The Book of Acts Chapter 2
The Sending of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-13
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
A. Solemn Feast
The feast of Pentecost is 1 day and 7 Sabbaths, after the Passover Sabbath (Lev 23:15,16). We must remember that Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week or 1 day after the Passover Sabbath. Pentecost would be 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection (After 40 days He ascended and 10 days after that would be Pentecost. Pentecost is called the feast of weeks Ex 34:22 and Pentecost is called the day of wheat 1st fruits Num 28:26 (Jesus is the First-fruits). 10 days after Jesus ascension, the people are gathered and are in accord (1 mind) and in 1 place (assembled together) waiting upon the promise of the Holy Spirit to come
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
B. Sound
This sound came suddenly, unexpectedly and was startling to man but was in God’s perfect time. This sound was Sovereignly sent From Heaven, in other words it was God sent. Remember “every good and perfect gift cometh from above”. This sound was strong. It was a mighty and rushing wind, which is demonstrating force or power (hearing is by word of God). The sound was supernatural- as of the Wind in Ezekiel 37:9 & John 3:8 (did you know that the Hebrew word for spirit means breath?)
The sound came as they were all sitting and it filled all of those in the house.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance
C. Symbolic
Thirdly we see the Symbols of the Holy Spirit. I kind of think that they saw the wing of a flame and it became a light unto them. There were cloven tongues like as of fire. Cloven meaning parted or separate, probably representing the diversity of languages. They began to speak in languages they were never taught in. Now they could preach unto all nations. This supernatural event confirmed their own faith while convincing others of the power of God. Right here the Holy Spirit has baptized them as Jesus said in Acts 1:5. The baptism of the Holy Ghost baptizes us into one body I Cor. 12:13, the body of Christ.
After they were filled with the Holy Ghost they began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance. To be baptized by the Spirit is God’s business but to be filled is a command of God. It is necessary for service to God for a person to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18)
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
D. Sincerity
Please note the Sincerity that was present. All male Jews were commanded to
come to Jerusalem to attend 3 of the feasts of the law (the feast of Pentecost being one of them). Certainly there were many who were keeping Gods law, so there probably were many visitors in town for the feast of Pentecost.
Now, the scripture speaks of those Jews dwelling or residing in Jerusalem. This was not simply an out of town movement. Yes, men out of every nation under heaven were present but there were also men presently living in Jerusalem. The Spirit tells us that these men were devout men meaning discreet and cautious men.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
E. Spread
The message of the Spirit was Spread abroad. People took notice of this supernatural miracle. These men were not speaking in unknown tongue or speaking gibberish but every man heard in his own language or dialect and they were amazed.
I remember Brother J. Harold Smith telling of a woman who jumped up at the church
where he had pastored and began to speak in tongues. He waited for a moment after she finished and no one translated her speaking in tongues. The preacher said “thank you for your donation”. The lady said, “I made no donation, I spoke in the heavenly tongue”. The preacher said “the Bible teaches a translator is to be present and since you had no one to translate, I thought I would translate, and thank you again for your kind donation.” The lady got up and left the sanctuary very angrily. You see my friend, she contradicted the word of God and the man of God called her out on it. The Bible is very clear about tongues. I Cor 14:27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. That verse says that only 1, 2 or at the most 3 can speak in tongues and even at that, they must take turns (course) and there must be a interpreter present. If no interpreter is present then verse 28 says then let him keep silent. I Corinthians, verse 34 says that the women are to be silent. Nowadays you take the women out of the tongues movement in some churches and the tongues movement would stop.
One more story along those lines, Brother J Harold Smith told of a time when a woman got up and spoke in tongues and sat back down. Just behind her a missionary, who had just returned from tribal Africa, stood up and said, “this woman has just denied the blood of Jesus and His Son-ship to God the Father in a tribal language only spoken in Africa.” The speaker in tongues, of such apostasy, squat down on a all fours and crawled out of the building making evil hissing noises. She had contradicted the Word of God and had been called out on it. Thank God nobody had said “Amen” when she had spoken in a tongue no one knew, until after the interpreter stood up and interpreted. Then the truth came out. Let’s be careful with tongues. I believe in Acts it was appointed of God to reach the unreachable and give a sign to the Jew.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
F. Sixteen
We find that there are Sixteen areas of language mentioned, each of which
would cover around 3 continents. All sixteen were speaking “the wonderful works of God”
this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
G. Scoffers
There were “scoffers” as to what was happening. Many were perplexed at this
un-explained happening and did not understand. It was too strong for them to fathom. Others
mocked saying the men were drunken (i.e. They thought these men were controlled by wine,
but they were rather, controlled by the Spirit Eph 5:18 ).
