ACTS 2
(v.1-11) The day of “Pentecost” was an annual feast that followed the “Feast of
Firstfruits” also known as the “Feast of Weeks” (Leviticus 23:15-22) – it lasted seven
weeks – 49 days. The Greek word "Pentecost" means 50; because it was the 50th day
after the “Feast of Weeks” (Leviticus 23:16). (Bible Knowledge Commentary). Where the followers
of Christ were gathered at this time is not definitely known; Luke simply states, (v.1b)
“…they were all with one accord in one place.” In (v.2) the place they were in is called
a “house,” possibly in close proximity to the temple.
The word for "Spirit" (pneuma) is related to pnoe, (noy-ay) the word translated "wind"
or “breath” here. Both nouns – "spirit" and "wind" or "breath" – are from the Greek
verb pneo, (neh-o; pneh-o) "to blow, to breathe." Thus, a “sound” like the blowing of a
“violent” wind from heaven, speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit and the “fullness”
of His coming. The “tongues of fire” signify the “presence” of God. Several times in the
Old Testament God displayed Himself in the form of flames - Genesis 15:17 – the burning oven
which passed between the sacrifice Abraham offered; Exodus 3:2-6 – the burning bush; 13:21-22 – the pillar of fire
by day; 19:18 – fire on Mt. Sinai; 40:38 – fire above the tabernacle by night; Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16 – the baptism
He is a “consuming fire” – in “jealousy” Deuteronomy
4:24; in “destroying our enemies” Deuteronomy 9:3; in “sanctification” (Hebrews 12:28, 29)
of Christ by fire. (Bible Knowledge Commentary).
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve
God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.
There is a lot of confusion within the church regarding the filling, baptism, and
empowerment by the Holy Spirit. For instance, some of the confusion stems from John
20:21-23 when Jesus “breathed” on the disciples and said, “receive the Holy Spirit.”
One commentator explains it this way: “In this case the act of breathing was used to represent the
nature of the influence that would come upon them, and the source of that influence. His breathing on them was
a certain sign or pledge that they would be endowed with the influences of the Holy Spirit.” (Barnes' Notes). “This
reception of the Spirit was in anticipation of the day of Pentecost and should be understood as a “partial limited”
gift of knowledge, understanding, and empowerment until Pentecost, 50 days later.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary).
Thus, Christ breathing on His disciples, in John 20, was not the “filling,” empowerment,
we find here in Acts 2. Here’s a simple explanation, regarding the filling and baptism of
the Holy Spirit. The “filling” with the Holy Spirit is separate from the “baptism” of the
Spirit. The “Spirit's baptism” occurs at the moment of salvation: Acts 11:15-16 – Cornelius
salvation; 1 Corinthians 12:13 – by one Spirit baptized into one body; Colossians 2:12 – buried with Christ in
The “Spirit's filling” may occur not only at salvation, but
also on a number of occasions after salvation: Acts 4:8 – Peter “filled” with the Holy Spirit; Acts 4:31
baptism, raised with Him through faith.
– the disciples “filled” anew; Acts 6:3,5 – chose seven men of good reputation full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom;
Acts 7:55 – Stephen full of the Holy Spirit saw Jesus standing; Acts 9:17 – Saul filled with the Holy Spirit; Acts 13:9 –
Paul filled with the Spirit rebukes Elymas the sorcerer; Acts 13:52 – disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
The “baptism” secures our identity; we are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13;
4:30) – the “filling” empowers us for the “works” of God; not by might nor by power
but “…by My Spirit, says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6). How do we receive God’s “power”
for living and the work He has called us to? “Ask!” (Luke 11:13) “If you then, being evil, know how
to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask
Him!” (Hebrews 4:16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find
grace to help in time of need.
The Greek word for “help” – boetheia (bo-ay-thi-ah) – meaning: to aid, to bind or
wrap tightly - as in “frapping” a vessel; frap – draw tight with ropes or cables (frap a
sail); to succorer (assist in a time of distress, relief). This “baptism” was the mark of
debarkation from the Old Testament to the New Testament (covenant) Church. It was
“empowerment” for those already “cleansed” through faith in Christ; Jesus said to
Peter in John 13:10b “…and you are clean.” Thus, the “outpouring” (filling) of the Holy
Spirit on that day served a two-fold purpose: first, the empowerment of the believer, a
“fulfillment” of (Joel 2:28, 29); and secondly, the “birth” of the church on earth.
