Acts 2 (Bible Study) - Pentecost
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When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:
“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[e]29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’[f]36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “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 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
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Daniel 4
Introduction
It is easy to focus solely on the three unusual phenomena of the Day of Pentecost.
A) a mighty sound like a violent wind (v.2),
B) visible tongues of fire over each person (v.3),
C) speaking in other tongues (v4) which each person in the multi-ethnic crowd understood in his or her native language (v.6).
The main characteristics of Pentecost must not be overlooked:
a) they were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.4), and b) they “began to speak (v.4)… declaring the wonders of God (v.11)” so effectively that the crowd was “amazed… and asked, ‘what does this mean?”
Introduction: The Holy Spirit's Coming
Before His death, Jesus told all those who were spiritually thirsty to come to Him and drink. He promised that rivers of living waters would flow out of them, speaking symbolically of the Holy Spirit who hadn’t been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified (John 7:37-39). Jesus later said it was for our good that He was going away and He promised to send the Counsellor, the Spirit of truth, to guide us into all truth and to tell us what is yet to come (John 16:7,13). Then, Christ's last words before His ascension assured believers that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came, that would result in their being bold witnesses of His death and resurrection (Acts 1:8). Pentecost was fifty days after Christ was resurrected and just 10 days after His ascension. It is here, in Acts 2:1-36, that we see Jesus’ promises about the Holy Spirit fulfilled. On that day all the Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter was empowered to explain what was happening. He describes David’s prediction of Christ’s resurrection and exaltation as fulfilment of prophecy and God’s foreordained plan. And he points to the gift of the Holy Spirit as proof of Christ’s Lordship.
Today we have the gospels, the book of Acts and the epistles to teach us about the Holy Spirit’s ministry in our lives and in the life of Christ’s church. We are inseparably linked to this Person as believers, yet many believers are confused about or ignorant of His ministry in our lives.
‘In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach’ (Acts 1:1)
Compare this incident in Acts 2:1-4 with Acts 4:31; 7:55; 10:44-46; 13:9. In what ways is Pentecost unique, and in what ways is it repeatable?
Looking at the 4 incidents in Acts after Pentecost. The incident in Acts 4:31 is like Pentecost in that there is a period of prevailing prayer and an “earthquake” (echoes of the violent wind sound) but unlike Acts 2 in this way - no speaking in tongues. Again there is a “boldness” and the ability to “speak the word of God”. Note that this experience of fullness came in the face of opposition and adversity. In Acts 7:55-56 records Stephen’s experience of fullness. Again, it is in persecution and the fullness equips him for verbal witness of the gospel, and has an assurance of Jesus standing for him. In Acts 10:44ff While he was speaking the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues. Acts 13:9 seems almost routine by comparison. Again we see Paul being filled with the Spirit and assurance for a verbal witness in the face of opposition.
In summary, what do all these incidents have in common? (1) The “fullness of the Spirit” Luke speaks of is episodic. It does not occur continuously. The People (Acts 10) were filled to worship and reveal God’s purposes for gentiles. Paul was “filled with the Spirit” in order to speak to the sorcerer. (2) We see that the “fullness” is repeatable. It may happen frequently or infrequently. (3) We see that the “fullness” always consists of a) a powerful assurance that God loves us and is with us, and b) an ability to effectively witness. The fullness is “assurance for service”. (4) Finally, we see that the “fullness” seems sometimes to be connected to (a) prevailing prayer, and (b) persecution or confrontation and temptation.
The unique phenomena of Pentecost - Jesus, ascended Lord gave his Spirit to his church on that day. He proceeds to minister in the world through his Spirit- filled church. In one sense, Pentecost was a once for all move to a new era. Yet it was repeatable. The baptism of the Spirit can be multiple and deepening experiences of assurance and power.
Read 2:5-13 The Power from on high - What evidence is there that this was a worship service that the crowd came to? What is the significance of that fact for us today?
When the Spirit falls on the disciples, a crowd gathers (v.5) and hear the disciples praising God. Declaring the “wonders of God”, conveys praise. This is a worship service “before the nations”. Both Jew and Gentile were present (v.11) and people from many nations around the Mediterranean (v5). Psalm 105:1,2 believers are told to “make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, praise him; tell of his wonderful deeds” Acts 2:11 fulfils Psalm 105:2.
What is the significance of this for us, practically? Too often we make a distinction between evangelism and worship. We think that a worship service is only for believers and an evangelistic service is only for unbelievers. But we should worship in such a way that non-Christians can be present. Our worship can have an impact on them. If the goal of our evangelism is simply to get “converts”, then all we need to do is sell it to them. Our evangelism should turn an unbeliever into a praising Christian.
NB the impact it has - First, some people were both “amazed” (“impressed”) and “perplexed” (“troubled”). They were under conviction. Some mock and say, “these people are drunk” (v.12). Any declaration of the wonders of God, no matter how anointed and how effective, will not penetrate the hearts of everyone. The better and more effective the witness, the more polarisation will occur. Some people will be drawn in, others will get harder in their hearts.
