Acts 2

Acts 2 – God descending Upon Man

  1. Coming of the Holy Spirit

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they (the 120) were all (still) with one accord (unified together) in one place (probably still in the Upper Room).

“Pentecost” This annual Jewish Feast is also called “Feast of Weeks” (cf. Exod. 34:22; Deut. 16:10). The term “Pentecost” means “fiftieth.” This feast was held fifty days (seven weeks) after Passover (i.e. numbering from the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread). It had three purposes in Jesus’ day:

       (1) commemoration of giving of the Law to Moses (cf. Jubliees 1:1);

       (2) thanksgiving to God for the harvest; and

       (3) an offering of the first fruits (i.e. a sign of YHWH’s ownership of the whole harvest) of the grain harvest.

The OT background is in Exod. 23:16–17; 34:22; Lev. 23:15–21; Num. 28:26–31 and Deut. 16:9–12.[1]

2 And suddenly (with no warning) there came a sound from heaven (from the sky downward), as of (or like) a rushing mighty wind (only without the actual wind), and it filled the whole house (not the world of even the whole city of Jerusalem) where they were sitting. 3 (After the auditory manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s arrival) Then (His visual manifestation) there appeared to them divided tongues, as of (like) fire (but not actual fire), and one sat upon each of them (collectively…no one had to individually seek it). 4 And they were all (collectively) filled with (brought under the influence of) the Holy Spirit and

Being baptized in the Spirit as Acts 1:4–5 states, being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now,” is different than being filled with the Spirit as Ephesians 5:18 states, “do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”

The baptism of the Holy Spirit must be understood in the light of his total work in Christians:

  • The Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience.
    • No one belongs to Christ without his Spirit (Romans 8:9);
    • no one is united to Christ without his Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17);
    • no one is adopted as God’s child without his Spirit (Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 4:6–7);
    • no one is in the body of Christ except by baptism in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
  • The Spirit is the power for the new life.
    • He begins a lifelong process of change as believers become more like Christ (Galatians 3:3; Philippians 1:6).
    • Those who receive Christ by faith begin an immediate personal relationship with God.
    • The Holy Spirit works in them to help them become like Christ.
  • The Spirit unites the Christian community in Christ (Ephesians 2:19–22).
    • The Holy Spirit can be experienced by all,
    • and he works through all (1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:4).[2]

(the third sign of the Holy Spirit’s manifestation is divine ability where by they all) began to speak with other tongues (i.e., languages and dialects foreign to them, but not to others—v. 6, 8, 11), as the Spirit gave them utterance (as the Holy Spirit enabled them to do so).

He was in total control of the situation. They simply received what He gave.

The evidence of the Spirit’s coming was unmistakable. He manifested His presence to the ears, eyes, and mouths of the believers. But it didn’t stop there. His coming had a profound effect on the people of Jerusalem as well.[3]

One thing is absolutely essential if a believer wants to receive the fullness of God’s Spirit: obedience. The believer must obey Christ and follow His instructions. Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible – Commentary – The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible – Acts.

O Thou who camest from above

The pure celestial fire to impart,

Kindle a flame of sacred love

On the mean altar of my heart!

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire

To work, and speak, and think for Thee;

Still let me guard the holy fire,

And still stir up Thy gift in me.

                                       —John Wesley[4]

2. The Crowd’s Response

5 And (at this same time) there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews (gathered to celebrate the “Feast of the First Fruits.”), devout men (reverent, worshipful, careful. It means persons who handle spiritual matters carefully Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible – Acts.), from every nation under heaven (from all across the known world). 6 And when this sound (of the Holy Spirit’s coming and presence) occurred, the multitude came together (formed a group at the place where the sound descended), and were confused (bewildered), because everyone heard them (the 120 within and/or around the house) speak in his own language (dialect—ethnic language—mother tongue). 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans (people not of our lands nor familiar or educated in our cultures)? 8 And how is it (then how can it be) that we hear, each (one) in our own language (dialect—ethnic language) in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs (we know it’s not humanly possible, yet)—we hear them speaking in our own tongues (in at least 15 different languages and dialects foreign to them) the wonderful (great and glorious) works of God (and certainly gospel of Christ would be a part of this conversation).” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” (These are people who are really looking for the truth and they will soon find out the truth when Peter preaches his sermon; the first of many sermons in this book.)