Gift in the tongue? OR Gift in the ear?
Allow me to speak of a personal experience. One night at a nursing home I preached to those that were shut in. I gave an invitation and no one seemed to move until suddenly a lady put her hand up. I went to where she was and spoke with her personally. She testified that she was a sinner and wanted to be saved. I gave her scripture and she called upon Jesus for salvation. She confessed this back to me, and a few others that were present with me and shortly I then dismissed the service. As I was leaving, one of the workers asked who had gotten saved. I showed them and the other workers looked perplexed. I asked why they looked so bothered and their response was, “she can’t communicate with any of us, she only speaks in French”. I went back to her and somehow she understood my preaching perfectly.............in French she tried to explain. I personally do not speak any French, nor have I, only English. The Spirit must have spoken to her hearing in French while I spoke in English. That makes me ponder and stand in awe!!
If there is an answer, then there should be a question
I- First question in verse 12 “What meaneth this ?” the scoffers asked
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
A. Authority 14,15
Notice that the tongues have stopped as preaching began. Peter has become very bold and has great courage. What a change from his earlier denials. Now Peter begins to address the great audience. First Peter rebukes those mocking about the “so called” drunken hearers because it is only 9AM.
Peter is going to answer their question “what meaneth this?” with a sermon of God.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
B. Age of the Spirit 16-21
Peter begins to make a quotation from Joel 2:28-32. What is happening here in the book of Acts is not a complete fulfillment of the above passage but is a Sneak Preview of what will come. Joel 2:28-32 will be fulfilled entirely in the future.
Note the simplicity of salvation in the message of Peter found in Verse 21. Hey, that was quoted from the Old Testament. God knew that one day whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
C. Account 22-24
The focus of Peter’s message is Jesus and should be for all preachers.
Note the Outline of the Message:
#1) Jesus a man, yet full God Approved of God
#2) Jesus miracles and wonders in the perfect life he lived Authority of God
#3) Jesus delivered in the foreknowledge of God Abandoned by God
#4) Mankind crucified the Son of God Actions of man
#5) Impossible for death to hold Jesus as He Arose Attested by infallible proofs
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life ; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
D. Assurance 25-28
Peter gives another Old Testament quotation, this one is of Psalm 16:8-11. This was prophesied by King David. David stated that the Messiah will die, but His soul will not be in a continued state of separation (Hades) but will Rise again to Life. David states that the Messiah will die but His soul would not be in a state of corruption. To the Jew corruption technically begins on day 4. Jesus arose on the third day!!
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
E. Address 29-32
King David is not the Messiah, nor could he be. King David is dead and buried., his body is still in the grave. King David, in his prophecy, was not speaking of himself, as his body would see corruption status. But, David is speaking of another......the coming Messiah, the Christ. This Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed Son of God who lived, died and is risen again
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. !
F. Ascension 33-35
Jesus is at the right hand of the Father............not King David. Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; therefore we are taught that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father. That he sat down after His sacrificial work on the cross, His resurrection and His ascension was completed. Rom 8:34 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Therefore, we are taught that Jesus is at the right hand of God and that in being in that lofty position, Jesus makes intercession for us. My friend, Jesus has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God.
Jesus is the only one who could sit at the Right Hand of God and fulfill to us His Promises. Jesus is The Promised Messiah. Yes Jesus is the Son of David (Luke 1:32) BUT Jesus is greater than David and not lesser than David. Why? Well, Jesus is the Son of God! Jesus is full man (David’s lineage) and yet full God (God’s Only Son).
Peter goes on to say that Jesus has sent to us the Spirit just as He promised us. And you are witnesses of this promise, this day!
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
G. Application 36
God hath made Jesus both Lord (In charge of all) and Christ (Messiah, deliverer). It is not man that has appointed Jesus to these offices, but God!
