And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together and they were astonished and bewildered, because each one heard them (the apostles) speaking in his own (particular) dialect. 7 And they were beside themselves with amazement, saying, Are not all these who are talking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own (particular) dialect to which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and (the province of) Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and the transient residents from Rome, both Jews and the proselytes (to Judaism from other religions), 11 Cretans and Arabians too—we all hear them speaking in our own native tongues (and telling of) the mighty works of God! 12 And all were beside themselves with amazement and were puzzled and bewildered, saying one to another, What can this mean?
Let’s stop here for a moment and consider the passage I just read:
The empire at this point was fairly unified under the Greek language, however, there were regional and tribal languages and dialects. The Apostles were speaking in those languages, the wonders of God!
The Temple area was very large, historians say as much as 35 acres. To put that into perspective, a football field is 1.32 acres. Yet, here we are on Pentecost, and the multitude is drawn in by the WIND of the SPIRIT as He rushed through the Temple area. The pilgrims stood at the base of the upper room where the disciples had been praying for the last ten days. God orchestrated this whole event! Now that the crowds were brought in by the Spirit, the Awakening… God was opening the disciple’s aka “Galilean’s” mouths to proclaim the Wonderful Works of God! And this miracle opened their hearts to hear, in faith, the piercing message Peter was going to bring forth!
One commentator says of Galileans: they were seen as uncultured and poor speakers; now however, they spoke eloquently in other languages. Galileans had difficulty pronouncing gutturals and had the habit of swallowing syllables when speaking so they were looked down upon by the people of Jerusalem as being provincial. It is interesting to me that the Lord chose these Galileans knowing He was calling them to be public speakers and how they would be perceived and received.
The Gift He promised, the Comforter, the Helper, the One Who would transform these Galileans, Jesus’ disciples into eloquent public speakers, as Apostles of Jesus Christ, was here and He was opening hearts and minds to hear the truth!!!
Only the Spirit of the Lord could do such a miraculous thing! He would, through these unrefined Galileans, open the eyes of those who were spiritually blind on this powerful Pentecost. The explosive impact of His Awakening is the catalyst of this revival that will hit these devout Jews and spread like wildfire!
Who was there? Who were these devout Jews?
A little history:
They were Devout Jews who travelled from all over the known world faithfully to attend the three pilgrimage feasts. These are descendants of the Northern Kingdom who had been taken into captivity under the Assyrians in the 7th Century BC, or perhaps those from the Judah—the Southern Kingdom—who were taken in the Babylonian captivity in the 5th Century BC under King Nebuchadnezzar. They survived and many would even begin thriving once the Babylonians overthrew the Assyrian kingdom. Jewish inhabitants settled in and developed communities among the Babylonians. The Babylonians were not necessarily friends of the Israelites, but remember, Daniel was third in power in Babylon and his friends, Shadrach, Meshack and Abendigo were lifted into providential leadership throughout Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar.
After the Medo-Persians took Babylon, we saw the rise of the Persian Kings, among them Cyrus. 150 years before Cyrus was even born, Isaiah prophesied that he would release them out of their captivity (Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 45:1). Ezra, Nehemiah, Micah, Zechariah, Malachi, all trickled back to Jerusalem because Cyrus had allowed them to be released. However, of the 1.5 million Jewish nationals who lived throughout the Medo-Persian Empire, only 50,000 returned to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem.
I remember years ago thinking, why would they stay? Why would they not return when the opportunity arose? After 70 or so years, they had built their lives, developed community, established themselves in their environment and were content to remain in the Medo-Persian Empire. Yet, God still had a plan for His people, in their respective communities, they became successful, they also converted people to Judaism. They were influencing others with the wonderful works of God. That reach was about to expand to a whole new level!
