Acts 2

Acts Chapter 2 Commentary

Overview

Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke, recording the beginning and expansion of the church through the descent of the Holy Spirit after the ascension of Jesus Christ. This book is not merely a list of the apostles' deeds but shows God's work of salvation, through which the gospel is spread not only to Jews but also to Gentiles by the power of the Holy Spirit. The ministries of Peter and Paul are particularly central, capturing the dynamic birth and early growth of the church.

Textual Structure

The text can be broadly divided into two parts:

The Descent of the Holy Spirit (2:1-13): This section describes the event where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and spoke in tongues.

Peter's Sermon and the Beginning of the Church (2:14-47): This part explains the event of the Holy Spirit's descent, testifies to Jesus Christ, and shows the process of the church being formed as people repented and were baptized.

Key Themes

The Descent of the Holy Spirit: The promised coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of the church and the power for its ministry.

Proclamation of the Gospel: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples began to boldly proclaim the gospel.

The Beginning of the Church: Through the descent of the Holy Spirit, the community of believers in Jesus Christ, that is, the church, was formed.

Repentance and Salvation: Through Peter's sermon, many repented and received salvation.

Sectional Commentary

2:1-4 The Descent of the Holy Spirit

2:1 "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."

'Pentecost' was the 50th day after Passover, also called the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest, a festival for offering the first fruits of the wheat harvest to God. It was also the day the Law was given on Mount Sinai in the Old Testament era, making it symbolically fitting for the Holy Spirit of the New Covenant to descend.

"they were all with one accord in one place" shows that the disciples were waiting in prayer with one heart, as Jesus commanded (Acts 1:4). This unity in "one heart" and "one place" is a crucial background for being filled with the Holy Spirit.

2:2 "Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting."

"a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind" symbolizes the powerful and active presence of the Holy Spirit. It represents the dynamic nature of God's Spirit filling the entire world.

2:3 "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them."

"cloven tongues like as of fire" shows that the presence and power of the Holy Spirit came upon each person individually. Fire symbolizes purity, power, and the fervent work of the Holy Spirit. This foreshadows the disciples receiving the ability to boldly testify to the gospel.

2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

"filled with the Holy Ghost" signifies not just a temporary experience but the disciples being transformed and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

"other tongues" was a special ability given to the disciples by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to proclaim the gospel in various languages they had not learned. This was a sign that the gospel would be preached to all nations.

2:14-21 Peter's Sermon

2:14 "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you,"

Peter, overcoming his previous weakness, boldly proclaimed the gospel on behalf of the apostles. He sought to explain the meaning of the event of the Holy Spirit's descent to those who witnessed it.

2:15 "For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day."

Some people accused the disciples of being drunk, but Peter refuted their accusation by pointing out that it was still early in the morning (the third hour).

2:16-21 "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;"

Peter revealed that this event was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:28-32). The prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh was fulfilled through Jesus Christ. This testifies that Jesus is the Messiah and that His work is the climax of God's plan of salvation.

2:36-41 Repentance and Baptism

2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Peter held the Jews who crucified Jesus accountable and proclaimed that this Jesus is the one God has made both Lord and Christ. This is a crucial declaration that clearly points out sin while offering the way of salvation.

2:37 "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Upon hearing Peter's sermon, the people felt guilt and a longing for salvation, asking, "What shall we do?" This shows the beginning of genuine repentance.

2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Peter exhorted them to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This clearly presents the process of salvation and the role of the Holy Spirit.

2:41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

In response to Peter's sermon, about three thousand people repented and were baptized, marking the first revival of the church. This shows the remarkable fruit of the Holy Spirit's work.

2:42-47 The Early Church

2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

The early believers devoted themselves to learning the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread (the Lord's Supper), and prayers. These are the four pillars of a healthy church.

2:43 "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."

The powerful works of God through the apostles (miracles) inspired awe in people.

2:44-45 "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need."

The early believers lived a communal life, sharing their possessions and meeting each other's needs. This was a demonstration of practicing Christ's love.

