Acts 2

Acts 2:1-5

The Church’s Power (Justification and Indoctrination): The Witness of the Church in Jerusalem – In Acts 2:1 to Acts 5:42 we have the witness of the church in Jerusalem of how the disciples testified of the Lord Jesus under the power of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament Church receives witness to their genuine faith in Christ on the day of Pentecost as they are filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-41). They progress by the indoctrination of the Scriptures (Acts 2:42-47), and begin to minister in power that brings many others to salvation while their faith is tested by persecutions (Acts 3:1 to Acts 5:42). Under the conditions of men getting saved in the midst of signs and wonders and persecution, the genuine believers stand out as distinct among those who are false. Outline - Here is a proposed outline: A. Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost — Acts 2:1-47B. Peter’s Sermon in the Temple & Persecution — Acts 3:1 to Acts 4:31C. Witness of Church Growth — Acts 4:32 to Acts 5:42A Promise, a Prayer, and the Power – In the first two chapters of the book of Acts, we see that there was a promise (Acts 1:8), followed by prayer (Acts 1:14), then the power was released (Acts 2:1-4). We must be people of prayer in order to receive God’s power, even though it is promised to us. Old Testament References Used by Peter the Apostle – In the first two chapters of the book of Acts, Peter the apostle quotes from various Old Testament passages in relation to the fulfillment of prophecy. Perhaps Jesus had taught His disciples using these same passages during His 40-day visit after the Resurrection. This would explain Peter’s insight into otherwise difficult interpretations. Or, Peter was speaking by the Holy Spirit, giving him the interpretation.

Acts 2:14-36

Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost - In the Sermon at Pentecost, Peter preached Jesus (Acts 2:22-36), just as Philip preached Jesus in Acts 8:5. In this sermon, Peter emphasized the fact of the resurrection as proof that Jesus Christ was indeed the Messiah. This made the hearers a candidate for salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, it was Paul who received the revelation of our identity with Christ’s resurrection (note Romans 6:6-12, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:3). This is because the Lord gave to Paul the work of putting the doctrine of the New Testament Church into writing. Faith in the fact of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the milk of the Word of God, but faith in our identification with Christ’s resurrection is the meat of God’s Word. Acts 8:5, “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Colossians 3:3, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” We ask the question of how Peter quoted from the Old Testament Scriptures so extensively during his sermon on Pentecost. He certainly had no bible as we do today. These early disciples may have obtained a copy of some Old Testament books in the form of scrolls, and read them in the upper room. Most likely, Peter was quoting these passages without reading them under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Outline - Here is a proposed outline of the Sermon of Pentecost:

1. The Prophecy of Joel — Acts 2:14-21
2. The Death of Jesus Christ — Acts 2:22-233. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ — Acts 2:24-324. The Ascension and Exaltation of Jesus Christ — Acts 2:33-36

