This is an important chapter for three main reasons:
1. The Holy Spirit comes as promised.
2. The Day of Pentecost is a celebrated Christian event.
3. Peter preached the first sermon in the Bible.
Remember Jesus’ last instruction was for His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the promised gift of the Holy Spirit comes. About 120 people waited in the upper room praying until the coming of the Holy Spirit which is known as the Day of Pentecost. It is called Pentecost because of the number 50. We get 50 by considering that Jesus walked the face of the earth 40 days after His resurrection. The wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit was only 10 days. Therefore, 50 is 40 plus 10. The people didn’t have to wait long because they were all on one accord and praying for the same thing to happen.
Notice how the Holy Spirit came.
• Suddenly
• Sound like blowing of a violent wind
• Filled the whole house
• Seemed to be tongues of fire that separated
• Rested on each person
All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues because the Holy Spirit enabled them to do so.
According to Acts 2:3, there were lots of people staying in Jerusalem from every nation because of the recent Passover. When they heard people speaking in their languages, they were utterly amazed and asked the question, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?”
Luke specifically listed the nations in Verses 9-11 to let us know just how many nations were represented to witness the coming of the Holy Spirit and what He enabled the people to do.
It is at this point that it should be mentioned that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and is not an “it.” The Holy Spirit should be referred to as “He, Him, or His.”
While some people who witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit were perplexed and amazed, there were some who made fun and said the people had had too much wine.
Peter Addresses the Crowd
Acts 2:14-41
This is the very first sermon in the Bible. Peter stood up and raised his voice so he could be heard. Remember, there were no microphones. He addressed the crowd. Notice throughout Peter’s sermon he used several direct addresses.
Verse 14 - “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem”
What is the direct address in Verse 22?
In Verse 29?
Why do you think Peter changed the direct addresses throughout his sermon?
When you read Peter’s sermon, you will see that he started by pointing things out from the Old Testament. That’s because the Jews knew what was in the Old Testament. You can tell when there is a reference from the Old Testament because it is indented in poetic form, and there is a reference to it at the bottom of your study Bible letting you know exactly where the scripture is in the Old Testament.
Peter starts by repeating scriptures from the minor prophet Joel. Then he moved forward to talk about Jesus of Nazareth and pointed out the things that Jesus did.
Questions:
1. Why did Peter say the people were not drunk because it was only nine in the morning?
2. In Verse 22, Peter reminded his listeners that Jesus performed miracles, wonders, and signs. What’s the difference in those three things that Jesus performed?
3. At what point in Peter’s sermon were the people cut to the quick? What did they ask? What was Peter’s response?
4. How many people were saved from this first sermon? Why do you think so many were saved then in comparison to those who are saved in our churches today?
5. What is significant about the number who were saved?
The Fellowship of the Believers
Acts 2:42-47
In this short passage, there are several disciplines we should still follow today in reference to fellowship.
1. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.
2. They devoted themselves to fellowshipping with one another.
3. They ate together.
4. They prayed together.
5. The gathered together and had everything in common.
6. They sold possessions and gave what was needed.
7. They met daily in the temple courts.
8. They praised God.
9. They were glad with sincere hearts.
10. They enjoyed the favor of all the people.
Verse 47 gives the result of doing the things listed above. What was the result?
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