13 Others (who aren’t interested in the truth, and even deny the miraculous signs and wonders like the Pharisees) mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” (Peter is about to take care of that ludicrous remark.)

God will not allow Satan to use these doubt sayers/antagonists to shut down the work of the Holy Spirit.  Christ will build His church and the gates of Hell will not be able to stand against Him!

3. Peter’s Sermon

14 But Peter (in response to the 120 being drunk), standing up with the (other) eleven (including Matthias), raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea (my fellow Jews) and all who dwell in Jerusalem (residents of Jerusalem), let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these (speaking in your language) are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day (9:00 AM). 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (Peter doesn’t say it is the fulfillment of Joel, but he demonstrates through Joel’s prophecy that what is happening here has biblical merit.)  17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days (when Christ will return to set up His kingdom—not the present days), says God, that I will pour out of My (Holy) Spirit on all flesh (so the Holy Spirit filling God’s children as you see this morning, is something that can happen); your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams (they will be able to do these things through the Holy Spirit, as these today are able to speak your native tongue through Him today).

18  And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy (as you see men and women speaking in tongues today). 19  I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke (wonders and signs are not foreign to God’s work either, so tongues are not out of line in this area either). 20 (In the end times) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. (Today, in the establishing of Christ’s church, the present sign and wonder is people speaking in your native tongue, as well as the sound of the Spirit descending and the tongues of flame.  It’s all to authenticate the messengers and the message of the Lord.)

21  And (having given a biblical basis for what you see happening here, and having shown to you that it is a work of God and not of man) it shall come to pass that whoever (it doesn’t matter what their age, sex, ethnic background, social status or anything else is, whoever) calls on the name of the Lord (places saving faith in Him as a result of His life and work) shall be saved.’ (shall be delivered from judicial judgment—the wrath of God—the second death) 22 “Men of Israel (my fellow Jews), hear these words (listen to me very carefully): Jesus of Nazareth (who gave up His life on the cross), a Man attested (affirmed, proven during His life to be God’s Son, the Messiah) by God (the Father Himself) to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him (through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection) in your midst (before you very eyes and again now today through His Holy Spirit), as you yourselves also know—(you cannot claim ignorance to these miraculous events) 23 Him, (God’s Son, the Messiah, our Master and Savior) being delivered (betrayed and handed over the enemy) by the determined purpose (the will and design) and foreknowledge (eternal and comprehensive knowledge) of God, you (yourselves, having witnessed his signs and wonders) have taken (seized) by lawless (criminal) hands, have crucified, and put to death (you unlawfully arrested, crucified, killed and disposed of in a grave); 24 whom God (your Creator, the Most High God) raised up (undid all your godless plans and activity by raising Christ back to life!), having loosed (or reversed) the pains (the emotional grief and physical realities) of death, because it was not possible that He (Christ) should be held by it (having committed no crime of sin which is required if death is going to be able to incarcerate Him). 25 For (even King) David says concerning Him (concerning God’s predetermined purpose and foreknowledge, ([Psalm 16:8-11]): ‘I foresaw (I always kept) the LORD (the Messiah) always before my face (David never doubted the Messiah’s coming), for He (the Messiah) is at my right hand (the forefront of my mind), that I may not be shaken (that I will never lose courage or direction). 26  Therefore (as a result of keeping my Messiah before me) my heart rejoiced (was filled with happiness), and my tongue was glad (was filled with praise and thanksgiving); moreover my flesh also will rest in hope (will be filled with peace and expectation). 27  For You (the Most High) will not leave (or abandon) my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One (as we will see is the Messiah) to see corruption (decay in the grave). 28  You (God) have made known to me the ways of life (the way to eternal life, life beyond this earthly one); You will make me (ultimately) full of joy (when I arrive) in Your presence.’ (in heaven)

29 (Now coming to the crux of his argument) “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David (placing David on the same level as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), that he (David) is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day (David’s body did decay away, his body was not raised to new life, full of joy and in the presence of God – David didn’t fulfill Psalm 16:8-11). 30 Therefore, being a (true) prophet (as we know he was), and knowing that God had (genuinely) sworn with an oath to him (David) that of (or out of) the fruit (the descendents) of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ (the Messiah, from the dead, to new life, full of joy and in the presence of God the Father) to sit on his throne, 31 he (David), foreseeing this (prophecy), spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption (being raised from the dead just 3 days later). 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses (we have physically see Him, touched Him, heard Him, ate with Him; the fulfillment and reality of David’s prophecy). 33 Therefore (Jesus who ascended from this earth before our eyes) being exalted (to heaven) to the right hand of God (God the Father, Eph. 1:20-23), and having received from the Father the promise of (God) the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4; John 14:26), He poured out this which you now see and hear (which reveals Christ is alive, and now being seated at the Father’s right hand, God keeps His promise to send the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ place).

34 (Psalm 16:8-11; 110:1; Matt. 22:41-46) “For David (whose body still lies in his tomb) did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord (God the Father) said to my Lord (God the Son), “Sit at My right hand, 35  Till I make Your enemies Your footstool (until the world recognizes and is brought into subjection to Christ’s Messiahship!—of which Peter’s audience had not come to yet).”’

  • His first proof was the person of Jesus Christ (vv. 22–24). Peter’s audience knew that Jesus was a real Person from the town of Nazareth and that He had performed many signs and miracles.
  • Peter’s second proof was the prophecy of David (vv. 25–31). He quoted Psalm 16:8–11, verses that obviously could not apply to David who was already dead and buried.
  • The third proof was the witness of the believers (v. 33). After His resurrection, Jesus did not appear to the world at large, but to His own followers whom He had commissioned to give witness to others that He was alive (Acts 1:3, 22).
  • Peter’s fourth proof of the resurrection of Christ was the presence of the Holy Spirit (vv. 33–35). Follow his logic. If the Holy Spirit is in the world, then God must have sent Him. Joel promised that one day the Spirit would come, and Jesus Himself had promised to send the gift of the Holy Spirit to His people (Luke 24:49; John 14:26; 15:26; Acts 1:4). But if Jesus is dead, He cannot send the Spirit; therefore, He must be alive.[5]

36 “Therefore (in conclusion) let all the house of Israel (in light of whom God said He, “will be their God, and they [Israel] shall be my people [Jer. 31:33].”) know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord (Master) and Christ (the Anointed, God the Messiah).”

The verdict was in, and they were on the wrong side, guilty of opposing God and rejecting their Messiah. [6]

 37 Now when they (the audience) heard this (truth—suddenly and unexpectedly), they were cut to the heart (pierced with deep guilt and horrifying conviction), and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we (we who said, “Crucify Him, and let Jesus’ blood be on us and our children” [Matt. 27:25] “Father forgive them for they know not what they do [Lk. 23:34]) do?” (Is there any hope or means of reconciliation and forgiveness for our great wrong!?)

  • First, … was the realization that they had executed their Messiah. The One for whom they had longed for centuries, the One who was the hope of all their personal and national promises, had finally come. Instead of welcoming Him, however, they rejected Him and handed Him over to their bitter and hated enemies, the Romans, for execution.
  • Second, they themselves had done it. It would have been bad enough to learn that Messiah had been killed. Far worse was the knowledge of their own complicity in the crime. … They could not imagine a greater sin than killing their Messiah.
  • A third cause for their anguish was fear of Messiah’s wrath. Peter had announced to them in no uncertain terms that the same Jesus they had crucified was now alive (vv. 24, 31, 32). Worse still, he had quoted to them a passage from Psalm 110 that spoke of the vanquishing of Messiah’s enemies. What greater enemies of God existed than those who killed His Messiah?
  • Finally, they were devastated by the understanding that what they had done could not be undone.[7]

Commentator Albert Barnes rightly notes that “false repentance dreads the consequences of sin; true repentance dreads sin itself”[8]

38 Then Peter said to them (Here is what you can and need to do), “Repent (turn from, forsake the sin of your denial and persecution of Christ as the Messiah, and recognize and receive Him), and let every one of you be baptized (as an outward expression of your repentance and newfound faith) in the name of Jesus Christ (identifying yourself with Him) for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (cumulative…..sins concerning crucifying Christ and everything else); and you shall receive the gift (singular, free, unmerited, presence) of the Holy Spirit.