2:46 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

The believers worshipped together in the temple and shared fellowship in their homes, living their faith with joy.

2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

The church's praise of God and favor with all people led to the Lord adding daily to their number those who were being saved.

Original Language Insights

2:1 "When the day of Pentecost was fully come" (ὅτε δὲ η πεντηκοστὴ συμπληρόω)

'συμπληρόω' (sumplēroō) is a verb meaning 'to fill up' or 'to complete.' It indicates the process of the period of Pentecost being filled and completed, implying more than just the arrival of the date. It suggests that God's work was accomplished in the fullness of time.

2:4 "as the Spirit gave them utterance" (καθὼς τὸ πνεῦμα ἐδίδου αὐτοῖς ἀποφθέγγεσθαι)

'ἀποφθέγγεσθαι' (apophthengzesthai) means 'to speak' or 'to declare,' especially with authority or wisdom. This shows that the disciples, guided by the Spirit, proclaimed not mere words but the Word of God.

Theological Perspectives — Comparative Study

Meaning of the Descent of the Holy Spirit:

Reformed/Presbyterian: Emphasizes the descent of the Holy Spirit as the beginning of the church and the source of power for the Holy Spirit to work through the church and testify to the gospel. It shows that the work of Jesus Christ continues through the Holy Spirit.

Methodist: Views the Pentecostal descent of the Holy Spirit as the presence of the Comforter promised by Christ, a decisive event that empowers believers and builds the church.

Evangelical: Understands the descent of the Holy Spirit as the completion of the church's birth and a mystical event that is the true source of the church's life and success. It shows the fulfillment of Old Testament festivals in New Testament reality.

Lutheran: Sees the descent of the Holy Spirit as a special work of God's grace, through which believers understand God's Word and proclaim it boldly.

Role of Tongues:

Reformed/Presbyterian: Interprets tongues as a sign that the gospel would be preached to all nations and a special gift given to the disciples by the Holy Spirit.

Evangelical: Considers tongues as an outward evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit and functioning as a tool for evangelism.

Methodist: Views tongues as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and believes they played an important role in preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.

Community of the Early Church:

Reformed/Presbyterian: Sees the sharing of possessions in the early church as an ideal practice of Christ's love, demonstrating the church's pursuit of unity.

Evangelical: Presents the communal life of the early church, centered on the apostles' teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the Lord's Supper, as a model for a healthy church.

Methodist: Emphasizes the practice of love and sharing in the early church's "having all things in common," which led to the church being praised by God and people.

Cross-References

Promise of the Holy Spirit: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-8

Fulfillment of Joel's Prophecy: Joel 2:28-32

Jesus as Lord and Christ: Psalm 110:1, Matthew 22:41-46

Repentance, Remission of Sins, Gift of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:2, Luke 24:47

The Early Church: Acts 4:32-35

Sermon / Application Points

The Power of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit:

We are beings who live by the power of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness and power to testify to the gospel. We must resolve to overcome the weaknesses and fears in our lives through being filled with the Holy Spirit and live as witnesses for Christ.

The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's will within us and empowers us to overcome sin and live holy lives. We need to practice entrusting our lives to the Holy Spirit daily and be led by Him.

A Community of Unity:

The early church waited for the Holy Spirit by praying together in "one heart and one place." We too must love one another within the church, be united in prayer, and dedicate ourselves to the benefit of the community.

While the sharing of possessions in the early church might seem extreme, its spirit is about sharing and serving. We must become a community that meets the needs of our neighbors with what we have and practices Christ's love.

A Life Dedicated to the Word and Prayer:

The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. We too must stand firm on God's Word, engage in deep fellowship with fellow believers, and maintain an intimate relationship with God through prayer.

Bold Proclamation of the Gospel:

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not meant to remain within us but to overflow and go out into the world to testify to the gospel. We must boldly share the grace of Jesus Christ that we have experienced with those around us through our lives and words.