A Study of Acts : Chapter 2
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our study of Acts 1, we saw two important events:
1. The promise of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would be extremely instrumental in the spreading of the gospel, the establishment of the church. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, the apostles and other inspired teachers would have failed in their endeavors.
2. The selecting of Matthias to take Judas’s place as an apostle.
B. In Acts 2, we will see the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise regarding the Holy Spirit as well as the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
C. Let us begin our examination of Acts 2.
I. THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
A. Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26; Acts 1:4-8)
B. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. (Acts 2:1-4)
1. The day of Pentecost. (vs 1)
a. Pentecost, that is, the fiftieth day (from a Greek word meaning fiftieth), or Harvest Feast, or Feast of Weeks, may be regarded as a supplement to the Passover. It lasted for but one day. From the sixteenth of Nisan seven weeks were reckoned inclusively, and the next or fiftieth day was the day of Pentecost, which fell on the sixth of Sivan (about the end of May). Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:15-22; Num. 28 . . . (Smith's Bible dictionary, electronic ed.)
2. The apostles were gathered together. (vs 1)
3. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. (vs 2-4)
II. THE APOSTLES BEGAN TO TEACH.
A. The initial reaction of the people. (Acts 2:5-13)
1. Present at Pentecost were Jews “from every nation under heaven.” (v 5)
a. Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, (v 9)
b. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, (v 10)
c. Cretans and Arabs (v 11)
2. The people heard the apostles speaking in the various foreign tongues or languages present during that day. (v 2:6, 11-13)
B. Peter explained the miraculous events were a fulfillment of the prophecy written in Joel 2:28-32. (Acts 2:14-21)
C. Peter reminded the people of Jesus of Nazareth. (Acts 2:22-36)
1. God gave approval of Jesus through miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did through Jesus. (v 22)
2. The people took Jesus and crucified Him, putting Him to death. This action was according to the purpose and foreknowledge of God. (v 23)
3. God raised Jesus from the dead. (v 24-32)
a. Peter reminds the people of the words of David. (v 25-28; cf. Psalms 16:8-11)
b. David spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ. (v 29-31)
c. The people were witnesses to God having raised Jesus from the dead. (v 32)
4. God exalted Jesus to sit at God’s right side and to be the Lord and Christ. (v 33-36)
D. The people responded to the charge by asking what they are to do? Peter told the people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (v 37-39)
1. By repenting and being baptized, the people would receive the remission of their sins. (v 38)
2. The people would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (v 38-39)
III. THE LORD ADDED PEOPLE TO HIS CHURCH.
A. As Peter continued to preach, those who gladly received his word was baptized. (Acts 2:40-41)
B. Those who gladly received his word and was baptized continued in worshiping and serving the Lord. (Acts 2:42-46)
1. The Christians continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (v 42)
2. Fear came upon the people because of the signs and wonders that were done through the apostles. (v 43)
3. The saints had all things in common. The saints shared with one another as anyone had need. (v 44-45)
4. The saints continued meeting daily in the temple. (v 46)
5. The saints broke bread from house to house, eating their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. They continued to praise God and had favor with all the people. (v 46)
C. The Lord continued to add to the church those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
IV. KEY EVENTS FROM THIS CHAPTERS.
A. Key Event # 1: The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles as was promised by Jesus. This event enabled the apostles to teach the world the whole counsel of God’s word. (Cf. John 14:26; 15:26; Matthew 28:18-20)
B. Key Event # 2: Peter explained the miraculous events were a fulfillment of the prophecy written in Joel 2:28-32. Joel’s prophecy was inspired by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:19-21) In Joel’s prophecy, he wrote, “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. . . .” (Joel 2:32, NKJV)
C. Key Event # 3: Peter reminded the people of Jesus of Nazareth. The simple gospel of Jesus Christ tells of his death, resurrection, and exaltation. Because of His death, our sins are forgiven and His covenant came into power. Because of His resurrection, we know that we shall be resurrected, overcoming death. Because of His exaltation, we know that He is our King, High Priest, and Mediator.
D. Key Event # 4: The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1. Simply put, the “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the promise of salvation.
2. The Holy Spirit promised salvation to all who would believe.
a. Peter made this point clear when he quoted from the prophet Joel in Acts 2:14-21. (Cf. Joel 2:28-32)
b. Joel prophesied through the direction of the Holy Spirit. (Cf. II Peter 1:19-21)
c. Through Joel, the Holy Spirit promised salvation to all who call upon the name of the Lord. (Acts 2:21)
3. The Holy Spirit promised the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which made this salvation possible.
a. Peter quoted from David, who also had been moved by the Holy Spirit to speak. (Acts 2:24-28)
b. David was also directed by the Holy Spirit. (Cf. II Peter 1:19-21)
c. David spoke of the resurrection of Christ. (Acts 2:24-31)
d. Just as promised by the Holy Spirit, Jesus was resurrected from the dead. (Acts 2:32-36)
4. Peter told the people what to do to receive the promise of salvation. (Acts 2:37-39)
a. They were to repent of their sins.
b. They were to be baptized.
c. Repentance and baptism would result in the remission of their sins.
d. Upon the remission of their sins, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
e. This promise of salvation would go to everyone who turned to the Lord.
f. Peter equates the gift of the Holy Spirit with the promise of salvation that is made to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
5. The gift of the Holy Spirit was the salvation which had been promised through the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
E. Key Event # 5: Those who obeyed continued in worship and serving the Lord. We continue even to this day to worship and serve the Lord.
F. Key Event # 6: The Lord continued to add to the church those who were being saved. Even to this day, the Lord continues to add to the church those who are being saved. Let us teach the lost so that the Lord will have more saved to add to His church.
CONCLUSION.
A. Acts chapter 2 closes with the church of the Lord beginning to grow.
B. In Acts 3, we will see the continuing growth of the Lord’s church.
A Study of Acts : Chapter 2 -- July 11, 2004 -- File # 705 - Acts of the Apostles
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK