OceanSide church of Christ

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PENTECOST DAY

Acts 2

Victor M. Eskew

 

            The apostles had been told by Jesus prior to His crucifixion that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, would be given to them (John 13-16).  He told His disciples to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8).  These loyal men did as the Lord instructed them.  “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath’s day journey” (Acts 1:12).  Little did they know that the promise of the Spirit would come on Pentecost Day (Acts 2:1).  The things hath happened on that day were powerful, shocking, life-changing, and historical.  They are recorded for us in Acts 2 by the inspired penman Luke.  Let’s briefly examine this chapter that some refer to as “The Hub of the Bible.”

            The chapter begins with “The Coming of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1-4).  The apostles were assembled in an upper room (Acts 1:13).  The sound as of a rushing mighty wind suddenly filled the room (Acts 2:2).  Cloven tongues like as of fire sat upon each one of them (Acts 2:3).  “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).  The promise of Jesus was now fulfilled.  These men could now accomplish their mission of preaching the gospel throughout the world.  The “tongues” they were given involved the miraculous ability to speak in foreign languages they had never been taught. 

            Many Jews from all over the world were in Jerusalem for the celebration of this important feast day.  “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:6).  When the multitudes heard the apostles speaking in the languages wherein they were born, they were “confounded” (Acts 2:6), “amazed” (Acts 2:7), and “in doubt” (Acts :2:12).  “The Confusion of the Jews” is found in verses 5-12.  One of the explanations some gave for this phenomenon was:  “These men are full of new wine” (Acts 2:13). 

            “The Correction of the False Charge” was made by Peter and recorded in Acts 2:14-21.  He plainly declares:  “For these are not drunken as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.”  He then informed the Jews that this was fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.  “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16).  Peter goes on to quote the words of the prophet recorded in Joel 2:28-32.  Many of these Jews would have been familiar with these words.  Joel had informed them that the Spirit would be out poured.  He also foretold the purpose of the coming Spirit.  “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). 

            Having corrected the charge, Peter calls upon the people to hear him.  “Ye men of Israel, hear these words…” (Acts 2:22).  Peter’s message was powerful:  “The Confirmation of Jesus’ Resurrection” (Acts 2:22-36).  When Peter began to preach, he immediately reminded his listeners that with their wicked hands they crucified and slew a man approved of God named Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 2:22-23).  He then affirmed:  “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).  He informed them that this was the fulfillment of David’s prophecy found in Psalm 16:8-11.  Here is Peter’s application of that text.  “Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he, seeing before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:30-31).  He continued and affirmed that he and the other eleven apostles were witnesses of that resurrection (Acts 2:32).  After Jesus was raised, He was exalted to the Father’s right hand Peter proclaimed (Acts 2:33).  This was the fulfillment of another prophecy from David’s pen (Acts 2:34-35).  Peter concluded his sermon with these words:  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

            Peter’s words were heard positively by some of those gathered in Jerusalem.  “The Concern of the Jews” is found in the form of a question in Acts 2:37.  “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  Most believe that these Jews understood that they were lost before God.  Thus, their question was:  “What shall we do to be saved?”  This is the most important question that any human being who is lost in sin can ask.  Our prayer is that all men will ask the question and get the correct answer at some point in their life.

            “Peter’s Command to the Jews” is recorded in Acts 2:38-40.  Listen closely to his words found in verse 38.  “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  Peter did not tell his listeners to believe only.  He did not tell them to accept Jesus into their hearts.  He did not tell them to say “the sinner’s prayer.”  He told them to “repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”  Dear reader, this is a direct quote from an inspired apostle of Jesus Christ.  Why would anyone reject what the apostle Peter said? 

            Around three thousand of the Jews did not reject Peter’s words.  “The Compliance of the Jews” is found in 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.”  Those who complied “gladly received his word.”  The word “gladly” means “with pleasure.”  They did not scoff.  They did not argue in debate.  They did not reject Peter’s command.  With pleasure they submitted to the command to repent and be baptized.  These individuals became the very first example of what it means to call upon the name of Lord and be saved (See Acts 2:21 and Acts 22:16).

            When these 3,000 soul obeyed the gospel, they were added to something (v. 41).  In verse 47, we learn that they were added to the church.  “…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”  The closing verses of Acts 2 reveal “The Church Established in Jerusalem” (vs. 42-47).  This was a very tight knit group of people.  Let’s read about some of the spiritual activities in which they were engaged in those beginning days of the church.  “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers….And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart” (vs. 42-46).  This is the type of activity that should be found in every church today.

            This chapter is not a difficult chapter to understand, but it is a vital chapter to understand.  The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the preaching of the resurrection, the obedience of the gospel by the Jews, and the establishment of the church are foundational concepts for all Christians to grasp.  Go back and read this chapter again.  Ask yourself:  “Have I done what these individuals were instructed to do in order to become saved individuals?”  If not, then ask yourself:  “Why not?”  If you have done these things, rejoice because you have followed the divine pattern for salvation given by the Holy Spirit and the apostles some two thousand years ago on Pentecost Day.