Chapter Two
The Arrival of the Holy Spirit is both Seen and Heard
2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
The day of Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, Feast of the Harvest, and Shavout, is the ‘middle’ feast of the seven annual appointed times set out in the Old Testament (see Exodus 23:14-17; 34:22; Leviticus 23:15-22; Numbers 28:26-31; Deuteronomy 16:9-12, 16, click here to learn more). It was one of the three pilgrimage festivals where God required all men who were able to travel to celebrate the feasts in Jerusalem. During those three times of the year when pilgrimages were required, Jerusalem’s population would increase dramatically.
2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
The arrival of the promised Holy Spirit (see John 14:15-31; 15:26; 16:7) is announced by the sound like a “mighty rushing wind, which filled the entire house where the apostles were sitting. It is interesting to note that in both the Hebrew and Greek languages the words that are translated as ’spirit’ can also be translated as ‘wind’ or ‘breath’.
2:3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The Holy Spirit was also seen in what looked like like tongues of flames of fire on top of each one of them. Luke tells us that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit which allowed them to speak in different languages as the Spirit guided them in what they were saying.
2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.
As pointed out above, Pentecost was a time when Jews from around the known world would come to Jerusalem, many with varied native languages. Readers often miss the subtle statement here, these people were not just speaking a different language, they were being heard in each person’s native language. For example when someone spoke a word, a listener from Egypt would hear the word in Egyptian, while a listener from Media would hear a Median word. This miracle of language confused those who were listening.
2:7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”
This miracle got the attention of everyone as they were all astounded and amazed, especially since those speaking were mainly from the Galilee region. Luke provides an exhaustive list of fifteen regions these people were from that heard the apostles each speaking in their native language: Arabia, Asia, Cappadocia, Crete, Egypt, Elam, Judea, Libya (Cyrene), Media, Mesopotamia, Pamphylia, Parthia, Phrygia, Pontus, and Rome. This was occurring to both Jews and proselytes alike (converts to Judaism).
2:12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Now that this truly amazing interaction and movement by the Holy Spirit caught everyone’s attention, they began to ask each other, “What does this mean?” But as the old adage states, “There’s always one in the crowd!” The mockers ignored the miraculous and discounted this phenomenon as those speaking were just intoxicated. Since the miracle involved both the speaker as well as the listener, perhaps the Holy Spirit discerned their hearts as being rebellious and all they heard was gibberish. We know that if we had to identify the ‘one’ influencer in the crowd, that it would be Satan, as he certainly didn’t want to see the birth of the church!
Considerations
Often Not Taught
Sadly, many churches and denominations don’t teach God’s appointed times and therefore only know Pentecost as the day the church was born, nothing more. God’s appointed times are not only times to celebrate and remember key events of the past, but they are also prophetic. For example Jesus died on Passover, in the grave on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and rose to life again on the Feast of First Fruits, and now as recorded here in the book of Acts, the church was born on Pentecost, the Feast of Weeks. There are three additional appointed times that are yet unfulfilled (click here to learn more about God’s appointed times).
The Church Was Born
What does it mean when someone refers to the church being born? Did God change His mind or thought it was time for a new religion? The answer is a resounding no! Besides, God doesn’t change His mind (see Numbers 23:19). But it is true that in Jeremiah 31:31 He promised a new covenant, one with a new relationship that may, when read quickly, might seem to be proposing different ‘rules’. Jeremiah wrote these words from God: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34, ESV)
First of all note who the recipient is of this new covenant, that would be all of Israel, both the house of Israel (the northern kingdom) and the house of Judah (the southern kingdom). God says it will not be like the covenant (note that this is singular, not multiple covenants, just the one) He made with their fathers when He brought them out of Egypt (being the conditional covenant given to Moses on Mount Sinai), that they failed to keep, even though He was their husband (accusing them of being unfaithful in that relationship). God then states that the new covenant will be made with the house of Israel after those days. That He will put His law within them, written on their hearts, and He will be their God, and they will be His people. And referring to a time yet future in heaven, He says that no longer will there be a need to teach about Him as everyone there will already know Him! How is that possible? Because God will forgive their sins which He no longer remembers!
But wait! Something’s missing! And that would be the gospel story. In order for Jeremiah 31:34 to be a reality, the law required justice before forgiveness could be offered. But now we have another problem, humanity is plagued with sin and cannot save itself, as the punishment for sin is death. Only a human being (as they have to be related to Adam) who did not sin could atone for sin. God knowing this from the beginning knew that He would send His Son to live a sinless life, suffer, die, and rise to life again at the right time. Jesus did not change the law, He fulfilled it (see Matthew 5:17-20; Luke 24:44-45; Romans 8:34). He does not represent a new religion, He is the law “personified,” and through Him sinners who put their trust in Jesus are considered righteous. And the gift of salvation is also offered to all non-Israelites (see Romans 11:11-24). The church that was born on Pentecost does not represent a different religion, just a different relationship with the Living God. A relationship which is sealed by the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 1:22) who indwells in each believer who then writes the truth about God on their hearts. The church is the “process system”that God chose to deliver the gospel message to the world. The “mission statement” for every church should begin with the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:18-20) as God wants all to be saved through His Son Jesus (see 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9).
Peter Speaks at Pentecost Gathering
2:14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
Peter, responding to the mockers and those confused by what was happening, began to address the crowd. He asks them to listen to him and explains that these people are not drunk as they are apparently accusing, since it was only the third hour of the day (essentially nine in the morning, click here for more information regarding watch times and hours). He is stating that it was too early to be drinking, let alone be already intoxicated.
2:16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on 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 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Peter further explains that what they are all witnessing was what the prophet Joel wrote about in Joel 2:28-32. He quotes the Hebrew text but with a significant variation which reads in the English, “And it shall come to pass afterward…” (Joel 2:28a, ESV) The difference being the timing, here in the book of Acts the text refers to the end times while the text from Joel (in both the Hebrew and the Septuagint) refers to things occurring after these things (Judah’s Babylonian captivity). How do we reconcile the differences, as this event took place nearly two-thousand years ago? One viewpoint is that when Peter spoke (being after Jesus’ resurrection) that they were entering the last period of time, namely the kingdom of heaven (see 1 John 2:18). Some believe that the person who wrote or changed the text considered the “Day of the Lord” that Joel wrote about, to be a reference to being the end of days. It should be noted that the phrase, “the day of the Lord,” is used in the Bible to refer to a number of events where God intervened or will yet intervene, not just the last days (click here to read more about the day of the Lord). Others believe the difference was done in error.[1]
After the resurrection and subsequent ascension of Jesus, the promised Holy Spirit came (see John 14:15-17) and was poured into the hearts of all believers (see Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16), just as Joel prophesied, and noted that the recipients of the Holy Spirit would prophesy having visions and dreams. Those that were prophesying at this time on Pentecost were undoubtedly experiencing prophetic views, and seeing a variety of signs and wonders, things that will take place in the future prior to Jesus’ return (click here to learn about Joel’s prophecy). Peter’s quote from Joel also included the prophecy that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord (which would be Jesus) will be saved! A very different relationship with God.
2:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
Peter now identifies what changed, essentially answering the unasked question, “Why is all this happening now?” Peter tells the crowd that the person they crucified, the same one who proved Himself as being sent by God through mighty works, signs, and wonders which they themselves witnessed, a man who lived, suffered, and was put to death according to God’s plan, was resurrected, as death had no power over Him. Peter made it clear, it’s all about Jesus!
2:25 For David says concerning him, “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
Peter then quotes Psalm 16:8-11, a psalm of David, where he writes that he believes that God will not abandon him now, or ever, that he will always dwell in hope, be saved from Hades and any corruption (bodily decay), and remain in God’s presence. As a Messianic psalm (pertaining to the Messiah, Jesus) we could apply this to Him speaking in the first person describing the confident trust He has in His Father, even facing the agony of the cross.
2:29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
To support the fact that David was writing about Jesus and not himself, Peter points out that David died, was buried, and his tomb is still there (in other words his bones are still in the tomb). He calls David a prophet who knew that God promised him that out of his lineage would come one who would need be resurrected, not abandoned to Hades, nor see any bodily decay. And that descendant was Jesus, God raised Him from the dead, as they all saw for themselves.
2:33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Jesus, now sitting at the right hand of His Father, and having received the promise from His Father to send the Holy Spirit, has sent the Spirit that day which is what they are seeing and hearing. As David did not ascend into heaven yet he wrote in Psalm 110:1 “The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Peter then proclaims that all of Israel can therefore know for certain that God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (their Messiah), whom they crucified.