Acts 2:22-23

The Death of Jesus Christ – After quoting from Joe 2:28-32, Peter preaches Christ Jesus. He begins with a declaration of His death by the divine counsel and foreknowledge of God. Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Acts 2:23 — Comments - Acts 2:23 says that Jesus was crucified by “the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.” Strong says the Greek verb “determinate” (ὁρίζω) (G3724) literally means, “to mark out,” and figuratively, “to appoint, decree, specify,” and he says the noun “counsel” (βουλή) (G1012) means, “volition, i.e. advice, purpose.” Wuest explains that the Greek word βουλή was used in classical Greek literature to describe “a council convened for the purpose of administering the affairs of government,” and it was used of “the camp-fire council of Zenophon and his officers” when they met each night to decide a “pre-determined course of action” for the following day’s march. (Xenophon, Anabasis books 2, 4, 5, 6, 7)[120] He then applies this picture to the Trinity as they planned a course of action to redeem mankind from his fallen condition. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit convened and took counsel together, since it takes more than one person to conspire in a legitimate council. Wuest says the phrase “the determinate counsel” thus means that “these deliberations were for the purpose of determining something,” which was to chose the Son to be crucified beforehand as a means of redeeming mankind. Wuest then makes the conclusion that the phrase “the determinate counsel” stands parallel and equal in meaning to the word “foreknowledge” (πρόγνωσις) (G4268) based on the Granville Sharp rule of Greek grammar.[121] He says the Greek word “foreknowledge” includes not only previous knowledge of circumstances, but within the context of Act 2:23 it carries the idea of “foreordination,” which is the way it is translated in 1 Peter 1:20, “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” Wuest says the word πρόγνωσις “speaks of the sovereign act of God foreordaining certain from among mankind to be saved.” The argument of Wuest fails in the fact that the Granville Sharp rule says that two Greek words in this construction are related, but it does not say that they have the same definition and meaning. For example, in the first example used by Sharp of Mat 12:22, “the blind and dumb (man),” both attributes of blind and dumb relate to the same individual, but these two words do not have the same meaning. [120] William Barrack, Lexicon to Xenophon’s Anabasis (London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1872), see βουλευω, 28; Xenophon, Anabasis, in The History of Xenophon, vols. 1-2, trans. Henry G. Dakyns, in The Historians of Greece, vols. 8-9, ed. Thomas M. Alexander (New York: The Tandy-Thomas Company, 1909), vol. 1: 195, 206, 207, 293, vol. 2: 11, 34, 39, 40, 52, 54, 75, 116, 176. [121] Granville Sharp Rule One says, “When the copulative καί connects two nouns of the same case, [viz. nouns (either Substantive or adjective, or participles) of personal description respecting office, dignity, affinity, or connection, and attributes, properties, or qualities, good or ill,] if the article ὁ, or any of its cases, precedes the first of the said nouns or participles, and is not repeated before the second noun or participle, the latter always relates to the same person that is expressed or described by the first noun or participle: i. e. it denotes a farther description of the first-named person…” See Granville Sharp, Remarks on the Use of the Definitive Article in the Greek Text of the New Testament (London: Vernon and Hood; f. and C. Rivington; J. White and J. Hatchard; and L. Pennington, Durham, 1803), 3.James Dunn makes a similar argument using the context of Bible verses to justify the expansion the definition of πρόγνωσις to include pre-election. He argues that the use of προώρισεν and πρόθεσις within the immediate context of Rom 8:28-29 justifies this expanded definition. He refers to two Old Testament passages that show God’s foreknowledge at work in His plan of redemption for mankind (Genesis 18:19, Hosea 13:5) and one that shows His foreknowledge and pre-determined counsel working together (Jeremiah 1:5) to further support his claim.[122] However, there are no grammatical rules that require two different Greek words used in a sentence to carry the same or a similar meaning, although they relate to the same idea. [122] James D. G. Dunn, Romans 1-8, in Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 38A (Dallas, Texas: Word, Incorporated, 2002), in Libronix Digital Library System, v. 2.1c [CD-ROM] (Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corp., 2000-2004), comments on Romans 8:29.Genesis 18:19, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Hosea 13:5, “I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.” Wuest acknowledges that many scholars believe the word πρόγνωσις simply means, “the prescience of God, as Vincent puts it, not the idea of pre-election.”[123] I have to disagree with the conclusion of Wuest that “determinate counsel” and “foreknowledge” mean the very same thing. Within the context of Act 2:23, these phrases can be complimentary, without being exactly the same in meaning. Jesus’ death on Calvary was pre-determined and therefore, foreknown by God. God designed a plan of redemption for mankind through His pre-determined counsel, then He intervenes in the affairs of mankind based upon His foreknowledge of this plan. W. E.

Vine contradicts Wuest on pre-election by saying, “God’s foreknowledge involves His electing grace, but this does not preclude human will. He foreknows the exercise of faith which brings salvation.”[124] [123] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies From the Greek New Testament for the English Reader, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1973), 143. [124] W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words with their Precise Meanings for English Readers (Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, c1940, 1966), “Foreknow, Foreknowledge,” 119.

Acts 2:24-32

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ – After declaring the death of Jesus Christ, Peter preaches His Resurrection in Acts 2:24-32. In this part of the sermon, he cites Psalms 16:8-11 and interprets its prophetic fulfillment in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Acts 2:24 — Comments – In Acts 2:24 Peter alludes to a number of possible Old Testament Scriptures: 2 Samuel 22:6, “The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;” Psalms 18:4, “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.” Psalms 116:3, “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.” Acts 2:25-28 — Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament – In Acts 2:25-28 the apostle Peter quotes from Psalms 16:8-11. Psalms 16:8-11, “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Acts 2:30 — Comments – In Acts 2:30 Peter alludes to Psalms 132:11, “The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne..

Acts 2:33-36

The Ascension and Exaltation of Jesus Christ – Having preached the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, Peter declares His ascension and exaltation at the right hand of the Father. In this part of the sermon, he cites Psalms 110:1 and interprets its prophetic fulfillment in the exaltation of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:34-35 — Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament – In Acts 2:34-35 the apostle Peter quotes from Psalms 110:1, A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”