Read 2:14-36. Outline the basic points of Peter’s gospel presentation. What is the impact?
a) v.14-21. First, Peter begins by talking about the phenomenon that the crowd is noticing — the tongues speaking and the anointed utterance of the disciples. He starts, “these men are not drunk” (v.15). His point #1 is their point #1. He starts where they are. Then Peter quotes Joel. Again, he knows that, since most of them are Jews and Gentile converts & they will know the prophets. Joel had predicted an era in which the Holy Spirit would be poured out, not just on leaders like Moses and David, but on everyone, the power of the Spirit for ministry would be pervasive. He says this is what they see.
b) Second, Peter shows that the ministry of Christ is what has inaugurated the era of the Spirit.
1. v.22. Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus was a great teacher and a worker of miracles. Peter is brief because, with these hearers anyway, this was not in doubt. (“as you yourselves know”) Today, people are very much in doubt as to whether Jesus did the miracles and made the claims that the Bible says he did. But Peter’s crowd knew all this for themselves.
2. v.23. Jesus’ death. Jesus was put to death on the cross. Peter does not say much about how this accomplished salvation — he does not talk about substitution or ransom at this point. But he says it was by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge. So he is saying that through the cross, God’s saving purposes were worked out and came to fruition. The important point here is that Peter reminds them that “you… put him to death”. This is what most likely “cuts” them to the heart later (v.37).
3. v.24-32. Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus has been risen from the dead. In this presentation, Peter spends much more time on the resurrection than on the atonement. He shows that the resurrection was predicted by the Old Testament (v.25), and personally witnessed by the apostles (v.32). Peter stresses the historical character and evidence for the resurrection. He evidently believed that the key issue for this crowd was to accept the fact that Jesus was no longer dead.
4. v33-36. Jesus exaltation. With another Old Testament quote, Peter lastly tells his hearers that Christ is at the right hand of God, where he is not ruling as Lord of all.
In summary, Peter focuses on two historical events — Christ’s death and resurrection. And he appeals to two witnesses — the prophets (Biblical evidence) and the apostles (historical evidence).
Impact? We are told that they were “cut to the heart”. They saw the deep personal relevance, and were convicted of their need. “You crucified” him (v.36). NB This is not an anti-Semitic text saying that “the Jews killed Jesus”. Rather, this is part of the gospel message for every human being. We should be “cut to the heart” when we see that our sins cost Jesus his life.
Read 2:37-40 Discuss the basic points Peter lays down for receiving Christ . How did it impact?
Peter calls on them to do two things. First, “repent” the Greek word metanoia = complete change of mind. It is much more than being “sorry” for something. It is to change your approach, your foundation, your mind. Peter does not tell them to “believe in Jesus”, v.44 calls them “believers” so we know they did). One cant really repent without believing. To turn from sin and the old way of thinking entails turning to God and a new way of thinking. You can’t “change your mind” about Jesus without doing both together. Later, the apostles say “repent and believe” the two are always connected (even if not stated).
The second thing he tells them is to “be baptised”. Jews believed Gentile converts needed to be baptised, because they were spiritually unclean. Now Peter says that everyone who wishes to be a Christian needs to be baptised — and in the name of the one that had previously been rejected. A public sign that they had repented — had changed towards who Jesus was. That is why Peter would instruct baptism. It was an important sign of their repentance.
NB Acts 2:38 is not a complete guide to salvation (repent and be baptised) inferring water baptism is necessary to receive forgiveness of sins. Elsewhere in Romans and Galatians, Paul insists that no act of obedience receives salvation — only faith in Christ does.
Also, Peter tells them that if they repent/believe — they will receive two promises. 1] “forgiveness of sins” and 2]“the gift of the Holy Spirit”. This is a great summary of what it means to become a Christian. When we become a Christian, there is something legal that happens outside of us; we are accepted as sinless and perfect, our record is pardoned and covered. Secondly, there is something that happens within us — we get the new life, a new power and Spirit directly from God that then grows in us.
Read 2:40-47 Why do you think Peter tells them to save themselves from “this generation”? What does this statement imply about the church, and about becoming a Christian?
This short section is the classic text describing the very earliest church and how it lived its live corporately. It is extremely concise but also extremely complete. John Stott writes: “It is incorrect to call the Day of Pentecost ‘the birthday of the church’. For the church as the people of God goes back at least 4,000 years to Abraham. What happened at Pentecost was that… God’s people became the Spirit-filled body of Christ.” (The Message of Acts, p.81) Thus this picture of the church is also a picture of what the church becomes when the power of the Spirit is in evidence. During times of spiritual revival and renewal, the church can return to some degree to this form. People studying this text seriously can discover an almost endless stream of important insights as to how Christians should live together in community. The “answers” given below are relatively brief. Be sure to let the group work and give multiple answers to each study question.
Acts 2:40-41.
