Bible Study Notes
v.1 – The day of Pentecost means “fiftieth day,” because it occurred fifty days after the Passover. It was also known as the feast of the harvest or first-fruits (Ex. 23:16). It is especially fitting that the Church began on this day, and that 3000 turned to Jesus Christ, an impressive harvest of the first-fruits. Of the three major feasts, this was the second. The Passover (Jesus’ Atoning Sacrifice) was first. Pentecost (The Harvest of the First-Fruits of the Church) was second. And we await the third feast, the Ingathering or end of the Harvest (the Consummation, when all God’s Children are Brought Home).
v.2-4 – I believe the “them” and “they” here refers to the Apostles, who are the very last subject mentioned in Chapter 1. It is possible, and probable, that more than just the apostles were speaking in tongues, but the focus is on the Apostles and their Message. As we see in 2:43 and throughout the rest of the book, the miracles are done primarily by the Apostles or around them.
v.4 – This baptism of the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak in other intelligible languages which they had not learned (cf. v.8)
v.6 – This bewilderment and amazement that they each hear the Apostles speaking in their own language is the opposite of the confusion which God inflicted at the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). There God divided humanity and frustrated her attempts at a unified race because of their false and arrogant worship which it was built around. Here, God is uniting all nations in the Church, the Body of His Son Jesus Christ.
v.9-11 – The places described are to the North, South, East and West of Jerusalem. In other words, Luke wants us to see that they are from everywhere.
v.11 – Their speech was intelligible and its content was the Wonders of God, almost certainly praising God for His awesome plan, and the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
v.12 – This is a very good question! One which many Christians, especially in the charismatic traditions overlook or forget. The implication here, which is absolutely true, is that the miracles of the speech in other languages is not an end in itself or itself the focus.
v.13 – this is a very poor response. Clearly, these men are not focusing or listening to the wonders of God spoken to them which they could certainly understand. They are instead, listening to all the other languages and mocking the affair. I don’t think they actually think they are drunk, these men’s attitude is even worse. They are mocking the Apostles and the work of the Spirit (this is how we expect a fallen heart to respond).
v.14 – notice that Peter is in his right mind and able to speak seriously and rationally. The Spirit’s baptism does not appear to reduce a person to the kind of ecstatic, foolish state which is common in charismatic circles.
v.15 – This seems to be a playful response by Peter to the mocking which they are receiving.
v.16 – Here Peter notes that Pentecost is not some spontaneous event, or a generic phenomenon; it is a carefully planned event within God’s work of redemption, it should be viewed in that context.
v.17-18 – The prophecy appears to focus on a broadening of the empowerment of the Spirit for the task of bringing in all people (that is, all kinds of people). The most significant change in the work of the Spirit is that the Spirit is now brining in all nations (of course, Gentiles weren’t entirely excluded before, but essentially they were outside the people of God). This broadened pouring out of the Spirit in conversion and redemption to suit the new Church age, is also accompanied by a broadened gifting and empowerment suitable for the universal calling to be a witness in the Church. There are of course spectacular miracles and wonders to authenticate many of these changes. It is eminently appropriate that in this beginning time of the Church, when she is broadening beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, that one of the most common “wonders” is the supernatural ability to speak in other languages. This is both wonderful and practical to such a situation.
v.19-20 – this appears to be speaking of the very end of time, when judgment day comes (Day of the Lord)
v.21 – Again, the Gospel message is especially wonderful because of its universal application. Everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved!
v.22 – Notice even Jesus was authenticated by miracles. Jesus didn’t show off just because He could, there was a purpose to them. Where there was little purpose, such as hearts which were stubborn in unbelief which would not respond (i.e. Matt 13:58).
v.23 – The crucifixion was done within God’s sovereign plan, but still be wicked men, with evil intent.
v.24 – Jesus could not be held by death because He is God, because it is not in God’s plan, and, because He is innocent.