Acts 2:37-41

The Response of the People on the Day of Pentecost – In Acts Luke records the response of the people, as Peter’s sermon adds three thousand people to the early Church. Acts 2:37 — Comments - Note how Peter did not plead for a decision nor give an altar call. The anointing of the Holy Spirit prompted this response. Acts 2:38 — Comments – Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. The people responded and said, “What shall we do to be saved?” Of course, Peter answered their question in all of his fullness because they not only wanted to be saved from their sins, but they wanted to be saved from an oppressive life, from a problematic life. Thus, he leads them in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Note the order of events: repentance, baptism (In Jesus’ name), receiving the Holy Ghost. This is similar to Jesus receiving the Holy Ghost after His water baptism in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16). Matthew 3:16, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” Note that the apostles repented and were baptized with John the Baptist’s ministry (Acts 1:21-22) and at Pentecost, they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:21-22, “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” The same order is seen in Acts 19:5-6 : baptism, then the Holy Ghost. Acts 19:5-6, “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38-39 — Comments – The Promise of the Father - The promise of the Father is the giving of His Holy Spirit. Note these insightful words from Frances J. Roberts regarding this passage of Holy Scripture: “For the promise of the Father is to all who believe, yea, to all who are called, even those who are afar off (Acts 2:39). And this promise is the gift of the indwelling presence of My Holy Spirit, promised to all who have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, who have repented of their sins and received remission (Acts 2:38).”[125] [125] Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved (Ojai, California: King’s Farspan, Inc., 1973), 43.Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Acts 2:37-40 — Comments - Foundational Doctrines of Scripture - Acts 2:37-40 deals with the first three of the six foundational doctrines of Scripture, repentance from dead works, faith towards God, and the doctrine of baptisms (Hebrews 6:1-2). Acts 2:40 suggests that the other three doctrines may have been mentioned and not recorded. Hebrews 6:1-2, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:42-47

Daily Life among the Believers – Acts 2:42-47 gives us a description of the daily life among the believers in the early Church. Giving in the Early Church - The early church not only gave tithes, but shared their material substance with one another. As a missionary in Africa, I have seen some churches where the pastor rose up in great prosperity because he over spent the contributions on himself. There should be a balance to how the church contributions are spent. Acts 2:44-45 teaches that the funds should largely help those in the church who have needs. Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42 — Comments – The early Church addressed the needs of the entire make-up of man: mental (apostles’ doctrine), social (fellowship), physical (breaking of bread), and spiritual (prayers), which are reflected in Acts 2:42. “the apostles’ doctrine” - The early believers did not have the books of the New Testament to read. Therefore, they relied upon the Old Testament Scriptures for several decades until the Gospels and New Testament epistles were written and dispersed. These early Jewish believers relied upon the teachings of the apostles as they interpreted the Old Testament in light of the revelation of Jesus Christ, which became a distinct doctrine unique from that taught in the local synagogues. Thus, the phrase “the apostles’ doctrine” is used in Acts 2:42 to describe these early teachings. “fellowship” - The fellowship of the early believers reflected a spiritual bond that superseded their Jewish heritage and family ties. These believers soon faced persecutions from the Jewish community because of their faith in Jesus Christ. “breaking of bread” - The phrase “breaking of bread” includes both communion and love feasts (Jude 1:12) that the early Church practiced. “prayers” – It is possible that prayers included worship with songs and Scriptural hymns. Jude 1:12, “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;” Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. Acts 2:43 — “And fear came upon every soul” - Comments – Note other places in the book of Acts where the fear of God fell:

1. Acts 5:5, “and great fear camp on all them that heard”
2. Acts 5:11, “and great fear came upon all the church”
3. Acts 9:31, “The churches… walking in the fear of the Lord”
4. Acts 19:17, “and fear fell on them all” Also, the Old Testament records the fear of God fall upon people: Genesis 35:5, “And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.” 2 Chronicles 14:14, “And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.” Illustration - In 1990 or 1991, while taking lunch, I envisioned Jesus’ feet ascending upon the Mount of Olives. Then, an awesome fear and reverence of God fell upon me. I now know how I am going to feel one day before God’s throne when I giving an account of my life. All I could say during this vision was “Holy, holy is the Lord” (Isaiah 6:3), and “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). This anointing lasted a few minutes and lifted, but the effects of that experience lingered for hours. Acts 2:44-45 — Comments – All Things in Common - Many churches today are structured so that the church leadership keeps the donations confidential. In extreme cases, the pastor becomes wealthy by spending these donations on his personal gain. In many other cases, the funds are wasted unnecessarily. Biblicaly, these donations are to be used to benefit the congregation. In other words, the congregration should have these donations shared in common. They should be the beneficiaries of church funds.

In addition, the congregration should decide corporately on the budget, agreeing on how to portion the budget towards missions, building expenses, salaries, etc. However, such congregational agreement should be limited to those church members who are faithful in tithes and offers and serving together. Acts 2:47 — “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” - Comments – The Church began with 120 people (Acts 1:15), increased to 3000 (Acts 2:41), to 5000 (Acts 4:4), added more (Acts 5:14), multiplied (Acts 6:1), and multiplied greatly (Acts 6:7). The Lord still adds to the church daily, but the church is made up of those who acknowledge Jesus as Head and who do His word. For the Lord to add daily, we must be like the church in the book of Acts, and be obedient to God’s Word.