AP

Jerusalem to Rome: A Journey Through Acts

Bible Studies on the Acts of the Apostles

The Day of Pentecost                                                                                                             A

Acts 2:1-47

Verses 1-4: Pentecost, from the Greek meaning “fiftieth” is the NT term for the Feast of Weeks in the Old Testament, which celebrated the giving of the Torah, as well as the wheat harvest. It comes fifty days after Passover. Exodus 34:22 states: “Celebrate the Festival of Weeks with the first fruits of the wheat harvest, and the Festival of Ingathering at the turn of the year.” The “Ingathering” would be in autumn, like a Harvest Festival; for the church that will be the Second Coming.

This pilgrimage feast gained new significance for Christians because it coincided with the birthday of the New Testament church. The Holy Spirit baptized 120 disciples. The sending of the Holy Spirit followed Jesus’ ascension and thus fulfilled John the Baptist’s prediction that the Messiah would baptize “with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16) after he had become “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

On Pentecost, the redemptive purpose of God shifted from the descendants of Abraham to all peoples. The church was empowered for its worldwide mission. It began with a dramatic, sudden violent wind that filled the whole house. The wind was held to symbolize the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 37:9-14; see also John 3:8). Then the gathered disciples saw what “seemed to be tongues of fire.” Fire denotes the divine presence (Exodus 3:2-3). This was followed by the ability to speak in other languages, a reversal of the judgement of Babel.

Verses 5-11: All Jewish males were obligated to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem three times a year. They came from the lands of their dispersion. There were many centres of Jewish communities in the places mentioned. Proselytes were Gentiles who had become Jewish by circumcision (at least for males), a purificatory self-baptism, and the offering of a sacrifice. These festivals would be times of rejoicing and thanksgiving. This explains the many visitors in Jerusalem: “God-fearing Jews from every nation of the world” (v. 5). The “sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes” are of interest, as Luke’s interest moves towards Rome by the end of his history.

The visitors heard the wind and the speaking in foreign languages and were bewildered, as each of them heard them speaking in his own language (v. 6). The disciples were recognized as Galileans, perhaps by the way they pronounced the guttural sounds, so it was no wonder that they were amazed. What they heard the disciples saying, was that they were “declaring the wonders (literally: great deeds) of God in our own languages” (v. 11).

Verses 12-15: The locals and foreigners started to ask questions, “What does this mean?” But others mocked the disciples, saying that they were drunk. Peter quickly disabused them of that notion. [Paul, who had the gift of glossolalia himself, had to warn his readers that a stranger entering one of their meetings when they were all speaking in tongues would certainly think they were mad (1 Corinthians 14:23)]. Then Peter explains. His address is not so much on the Holy Spirit, but on Christ, which is appropriate, as the Spirit testifies of Christ. Peter highlights his resurrection and exaltation as Lord and Christ.

Verses 16-21: He sees the event as a fulfilment of Joel 2:28-32. Note the inclusiveness: “all people”; “both men and women,” “sons and daughters,” and “young and old.” At the time, Peter did not realise the import of “all people.” That came only after the vision in Acts chapter 10.

The wonders and signs to be revealed in the natural world (vv.19-20 as prophesied by Joel), would have reminded the citizens of Jerusalem how the sun was darkened on the afternoon of Jesus’ crucifixion. The paschal full moon may well have appeared blood-red in the sky because of the darkness. The quoted prophecy closes with the promise: “every one who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Verses 22-39: Peter summarizes the life of Jesus as a miracle worker and thus accredited by God. All these events were well known. Verse 23 is an example of God’s foreknowledge and human responsibility occurring together: God planned the sacrifice for our sins, but “wicked men” put Jesus to death. Peter quickly moves to the resurrection: it was “impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” He quotes from Psalm 16 and then explains how that relates to the Christ (=the Messiah). He again stresses that the disciples are all witnesses to the resurrection.

Verse 33 refers to the ascension. Only after Christ’s exaltation could the Spirit be sent in his fullness. Peter explains how Psalm 110 applies to the Christ. “You tried to kill this man, and you thought you had succeeded, but you could not, because he was the Lord’s anointed – he was unkillable. You are not servants of God, but the enemies of God.” Note in verse 36 that Peter does not absolve the people of the crime of crucifying an innocent man (“whom you crucified”), but again states that God assuredly made this Jesus “both Lord and Christ.”

The listeners were “cut to the heart,” indicating a very strong and painful emotion. They ask, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter’s reply is straightforward: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Note that repentance comes before forgiveness.

The salvation of which Joel had spoken was to be enjoyed by ‘a remnant’ [Joel 2:32] of the whole people; so now Peter urged his hearers to make sure by repentant calling upon the Lord that they would belong to this remnant and so save themselves from that ‘crooked generation.’ [Luke 9:41; 11:29; 17:25] The new believing community was, in fact, the faithful remnant of the old Israel and at the same time the nucleus of the new Israel, the Christian church (F.F. Bruce).

Verses 40-41: Peter continues to plead with them, but Luke does not record every word. Then the apostles get busy baptizing about 3000 people!

Verses 42-47: The new believers’ devotion was expressed in four features: (1) the apostles’ teaching, (2) fellowship, (3) the breaking of bread [the Lord’s Supper/Communion, most likely], and (4) prayer. Imagine the awe, as they witnessed more wonders and miraculous signs! The believers were keen to share all their possessions. The visitors to Jerusalem may have wanted to stay longer than planned, so they would need some support from the locals. “Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” They met together every day! They ate together “with glad and sincere hearts.” And the church kept growing!

Questions:

In what sense might it be said that all Christians are Pentecostals?

Read 1 Corinthians 14. How should Paul’s concerns be applied to today’s church?

Why are the 4 features mentioned in verse 42 still necessary for healthy church/Christian life?

– Alida Sewell