Acts Chapter 2
On the Jewish calendar the day of Pentecost, which was celebrated 50 days after Passover, the people celebrated the firstfruits of the wheat harvest being presented to God. So once again there were many people in the city to witness this great wonder. The great wonder was the arrival of the powerful Holy Spirit just as Jesus had promised.
The Holy Spirit was already with these men who were believers but on this special day, the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit arrived in a way that they could both hear, and in a sense, they could see His presence. And just as Jesus said would happen, the Holy Spirit enabled these men to do some incredible things that were the catalyst for the massive spread of the gospel.
“Jewish tradition also taught that Pentecost marked the day when the Law was given to Israel. The Jews sometimes called Pentecost zman matan torah or ‘the season of the giving of the law.’ On the Old Testament Day of Pentecost Israel received the Law; on the New Testament Day of Pentecost the Church received the Spirit of Grace in fullness.” [Guzik]
It is at this point in time, where the Old Testament covenant of sacrifices and the New Testament covenant of grace meet at a crossroads. At this moment the Holy Spirit gave the apostles complete understanding of what was now complete in Jesus.
Let's Reflect
1. The day of Pentecost arrived, and it was unexpected in that the apostles did not know exactly when the comforter would arrive, but He was expected because Jesus had promised to send Him. Imagine what a comfort it was to these apostles to know that they were not left completely alone to defend the gospel when Jesus ascended to heaven. In what manner did the Holy Spirit arrive?
2. What does it mean that they began to speak in other tongues? See verse 7.
3. There were not only Jews in the crowd but also proselytes (Gentiles who had converted to the Jewish faith and had even been circumcised.) All these people groups were hearing these disciples of Jesus speak in their native language. But what did some say that mocked them?
4. Peter quickly spoke up and defended them with great boldness. He recognized that what was happening was a fulfillment of scripture from Joel chapter 2. In this prophecy that Peter quoted, it speaks of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all flesh – it will become available to all men. All men will be able to do what? See verse 21.
5. Peter began to preach a beautiful message declaring the work of Jesus Christ. What did he say about the death of Jesus that is so beautiful? See verse 24.
6. Peter tied his message back to King David who stated “You [Jesus] have made known to me the paths of life…” Peter spoke about the words of their patriarch king, which were words of prophecy. What did king David prophecy about according to verse 31?
7. David had spoke of the Kingship of the Christ when he spoke of the authority of Jesus. What authority did David say Jesus will have? See verses 34-35.
8. The natural question that any person would ask when confronted with the truth that Jesus is LORD is what? See verse 37.
9. There were so many people that day that put their trust in Jesus Christ that they did not get an accurate count. What was the approximate number of people who were saved?
10. At this juncture in time the celebration of new life was so great that the people wanted to just spend their days basking in the glory of their salvation. They spent a lot of time in the temple courtyard just praising God. They were so elated that they sold possessions to help the poor. Can you imagine the praise and worship that was taking place with so many new believers in the faith? What does Luke tell us in the last verse of this chapter, was the result of this great fellowship?
Devotionals