2:37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
When Peter was finished speaking those listening were “cut to the heart” (deeply moved) and asked “What shall we do?” He replied, that each one should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter adds that this promise is for them, their children, and for those in future generations, everyone God calls through the gospel message.
2:40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Luke tells us that Peter continued to speak to them witnessing and encouraging them to save themselves from their perverse generation. In response they understood and many accepted what he said to be true and were baptized. Luke estimates about three-thousand people were saved on the first day of the church.
Considerations
Forgiveness of Sins
Verse 38 is often quoted to substantiate the belief that baptism is necessary for salvation, it is not. Baptism is an outward action that reflects an inner change and commitment. Something seen that otherwise cannot be seen (click here to read more about baptism). Peter calls out a two-step process, first acknowledge that they were sinners and repent of those sins and then, understanding that his audience is Jewish who will undoubtedly be scorned by fellow Jews for believing that Jesus is the Messiah, has them make that commitment for all to see. The same is true for us today, while not necessary, we are told by Jesus to demonstrate our commitment to Him through baptism (see Matthew 28:1-20). Instead of some form of baptismal regeneration, the Bible teaches that salvation is available to everyone only through faith (see John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:21-30; 4:5; 10:9-10; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16). Later in the book of Acts we will read about a man named Simon who was baptized but may not have been saved (see Acts 8:9-24).
This Crooked Generation
The Greek saying “tautēs tēs skolias tēs geneas” in verse forty figuratively refers to someone who deliberately and obstinately disobeys God and rejects the truth about Him and His Son. We can read similar passages in both the Old and the New Testament (see Deuteronomy 32:5; Matthew 17:17; Luke 9:41; Philippians 2:15). Are these references addressing one specific generation or something else? The Greek word for generation “literally means space of time, circle of time, which only in a derived sense signifies the meaning of a time, a race; then generally in the sense of affinity of communion based upon the sameness of stock.”[2] The answer to the question is no, the generation here represents all of humanity, everyone who rejects God and therefore His plan for salvation through Jesus is from a crooked and perverse generation. Peter is calling for believers to remove themselves from that generation.
The Fellowship of Believers Begins
2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Luke notes that each of the believers made learning from the apostles and fellowship with other believers a priority. Including sharing meals and praying together. This is the first time the Greek word koinōnia is found in the New Testament (translated here as ‘fellowship’), it refers to coming together, participation, a partnership, to share, having something in common.
2:43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
He adds that awe (Greek phobos, fear, in context a profound respect, reverence, and accountability) came upon every believer. And many unidentified miracles were being done through the apostles.
2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
This verse is often debated, it refers to the early church being together, not that they all had the same duties, abilities, or interests, they shared what each had, what belonged to one belonged to everyone.
2:45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
They sold their possessions so that everyone could share and have what they needed. Luke tells us that they attended the Temple together, ate together in their homes receiving their with glad and generous hearts. They praised God and gained favor with others. Then Luke adds the astonishing fact that God added to their number daily those who were being saved!
Considerations
Miracles, Signs, and Wonders
Some may ask where are they today? But miracles are still occurring today, God is still providing signs and wonders, to bring glory and recognition to Him. This is especially true for non-believers who need a supernatural experience to help them see that there is a God and that He loves them. Sadly, there is a segment of Christianity that promotes miracles, signs, and wonders for their own edification and when a healing doesn’t occur or a sign turns out to be not true, that they blame the recipients of not having enough faith. These are false representatives of God, have nothing to do with them!
Sharing All
The concept of sharing everything and selling possessions so that everyone has what they need is not only foreign for most, but can be frightening. The norm for what is often referred to as western civilization dictates self-sufficiency as well as the general goal in life (go to school, get a job, have a family, kids go to school, get a job…and so on), which on the surface sounds good, but where is God? Jesus wants us to be fully dependent on Him (see John 5:5-10; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 5:7). We may be missing out on some of His blessings when we choose to provide or do everything ourselves. While we may not ever return to how the early church operated, it’s not to late to put your life in His hands.
New Believers
Perhaps it’s not fair to compare the number of people accepting Jesus in our lives, business, or church today to those recorded here in verse forty-seven, but we need to remember that our’s and the church’s primary mission should always be to spread the gospel message.
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[1] Metzger, B. M., United Bible Societies. (1994). A textual commentary on the Greek New Testament, second edition a companion volume to the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament (4th rev. ed.) (p. 256). United Bible Societies.
[2] Zodhiates, S. (2000). In The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). AMG Publishers.