(v.4) They spoke with other “tongues,” other “languages” according to (v.6, 8). The
Greek word for “language” – dialekto – an “understandable” language. When the
people heard the “sound” of the “rushing mighty wind,” and the disciples “loudly”
praising God, they were amazed (v.5-8). These Jews dwelling in Jerusalem, who were
there for the “feast” (Feast of Weeks – 49 days), were of the “diaspora” (James 1:1; 1
Peter 1:1), the “dispersion”— that is those descendants of Jews carried off in the
Assyrian and Babylonian Captivities, hundreds of years before this time. The gift of
tongues here was meant to be a “sign” to the unbelieving world. For a more detailed
look at the gift of tongues I strongly suggest you read 1 Corinthians 12-14; Paul reveals
the function, purpose and place for this gift within the church. For instance, the
purpose of the gift of tongues – individual/corporate edification and as a sign for the
unbeliever; (ttt) 1 Corinthians 14:17; 14:22-25 - (church has it backwards).
To show the surprising extent and power of this miracle, Luke reveals the different
nations that were represented then at Jerusalem, thus showing the number of
“unlearned” languages the disciples spoke. Parthians – Jews or proselytes who dwelt in Parthia, a
western region of Persia (modern day Iran); Medes – Inhabitants of Media, a country situated westward and
southward of the Caspian Sea, northern Iraq region. Elamites – a region in modern day Iran east of the Euphrates
and Tigris River; Mesopotamia – a region lying between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris; Judea – southern Israel;
Cappadocia – Asia Minor, modern day Turkey; Pontus – northern Asia Minor; Asia – western parts of Asia Minor;
Phrygia – mountainous region of Asia Minor (northern Turkey); Pamphylia – southern coast of central Asia Minor
(Turkey); Egypt; Parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene (northern coast of Africa); Rome – both Jews and Proselytes
(converts to Judaism); Cretans – from the island of Crete in the Mediterranean; Arabs .
(v.11) “…we hear
them speaking in our tongues the wonderful works of God!”
(v.12-14) Peter begins his Spirit-filled message –the coward is now “standing!” due to
the empowerment of God! The nature of God’s “in-filling” is that it transforms,
enabling us to do that which our limited DNA cannot do! But through God’s spiritual
DNA, His power, we can do all things. (Philippians 4:12-13) I know how to be abased, and I know how
to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to
(v.15, 16) Peter first gives them the
basis for that which he is about to preach, the Word of God! Here we find a great rule
for any “spiritual” experience within the church; if we cannot say “this” is “that,” then
“that” (whatever the experience) is not “this!” If the experience cannot be
substantiated by the Word, reject it, regardless of how good it sounds or feels, or how
popular! Stay with the word as a guide for your experience in God! (2 Corinthians 11:14b)
suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Peter goes on to quote the prophet Joel 2:28-32 (v.17), Joel 2:30 (v.18, 19); and he
quotes the Lord (v.20) Matthew 24:29; (v.21) reflective of Joel 2:28-32. He knows to
whom he is speaking and addresses his audience, “Men of Israel.” There were certainly
women there as well, however, in religious Jewish culture, accountability starts with the
men; “Adam where are you?” (v.22b) he presents irrefutable evidence related to
Christ, as Messiah, (v.22); he reminds them of the sovereignty of God, versus the
depravity of man, (v.23a); he points out their personal guilt and responsibility. Too
often, churches have gone out of the way to ease the guilt of sinners; but without a
sense of guilt the gospel cannot be the gospel! (v.23b); he emphasizes the triumph of
the resurrection, as his ultimate “proof text,” showing Christ as the Son of God! (v.24).
Peter then calls on an “ancient witness,” King David, as a “prophetic voice” to the
resurrection of Christ. (v.25-31). (v.25-28) Psalm 16:8-11. In (v.30), he reminds them of
God’s promise that the Messiah would be of the lineage of David - 2 Samuel 7:12, 13.
(v.32) “THIS JESUS!” Not the one people have imagined in their minds! But “this One,”
whom you “rejected,” who came according to the word and will of God, who is risen
from the dead! These are the qualifications to which only Jesus has measured up. We
live in a day in time whereby we need to make sure people are talking about “this
Jesus,” and not another! For there are many “false” Christs being preached and
manifested in our day! Peter wanted to make sure his audience had the “right Jesus!”
(v.34-36)
(v.37-41) When we “simply” teach and preach the word, “simply,” people will always
ask what they “need to do,” rather than looking for others to do something “for them!”
This is the sign of “true repentance” – being accountable for my own sins! In (v.42-47)
there are six attributes of revival found here: (1) Renewal. (v.42) an appetite for the
word, fellowship, and prayer. (2) Reverence. (v.43) a reverence for the presence of
God. (3) Compassion one for another. (v.44, 45) (1 John 3:17-18) But whoever has this world's
goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My
little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
4) Unity. (v.46, 47a) “one accord.” Evidenced by “gladness,” “simplicity of heart” (not
stressing over the small stuff; allowing love to cover a multitude of faults – 1 Peter 4:8),
and “praise.” (5) Favor in the community. (v.47b) (6) Addition. (v.47c) People who
complain about the size of a church are actually complaining against God! It is the
ultimate in “selfishness,” and “laziness.” Do you need a fresh “in-filling” of the Spirit
tonight?