Bible Studies

Acts Chapter Two, Pentecost and Peter's First Sermon

by John Clark 
05/01/16
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The second chapter of Acts primarily concerns Pentecost (1-13) and the first sermon preached by Peter (14-36). Verses 37-41 is the response of the people. The continued ministry of the disciples is described in verses 42-47. This is the general outline of the chapter. Now let's go back and observe particular insights and teachings.

     Pentecost teaches many things about the filling of the Holy Spirit. We learn from verses 2-3 that it is a supernatural act of God. It came "suddenly...and filled the whole house where they were sitting." It then gets personal. The "tongues as of fire...rested on each one" of the disciples. The filling of the Holy Spirit is NOT a worked up emotion, but most certainly there can be an emotional experience resulting from it. After all, it made a "noise like a violent, rushing wind" and there were "tongues as of fire."  Because of the analogy here, it probably wasn't literal fire, but nonetheless, who wouldn't get emotional over an experience like this?

     The first manifestation of the Holy Spirit was speaking in tongues. Now, before the charismatics and Pentecostals get all excited in using this to defend their position, one must always consider the context. This took place where many people of different cultures and languages were present. The original purpose of speaking in tongues was evangelism. The question is asked in verse 8, "How is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?"  The people even thought that they had had too much to drink (verse 13). In verses 9-11 fifteen different cultures or languages are listed hearing the disciples "speaking of the mighty deeds of God." Anyone who emphasizes tongues as a worked up emotion or gibberish, and done for personal edification, misses the point entirely.

     Peter then, beginning in verse 14, takes his stand and explains to those gathered what has happened. He gives a very detailed account of why they "are not drunk, as you suppose (verse 15). Thoughout this bold lecture, Peter draws attention to two key issues: one, the fulfilled prophecy of the Holy Spirit (verses 17 and 33), and two, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (verses 22-24, 31-32,) "whom you crucified" (verse 36). Peter then ties it all together in verse 33 where it is recorded, "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured forth this which you both see and hear." Notice the three phrases: "having been exalted to the right hand of God," a reference to the post-resurrection of Jesus, "the promise of the Holy Spirit," and "he has poured forth this which you have both seen and heard," a reference to Pentecost. 

     The response of the people begins in verse 37. It says that they "were pierced to the heart" and asked the question, "Brethren, what shall we do?" This whole episode made the non-believers start asking questions. Peter gives the answer in verses 38-39.  "Repent...be baptized..."  This most likely refers to water baptism, since Jesus set the example when He was baptized by John. Then Peter boldly proclaims that this same Holy Spirit is "for you and your children...(verse 39), and exhorted the people to "be saved from this perverse generation" (verse 40). 

     The chapter closes by describing the tremendous church growth of "three thousand souls in one day" (verse 41). It also ends with how the disciples and new converts conducted their lives. They continually were teaching, having fellowship, breaking bread, praying, and "many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles." They had all things in common and were living sacrificial lives, "sellling their property and possessions, and were sharing them will all, as anyone might have need"(verses 44-45). As a result they had "favor with all the people" (verse 47). The very last sentence in the chapter is, "And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." 

     Now, for some application questions.
     
     1. When was the last time that your church saw people coming to Christ on a regular basis?

     2. Is the Holy Spirit working in your church in such dramatic and obvious ways that people want to come to find out what in the world is going on?

     3. Are people in your church giving up things to help those in need in your community?

     4. Is your church proactive in confronting and conversing with your local culture?

      These are rather intimidating questions for all of us, but nevertheless, the teachings and applications of the second chapter of the Book of Acts.