Generations later, on this day, when Holy Spirit is released, we have this incredible marker in time and they are about to be influenced by the Spirit of the Lord with the message of the Gospel in such a powerful way, it will transform their lives, as well as the lives of their families for generations to come! These men and their families travelled from far away to attend Pentecost, the descendants of those who chose to stay in exile, were about to be set spiritually free! An Awakening was upon the earth and the day of their salvation was at hand! The day of their salvation was written in the Annals of Heaven from before they were born! 3000 men and their families would come to Jesus and take the Truth back to their communities! How exciting!
The magnitude of this particular outreach was incredible! Last week I shared that the work of the Apostles spread over 100,000 square miles. Here’s the breakdown of those who attended this first evangelical meeting of Pentecost:
The following were all north of Israel, in and around Iran/Iraq/Syria:
- Parthians – Iran
- Medes – Azerbaijan/NW Iran/NW Iraq
- Elamites – SW Iran
- Mesopotamia – Iraq, Syria, Turkey
Judea – Judah
The following were all in and around Modern-Day Turkey:
- Cappadocia – Modern-day Turkey
- Pontus – North of Modern-day Turkey
- Asia – Western Part of Modern-day Turkey
- Phrygia – Central Turkey
- Pamphylia – Turkey
These are from Northern Africa:
- Egypt
- Libya
- Cyrene – Greek City in Libya
Moving North of the Mediterranean Sea:
- Rome
- Cretans – Island in the Mediterranean Sea
Heading back around to the Arab Nations
- Saudi Arabia
- Southern Iraq
- Persian Gulf
- All along the Red Sea
- Gulf of Arabia
- Yemen
- Oman
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
This is such a tremendous expanse of the Gospel message! I think it’s important that we understand the gravity of the Awakening in the earth so, as we pray into our own Awakening, our hope can be ignited and released in faith!
Acts 2:13-15
13 But others made a joke of it and derisively said, They are simply drunk and full of sweet (intoxicating) wine. 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: You Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be (explained) to you so that you will know and understand; listen closely to what I have to say. 15 For these men are not drunk, as you imagine, for it is (only) the third hour (about 9:00 a.m.) of the day;
Jewish men – pious or not did not eat or drink until after 9 a.m. That time was considered devoted to their time with God.
Acts 2:16-20
16 But (instead) this is (the beginning of) what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy (telling forth the divine counsels) and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream (divinely suggested) dreams. 18 Yes, and on My menservants also and on My maidservants in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy (telling forth the divine counsels and predicting future events pertaining especially to God’s kingdom).
19 And I will show wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth beneath, blood and fire and smoking vapor; 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the obvious day of the Lord comes—that great and notable and conspicuous and renowned (day). (Joel 2:28-30)
Remember, most of those listening are devout Jewish men, they know the Scriptures. Under the move of the Spirit, as the Awakening is upon the land, Peter is bringing forth the Word of God to reveal how Jesus fulfilled those passages.
Acts 2:21
21 And it shall be that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord—Christ) shall be saved.
Peter continues to unpack the key passages revealing Who Christ is through the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets, the veil is pulled back to reveal the truth! Remember, many of these were here on Passover, they saw the events of that day, they knew the veil in the Tabernacle was rent from top to bottom, a feat only the Hand of God could achieve…now the veil over their heart was being rent!
Acts 2:22
22 You men of Israel, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man accredited and pointed out and shown forth and commended and attested to you by God by the mighty works and (the power of performing) wonders and signs which God worked through Him (right) in your midst, as you yourselves know—
Here comes the piercing work of the Word of God right here…
Acts 2:23-37
23 This Jesus, when delivered up according to the definite and fixed purpose and settled plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and put out of the way (killing Him) by the hands of lawless and wicked men. 24 (But) God raised Him up, liberating Him from the pangs of death, seeing that it was not possible for Him to continue to be controlled or retained by it.