We know that receiving the Holy Spirit isn’t contingent upon being baptized because of Acts 10:47 – “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

 39 For the promise (of God the Spirit [Acts 1:4]) is to you and to your children (the people of Israel), and to all who are afar off (Gentiles as well…..it’s multigenerational and cross cultural), as many as the Lord our God will call (summon, draw to Himself [Jn. 6:44— No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.]).”

I think John McArthur addresses this issue of God’s election really well, he says — “It presents the necessary balance to his statement in verse 21 that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” A biblical view of salvation does not exclude either human responsibility or divine sovereignty, but allows them to remain in tension. We must resist the attempt to harmonize what Scripture does not, content in the knowledge that there is no ultimate contradiction in God’s mind.”[9]

Acts 18:8–10 – Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

1 John 2:1–2 – My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

4. A Vital Church Grows

40 And with many other words (that Luke is not inspired by the Holy Spirit to write down) he (Peter) testified (bore witness of) and exhorted (pleaded with, appealed to) them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse (bent, crooked, evil) generation (people).” 41 Then those who gladly received his word (understood and accepted Peter’s truth and conditions) were baptized; and that day about three thousand (saved/delivered) souls were added to them (which suggests that they kept track of the new believers – maybe for discipleship purposes). 42 And they continued steadfastly (intensely, persistently, passionately, devotedly) in the apostles’ doctrine (teaching, instruction, the learning and modeling of God’s truth) and fellowship (“koinonia,” a partner, sharer in the gospel, work, and people of Christ—inspiring and motivating one another in these matters—not forsaking their assembling together [Heb. 10:24-25]), in the breaking of bread (which may mean sharing their common meals together and/or the Lord’s Supper), and in prayers (praying without ceasing for and with one another). 43 Then  fear (profound respect, awe, reverence) came upon every soul (concerning others who had been observing all this as well as those newly saved), and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles (authenticating the message, events and the messengers of Christ and His truth). 44 Now all who believed were together (united in the truth and work of the Lord, as well as in the practical welfare of one another), and had all things in common (were motivated to be, provide and do the same things with and for their neighbors), 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need (as anyone lacked what they could provide).

46 So continuing daily with one accord (with one mind and united purpose) in the temple (assumedly for fellowship, teaching, prayer and evangelizing), and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness (this joy is in the extreme and strongly insinuates dancing, leaping, jumping, etc.) and simplicity (humbleness—this expression of “simplicity” occurs only once in the New Testament. It is derived from a word that signifies smooth, plain land without any rocks that mar the surface or soil[10]) of heart (there was tranquility among them and there was no pecking order…..everyone was equal), 47 praising God (glorifying God fervently, openly and often) and having favor (acceptance and being favorably disposed) with all the people (regardless of background). And the Lord added (new believers) to the church daily those who were (continually) being saved.

Matthew 16:18 – And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

They were still going to the Temple and being open about their faith, so that all could see and experience their transformed lives. Later came the intense persecution by the Jews. They proved true the words of Jesus in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Their unity was an answer to our Lord’s high priestly prayer “that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me” (John 17:21).[11]

[1] Utley, R. J. D. (2003). Vol. Volume 3B: Luke the Historian: The Book of Acts. Study Guide Commentary Series (23). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

[2] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (24). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[3] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (42). Chicago: Moody Press.

[4] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (23). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Ac 2:14). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

[6] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (67). Chicago: Moody Press.

[7] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (70–71). Chicago: Moody Press.

[8] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (72). Chicago: Moody Press.

[9] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (75). Chicago: Moody Press.

[10] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (113–114). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

[11] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (88). Chicago: Moody Press.