v.25-28 – Again, Peter relies on Scripture to interpret what has happened…even though he is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
v.31-32 – The resurrection of Jesus was God’s work. It showed that God had accepted Jesus’ sacrifice, and that, contrary to the cursed cross which implied (and actually conveyed) God’s hatred and displeasure, God actually is well pleased with Jesus, the Righteous Son. Consider Romans 4:25, Jesus was “raised for our justification.” We might assume that Jesus was crucified for our justification, and in a sense that is true, but Jesus’ death paid the penalty for our sins and his resurrection was evidence that He was justified (proven/declared/found righteous) and we are justified because we are united to Jesus the Justified One.
v.33-36 – Jesus’ Ascension was also God’s work (that is, the Father’s). The ascension evidenced and confirmed Jesus’ Diety, Lordship, and the hope of boldly entering God’s presence after Jesus our pioneer (cf. Heb. 6:19-20).
v.34 – Notice how the Apostles learned from Jesus, here Peter uses the very same verse to speak of Jesus, which Jesus Himself used to correct the Scribes and Pharisees.
v.36 – Jesus is both Messiah/Saviour and Lord. His crucifixion makes it easy to see Him as Saviour, His ascension makes it clear He is Lord. Perhaps, Peter is speaking against the Essenes (and other Jews?) who expected two Messiahs, a suffering prophet-messiah, and a conquering king-messiah. It is also very likely that Peter is driving home the great sin of their rejection of Christ, who was not only Saviour, but is now clearly the Lord!
v.37 – This is the work of the Holy Spirit convicting the sinners’ hearts.
v.38 – Peter commands them to repent and be baptized, to believe in Jesus Christ. What then is the gift of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit Himself. The Holy Spirit is the presence and power of Jesus Christ, the giver of faith and the source of sanctification. He is also the guarantee of our promised salvation (Eph 1:13-14). The goal here, the promise, is not to be given power to perform signs and wonders, although at certain times such outward manifestations occurred at this early time for specific reasons (i.e. Acts 10:44-46 confirms the place of the Gentiles in the Church because they receive the same outward signs and wonders which the Spirit poured out on the Apostles)
v.39 – This verse is covenantal language, confirming the continuation of the people of God and that the covenantal structure is still in place. The promise is first to the believers, then to their children, then to those who are far off (gentiles/pagans yet to believe). The last clause either modifies all three, reminding us that, of course, God sovereignly calls all who some to faith, or it applies to only the last one, qualifying that the message is for all the Gentiles whom the Lord will call.
v.40 – The generation in which they lived was corrupt, after all they had Jesus’ blood on their hands. Yet, our culture is terribly corrupt perhaps even worse.
v.41 – This may be the greatest miracle of Pentecost, the massive number of people converted by one sermon! What did Jesus mean when he told the disciples they would do greater things than Him through the Spirit (John 14:12)? Yes there are miracles in mind, but are they necessarily the extravagant outward signs? This seems pretty significant. Peter, Peter!! In one sermon converted more people than Jesus’ entire earthly ministry!
v.42 – A great summary of the activities of the Church. The Apostles’ Teaching (Bible reading and preaching…put into practice), the fellowship, the breaking of bread (sacraments), and prayer. The Converts devoted themselves to these things, all of which show their genuine faith and also build it up and encourage them.
v.43 – Notice the miracles are done by the Apostles, there may have been some exceptions, but ordinarily the signs and wonders centered around them.
v.44-45 – Does this mean communism is the way to go? Well, clearly the people still had property if they could meet in homes, and sell fields and property as people had need. The remarkable thing here is the generosity of the people! But is was not coerced, as Peter makes clear in Acts 5:4. This generosity is also the work of the Holy Spirit (not unlike 1 Chr 29 when the people gave generously to build the temple).
v.46 – Notice the meet together everyday, this kind of fellowship is so necessary.
v.47 – The Lord added to their number. It is the Lord who gives the growth. God calls His children, and only God can do it.