25 For David says in regard to Him, I saw the Lord constantly before me, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken or overthrown or cast down (from my secure and happy state). 26 Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue exulted exceedingly; moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope (will encamp, pitch its tent, and dwell in hope in anticipation of the resurrection). 27 For You will not abandon my soul, leaving it helpless in Hades (the state of departed spirits), nor let Your Holy One know decay or see destruction (of the body after death). 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will enrapture me (diffusing my soul with joy) with and in Your presence. (Psalms 16:8-11)
29 Brethren, it is permitted me to tell you confidently and with freedom concerning the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being however a prophet, and knowing that God had sealed to him with an oath that He would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 He, foreseeing this, spoke (by foreknowledge) of the resurrection of the Christ (the Messiah) that He was not deserted (in death) and left in Hades (the state of departed spirits), nor did His body know decay or see destruction. (Psalm 49:8-9)
32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all we (His disciples) are witnesses. 33 Being therefore lifted high by and to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promised (blessing which is the) Holy Spirit, He has made this outpouring which you yourselves both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens; yet he himself says, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand and share My throne 35 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet. (Psalms 110:1)
36 Therefore let the whole house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt and acknowledge assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ (the Messiah)—this Jesus Whom you crucified.
37 Now when they heard this they were stung (KJV says “pricked”) to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren, what shall we do?
This Greek word for “pricked” or “stung” in the AMPC is “katanusso”. It means to pierce thoroughly, to be pricked, to be deeply moved or affected. It comes from “kata” meaning “down or against” and “nusso” meaning “to pierce”.
The Hebrew equivalent is often associated with similar concepts of being pierced or deeply moved is daqar, which means "to pierce", “or thrust through” “to stab” often with a weapon such as a sword or spear, it conveys the action of penetrating or stabbing, typically in a violent or forceful manner.”
Picture a warrior in battle, coming down from above the other soldier, reaching over the armor with his spear to pierce the heart.
I want to step back for a moment and say something here: many in the Church today have faced severe persecution for addressing sin in the Church as well as the Nation. As a result, they’ve pulled back from the truth and embraced politically correct techniques to deliver messages in hopes of avoiding persecution or being ‘cancelled.’ In other words, rather than offend a person by addressing their sin, they have become so politically correct, they cannot manage to even poke the heart with Q-Tip much less drive a daqar (or speak) through the scars developed around a sin-seared heart. This will not save souls from hell. We as the people of God, must remember our commission and learn from Peter’s example, love people enough to speak the truth—even if it hurts—in the Spirit of love and grace. Prayer makes this possible.
What does that look like?
Let’s Read Acts 2:37 again:
Now when they heard this they were stung (KJV says “pricked”) to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren, what shall we do?
The verb "katanussó" is used in the New Testament to describe a deep emotional or spiritual piercing, often associated with conviction or remorse. It conveys the idea of being deeply moved or cut to the heart, typically in response to a powerful message or realization of truth.
In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of being "pierced" or "pricked" was often associated with a sudden and profound emotional response. This could be in reaction to a speech, a revelation, or an encounter with the Divine. In the context of the New Testament, this term is used to describe the reaction of individuals who are confronted with the truth of the Gospel and experience a deep conviction of their need for repentance and transformation. Again, picture that battle, but it’s the Lord, taking His sword of truth to reach over our armor and pierce our hearts with truth!
An encounter with the Divine. To be violently pierced through the heart with the Truth of the Gospel and experience a deep conviction of their need for repentance and transformation.
Are we seeing anything like this today? Thursday night, in the “Good News Report” Darrell read the following:
'They Want God': 8,000 Students Seek Jesus in Huge Kentucky Revival, 2,000 Give Lives to Christ | CBN News
A supernatural Christian revival is stirring up once again on American college campuses through Unite US – an evangelistic movement marked by salvations, water baptisms, and worship. Last week, at the University of Kentucky, more than 2,000 students responded to the gospel message of Jesus Christ and many took part in spontaneous baptisms. It all began at Auburn University in September 2023 where 5,000 students showed up to worship Jesus and 200 were spontaneously baptized in a nearby lake. And now, the organization hosts massive worship events making waves on college campuses across the country. Collectively, those events have brought in more than 70,000 college students. Their first stop in 2025 was the University of Kentucky, just 30 minutes from Asbury University where the first sparks of a new spiritual awakening were seen among American students in February of 2023. This time, more than 8,000 students packed Rupp Arena to worship Jesus and to hear a powerful message on the Gospel. "Every time they are confessing their sin, they are yelling it out. They are responding to the Gospel in herds. Like droves of kids are coming forward to receive Jesus," said Allen. "We are baptizing kids for an hour and a half. [They are] giving their lives to Jesus." "It is only God," she added. "There is a movement amongst students that you can't believe. And even when you see it, you can't believe it!"