II. Second Question “What shall we do?”- Those under conviction asked
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
H. Asking 37
The men, after the first question is answered have another question because they are under conviction. “Pricked in their heart” speaks to us the convicting power of the Spirit.
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
I. Answer 38-41
Peter tells the men to repent................call upon Jesus and be saved. Then be baptized, after salvation, to show that they are identifying themselves with Christ. At salvation, they will receive the gift of the indwelling presence of the Spirit. Peter says to them that this promise is unto you and future generations (both Jews and Gentiles will receive salvation).
3000 were precious souls were saved. Praise God!! Please note a few things here. In Ex 32:28, as Moses received the law, the people were worshiping a golden calf. Because of this sin 3000 died. But in the New Testament, after Jesus has died for our sins and risen again, now we live under grace, we find in Acts 2:42, that 3000 were saved. There is life in Jesus!!
The Early Church Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
A. Stedfast
1. Doctrine
They continued in the Apostles’ doctrine. It is not the height of the steeple or the ring of the bell that makes one a follower of Christ. But it’s the fact that we are saved and want to continue to follow His Commandments. The apostles preached the doctrine of Jesus. It was not correct doctrine because the apostles taught it, but it was correct doctrine because the doctrine was consistent with scripture (I Jn 4:1-3)
2. Demonstration
Fellowship. The people were sharing the things of Christ and were in perfect unity. There was no discord or strife amongst them. Friend please note, that if we stray outside of unity, then Discipline will be enforced. The Bible teaches (Heb 12:5-11) that when we error we will bring upon ourselves chastisement
3. Discernment
The breaking of bread, this could be the partaking of the Lord’s Supper, but it could also be the relationship that the believer has with Christ and His church. In Luke 24:27-32, the two on the road to Emmaus. These men were blinded to the things of God, Jesus even walked with them and they knew it not. But finally Jesus was made known to them in breaking of bread. Friend, as we preach Christ (Breaking Bread of Life) and follow Him, then we may Know or discern More of Him.
4. Direct Access
Our greatest asset is prayer. Yet how seldom we use it. When sickness comes, do we not turn to the emergency room first, or the doctor or the nurse or a pill? Friend I am not against any of those things, but I think first we should turn to Jesus and then He may chose to heal by His touch. It is possible that the Lord may chose to work through a pill, nurse, doctor or emergency room visit. When we a have problem why do we not turn to Him first? I know this because I have done it so many times, when even today I have turned to things of this world before I looked to Him. But when I sin, I am convicted, and I confess it to Him, and by His mercy He is willing to forgive me (I Jn 1:9)
When we got saved we were given access to the throne of Grace Rom 5:2, Heb 4:16. The only prayer God hears of the lost man is a prayer of repentance. Ps 66:18 tells us that God will not hear our prayer if we are in sin. Only when a sinner asks for salvation, will God hear him. After the lost man is saved, then he has direct access to the throne of God. Friend, we can come directly into the presence of God, as Jesus is our advocate. By Him we gain Entrance and Acceptance to the Father I Jn 2:1,2
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
B. Signs
1. Wonders (Vs 43)
The wonders and signs were performed by the Apostles, through the Holy Spirit. The wonders were not done by anyone as a layman or laity but by the Apostles Only!!
2. Works (Vs 44-47)
The people were together and had all things common. They sold possessions and goods and shared the sum. This could be known as communal sharing. It was practiced by the early church but did not last, nor was it meant to. Today we are taught to be good stewards, II Cor 9:6-8, to give willingly and cheerfully. The early church, in communal sharing, was done as a voluntary act not a command.
Please note that in Acts 5:4, Ananias’ sin was not in keeping the sum of monies for his land that was sold, but it was his lying to God and the Holy Spirit about it.
In Verse 47 The Lord added to the church, daily, such as should be saved. Here I am reminded what the scriptures say “Except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it.” I remember Bro J. Harold Smith telling me that at one church he pastored there was someone saved at every service for almost 9 years. That means at least one was saved at Sun Morning Worship, at least one was saved at Sun Evening Worship, at least one was saved on Wednesday Night and at least one was saved at each night of revival services!! My friend, the God we serve can do that again, if we desire it.