Acts 2:1-35
Q.1. When exactly was the Holy Spirit given to the church? How did the disciples know that the promised Spirit had come? How did the death of Jesus at Passover time connect with the coming Holy Spirit at Pentecost? (Acts 2:1-4 c.f. Acts 1:4-5; Dt.16:1-2, 9-12)
The coming of the Holy Spirit took place in Jerusalem amongst Jewish believers, and also the Jews of the dispersion who had gathered for the Feast of Pentecost. The fact that Jesus died as the Passover Lamb, and that the formal giving of the Holy Spirit was on the Day of Pentecost, may be lost to many Gentiles. However, it had great significance to Jews. After reminding Israel to celebrate the Passover, Moses went on to command them to keep a harvest thanksgiving seven weeks later on the fiftieth day (Greek Πεντηκοστῆς – Pentecost) after the Passover – 9 “You shall count seven weeks for yourself; you shall begin to count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain … 12 You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall be careful to observe these statutes (Dt.16:9 &12). Not surprisingly, there would be a harvest of three thousand souls on that day (Acts 2:41). Jesus had commanded them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). How would they know He had come? The initial coming of the Holy Spirit came with dramatic signs and experiences – a violent rushing wind, tongues of fire, and the ability to speak in other tongues (Acts 2:2-4).Â
Q.2. What made this event unique? Who were present at the Holy Spirit’s coming? Was the speaking of tongues understandable to the hearers? – (Acts 2:2-13)
When people were born again of the Spirit at later times, there is no evidence that there was a mighty rushing wind, or tongues of fire. Only on two further occasions, with two separate communities, was the phenomenon of tongue speaking repeated (see Acts 10:45-46; 19:6). The Holy Spirit came upon all those who believed in Jesus. However, since it was obligatory for Jews to return for Pentecost, there were local Jews, and Jews of the dispersion present at Jerusalem – the place designated by God for celebrating the seven festivals (c.f. Dt.16:2, 6, 11). Though the languages spoken were probably not known by the speakers themselves, they were known and understandable languages to the hearers. Luke actually identified some sixteen language groups of the hearers. He described the tongues – 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? … we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” (Acts 2:7-8, 11). The tongue speaking by Cornelius and his household was the same – For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God (Acts 10:46 c.f. Acts 11:15). Genuine tongue speaking is in a language unknown to the speaker, but understandable to the hearer (see 1 Cor.14:9-12).
Q.3. How did Peter explain what had happened? What did he say about the death and resurrection of Jesus? – (Acts 2:14-28)
This event was unique and needed an explanation. Peter did not disappoint. He drew the attention of these Jews to the prophecy of Joel and concluded with God’s promise – … that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:21). Though he held the Jews accountable for the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter made the astounding claim that the death of Jesus fulfilled God’s predetermined plan to save sinners. Since Jesus was sinless, it was impossible for Him to be held in the grip of death – 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power (Acts 2:23-24). Q.4. Why was it possible for Jesus to defeat death? Why could the Scriptures Peter quoted not be applied to King David? What does the resurrection say about Jesus? – (Acts 2:25-35) = Jesus rose from death – because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow Your Holy One to undergo decay (Acts 2:27). The Scriptures Peter quoted were written by King David and were generally understood to relate to David, himself. However, Peter pointed out that such an interpretation could not be sustained, since everyone knew the location of David’s tomb. He stated that David was speaking prophetically about Jesus – he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay (Acts 2:31). Peter further stated that God accepted the atoning work of His Son and has raised and exalted Him to His right hand (Acts 2:32-33). On the basis of the finished work of Christ, the promised Holy Spirit was poured out that day (Acts 2:33). Peter argued that David could never have written Psalm 110:1 about himself but was making a prophecy about Jesus Christ – For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says:The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand (Acts 2:34). The Resurrection proved that Christ’s saving work was accepted by the Father, and that Jesus was perfect and sinless.