CBN's Abigail Robertson was there, and she attests to the almost indescribable move of God that took place on the campus. "I've never seen anything like what happened last night. Kids lining up to get baptized in 30-degree weather – it’s truly amazing what's happening," she shared. According to the event's organizers, it is an event that they have been praying about for months.”
‘God is Moving’: Ohio State Experiences Massive Revival
“On Feb. 18, 2025, Ohio State University experienced a massive revival as thousands of students gathered, with nearly 2,000 accepting the call for salvation. Unite US announced this fantastic news on Instagram, giving praise for what God is starting. We’ve been in awe of how God has already been moving on this campus over the past year, and He met us here again tonight. Over 6,500 students gathered in The Schott to lift the name of Jesus and almost 2,000 responded to the altar call – experiencing the freedom only He can bring. God is moving in this generation, and we know that He’s just getting started!”
What does it take to change a family? A Church? A generation? A nation? An encounter with the Divine. Katanusso! To be violently pierced through the heart with the Truth of the Gospel and experience a deep spiritual piercing, conviction and remorse for our sins, a conviction of our need for repentance and transformation.
However, to transform a nation, “katanusso” must be coupled with “metanoeo” or repentance.
In Acts 2:37 we read that they cried out: “brethren, what shall we do?”
37 Now when they heard this they were stung (KJV says “pricked”) to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren, what shall we do?
Peter responds with the answer here in Acts 2:38:
38 And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise (of the Holy Spirit) is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, (even) to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself.
The Greek word for “repent” in Acts 2:38 is “metanoeo” denotes a profound change of mind and heart, it is often associated with turning away from sin and turning towards God. It involves a recognition of wrongdoing, a sincere regret or remorse, and a commitment to change one's behavior and align with God's will.
For the early Christians, repentance was not merely an emotional response but a decisive turning point in one's life. It was a call to abandon former ways and embrace a new life in Christ. This was particularly significant in the context of the early church, where converts often came from pagan backgrounds and needed to renounce their previous beliefs and practices. (I would add, this is needed here in our generation today.)
For those devout Jews who’d travelled in for the feast, it was a piercing of the heart to the Truth of the fulfillment of the Covenant through Jesus Christ! It was a turning into the promises of God in Christ Jesus! 3000 men were added to their number that day, if we include women and children we would have thousands more! All received the message of Truth, all were baptized in Jesus, all were baptized into the Holy Spirit! They went back to their respective nations as evangelists, preaching this message of truth, one that would violently cut to the heart of their communities and bring about “metanoeo” a profound commitment to change one’s behavior and align with the will of God. A complete turning point! This was more than a revival service, this was an Awakening, released in the earth, igniting a generation to truth!
What truth?Again, let’s read Acts 2:37-38
37 Now when they heard this they were stung (KJV says “pricked” Katanusso-pierced all the way through) to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren, what shall we do?
38 And Peter answered them, Repent (Metanaoe-a profound commitment to change one’s behavior and align with the will of God - change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Last week I spoke of the impact of an Awakening on the Spiritual and Temporal planes. This is brought about by prayer. This impacts the nations, and I believe what we are seeing President Trump do on the temporal plane is the product of the Awakening on this temporal plane. When you couple revival and the Awakening, you have Acts 2—a revival occurring because of the Awakening opening the hearts and minds to the revelation of Messiah! And there’s never been a revival that pierced the heart and transformed a nation that did not include hard messages of truth. Why? What truly transforms a nation is the product of messages of Truth!