Peter urges that his hearers “save themselves from this corrupt generation” (v.40). A “generation” is a whole culture. Today there is lots of recognition that each generation has its own common characteristics of mind and thinking and behavior. There is the “depression generation” and the “Baby Boomers” and “Generation X” — each have their own mindset. Peter recognizes that his hearers are not just individual sinners, but they participate in the whole mindset and world view of their culture and generation. Therefore, Peter tells them that now the main determinant of their mind and heart will no longer be the spirit and thought of their peers and society, but the spirit and truth of God. This means that to become a Christian changes the way one looks at everything — it leads to a radically examined life. It means that the gospel and truth of God will lead me to look at all my relationships, my family, my work in the world, my racial and cultural identity — all in a new light.
This also means that the church itself is a “new generation” — a whole new people, a counter-culture. In it, our economic, racial, social, psychological relationships are all distinct and different from those in the surrounding culture. The church is not simply an aggregation of individuals who are saved, but it is a “pilot plant” of what humanity would look like under the Lordship of Christ. We are to show the world a whole new way of being human.
In 2:42-47, what do we learn here about the church’s a) ministry of learning, b) ministry of fellowship, (c) ministry of worship, (d) ministry of witness and service?
a) Ministry of learning: (1) It was intense. “Devoted themselves” (v.42) means that there was a high commitment to learning. Spirit-filledness is not set over against the intellect! (2) It was centred on the “apostles teaching”, not learning in general, but the study of God’s revelation given through the apostles. Today, the apostles’ teaching is in the Scriptures. (3) They were not just taught what to believe but given evidence for why to believe it. The apostles teaching (v.42) was validated and verified by their miracles and wonders (v.43). Heb.2:3-4 show us that the purpose of miracles in the early church was to show listeners the truth of the gospel message the apostles brought. We must realize that the principle of v.43 was that people were shown evidence of the truth of apostolic teaching, so they would devote themselves to it.
b) Ministry of fellowship: (1) It was intense (“they devoted themselves… to fellowship” v.42). It was not something that just happened. They worked at it. This implies accountability with one another, a sense of responsibility to care and support and guide each other. (2) It was daily (“every day” v.46). They did not just see each other on Sundays, but were involved in each other’s daily lives. (3) It was economic as well as “spiritual”. (“had everything in common” v.44). They recognized not only that other brothers and sisters had a claim on their time and heart but also on their resources. (4) It was very house group based. (“They broke bread in their homes” v.46). (cf Acts 20:20 -greetings to “the church that meets in their house” in 1 Cor. 16:9 we can see the importance of small group community in the early church. They had regular meetings where this same set of ministries — learning, loving, worshipping — was conducted at the mini-level, so as to supplement what was happening at the “maxi” large group level. (5) It was extremely sensitive. They knew immediately who had “need” (v.44).
c) Ministry of Worship: (1) It had corporate form. In v.42, Paul literally says that “they devoted themselves to the breaking of the bread and the prayers”. This is almost certainly a reference to ‘liturgy’ — to the service of the Lord’s supper and to a discipline of praying called “the prayers. It was not random. There was an order to it. (2) It had both an informal and formal aspect. It happened both in homes and in the temple courts (v.46). This surely means that there was both informal worship in the small group, and more formal worship in the large group. [Note: It is unlikely that Christians continued to offer sacrifices at the temple, but they evidently continued to go to the prayer services and they supplemented the worship there with their own meetings in the courts.] (3) It was both joyful and reverent. Notice that in the small group worship, the emphasis is more on joy and gladness (v.46) but in the large group, there is an emphasis on awe (v.43). This means that both awe/reverence, and joyous praise are to be the marks of our worship.
d) Ministry of Witness through Word and Deed: (1) It was dynamic. There were conversions “daily” v.47. (2) It was based on demonstration through community. One reason that people were saved is that the love and note of praising was highly attractive to “all the people” (v.47).This cannot mean that every non-Christian loved the early church — there was plenty of persecution. But it meant that, overall, the early church demonstrated the gospel in its community in such a way that was irresistible to outside observers. (3) It integrated both word and deed. v.44 seems to indicate that the economic sharing was mainly practiced within and among Christians. But we know the early church did not confine its deed ministry only to Christians. Paul says in Galatians 6:10 that Christians “do good to all, especially the household of faith”. Their sharing was heavier inside the community, but their generosity went outside the church as well. [Note: We can’t read v.44 as forbidding private property to individuals. The Bible elsewhere makes it clear that private property is valid. This is therefore a voluntary, informal, but powerful sharing fueled by love not rules. (cf. Peter’s rebuke to Ananias in Acts 5:4). Different Christian communities have voluntarily practiced this in different creative ways, some much more structured than others.] (4) It was very church-centered. When a person was saved, he or she was “added to their number” (v.47) and incorporated into the church. Today many people are converted through ministries that have little relationship to local churches, and the converts also have little relationship to a congregation. That was not the case in the early church.