Today, we have Acts Book Two right before our eyes! The Lord told mom clear back in 2009 that this was coming, and we are right at the beginning of this unbelievable time of God moving in the earth!
There are 4 points here that led to this incredible revival of this first century Awakening. And it’s important for us to see these things ourselves. I don’t want to neglect mentioning them and providing Scriptures for us to hold on to, Scriptures to help drive our two key words home for us tonight:
Katanusso-Piercing & Metanaoe-the turning
Let me close by sharing four points which really are a requirement in our journey with God. These, if applied help bring the Greek words Katanusso and Metanaoe home for us. These points indicate to us that a response is needed from the hearers of truth.
As believers, we must actively focus on:
1) Hearing truth –-John 8:32, 16:13
2) Receiving truth—John 17:17
These first two are a product of Katanusso - To be violently pierced through the heart with the Truth of the Gospel and experience a deep conviction of our need for repentance and transformation.
3) Applying truth –Ephesians 4:25, Zechariah 8:16
4) Living truth—Ps 119:43
These last two are the product of Metanaoe a profound change of mind and heart, often associated with turning away from sin and turning towards God.
In short, it’s the piercing and the turning of a heart towards God
Katanusso and the resulting metanaoe a depict a transformation of the hearts and minds of the people who hear, receive, apply, and live out the revelation of His truth. It really takes a thrusting of His truth—Katanusso—piercing us through, all the way through our pride, self-righteousness, bitterness, anger and resentments that inadvertently causes us to build a wall between us and God to open the eyes of the blind. Then, when our eyes are open, we metanoae, turn from our wicked ways and run into His. This, collectively, changes us, our family, and our nation.
In times of normal Christian work, the evangelist seeks out the sinner. However, when God sends an Awakening, the sinner seeks out the evangelist. Much like we read in Acts and heard in those two reports about the University Revivals. They set up their night, but God brought in the sinners, and they heard and received the truth and cried out in repentance for their sins. Now, they can metanaoe – turn from those sins, then apply and live out the truth they have been given!
Finally, the product of this Momentous event:
Acts 2:40-47
40 And (Peter) solemnly and earnestly witnessed (testified) and admonished (exhorted) with much more continuous speaking and warned (reproved, advised, encouraged) them, saying, Be saved from this crooked (perverse, wicked, unjust) generation. 41 Therefore those who accepted and welcomed his message were baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000 souls.
42 And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread (including the Lord’s Supper) and prayers.
43 And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers).
44 And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and (together) they had everything in common; 45 And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need.
46 And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread (including the Lord’s Supper). They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, 47 Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding (to their number) daily those who were being saved (from spiritual death).
When the Asbury revival fell February 9, 2023. That morning, I had a dream of young people crying out to God in the midst of revival. They were repenting for their sins, the fire of God was falling, and the fear of God was falling upon the nation.
As I awoke, I heard myself cry out “The baptism of fire, its coming!”
The product of this type of God’s invasion into the lives of the people as He did on Pentecost, and again during periods such as Spurgeon and Finney, and as He is doing here in the lives of these students again two years later, in 2025, is one that drives us to our knees before Him, repenting, crying out for our sins, baring our hearts before Him for Him to cut through the flesh, pierce our hearts, and turn us, the Church, and our nation back to Him. It brings with it the fear of God, the pursuit of a holy life, and a transformation unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. Let us not take lightly what God is doing on the natural side of things to turn our nation around, but more importantly, let us not take lightly what God is doing on the spiritual side, for its eternal value extends much further than we can imagine. It’s taking His Word from a handful of cities and casting it across the known world through vessels who, in a profound moment of God’s mighty hand of invasion into humanity, had their hearts pierced, turned from their wicked ways and cried out “Brethren, what shall we do?!”
Blessings & love,
Ricci Johnson-Wilson
