ETB Acts 2:5-16,36-38

Session 2 - p.19 - Empowered

The Holy Spirit has many different roles. These roles include the inspiration of Scripture and the illumination of individual believers to understand the meaning of Scripture. Some of His roles apply primarily to the individual believer, while other roles focus on the life of the church as a body.

Toward the end of His earthly life, Jesus prayed that His followers would be one—just as the Father and the Son are one (John 17:21). In Acts 2, we see that prayer answered. The Spirit’s movement united believers as the church was born. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Understand the Context

The end of Luke’s gospel summarizes most of Acts 1 and sets up the scene for Acts 2.

Luke 24:50–53 “50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.”

At the beginning of Acts 2, the apostles were still in Jerusalem. The Eleven had gathered to appoint Matthias as a replacement for Judas, and they remained after his appointment in obedience to Jesus’s instructions to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came on them with power.

Meanwhile, other Jews from around the known world were also gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost is a one-day Jewish festival that celebrates the annual harvest. It is sometimes referred to as the Feast of Weeks because it occurs seven weeks after Passover. The word “Pentecost” is derived from the Greek word for fifty—since it occurs on the fiftieth day after seven weeks of seven days. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

If for some reason you were unable to participate in the first Passover because of uncleanness or not being at the temple, then Scripture dictates that you could participate a month later with others who had missed the first. Then this feast would be only a few days later. I generally try to stay somewhere at least as long as it took for me to get there, if I travel 30 minutes I plan on staying at least an hour. If you had travelled a long way (a month or more) to participate in Passover, it would not be unreasonable to stay until after this celebration before returning home.

This appears to be part of the scene that Luke is describing as our passage begins just after the disciples are visibly and audibly filled and covered with the Holy Spirit.

Explore the Text

Acts 2:5–13 ESV

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

v.5

dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven

Since they were “from every nation” we know that this “dwelling” is not the permanent residence. The NIV alludes to this by using “staying in Jerusalem.”

devout men

The were not people who were brand new to the faith but they had proven themselves through their study and application of the Word to be “devoted” to God. They had somehow shown themselves not to have been easily swayed from the faith in the past which is important to Luke’s narrative for Theophilus.

What about you, could anyone describe you as a “devout man”? If not, what should you do about it?

v.6-8

at this sound the multitude came together

Verse 2 has the description of the sound being referred to.

There must have been something different about this sound as loud noises may attract people, but strong winds usually make people stay inside. Maybe it is different in this ancient culture.

Although the initial sound may have gotten them to come into the area, it was the sound of their own native language that drew them in even closer in to hear what was being said.

the multitude

Down in verse 41 we find out that "about 3000 souls” were added to the church after Peter’s explanation of this noise and its affects. We also know that there were some who ridiculed and did not believe. Even if half the crowd believed, that would require a space to house over 6000 people to here Peter. I think the Temple area or maybe the King’s plaza would be the only places “in Jerusalem” that could hold that many people.

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 2

The presence of the crowd indicates that the setting must be the temple grounds, the only place in Jerusalem that could accommodate more than 3,000 persons (v. 41).

Difficult to reconcile these numbers with the idea of a private residence being the “entire house” filled in verse 2. Unless, like it had been done in other gospels this was referring to “the house of God.” Luke concluded his first Gospel stating they were “continually in the temple blessing God” in part expecting His arrival and probably also in celebration of the OT Pentecost. The Temple grounds would be an appropriate place for God to send His Spirit upon His people, making it unnecessary for it to ever be used again as the sole place of worship and to “send out” His people to the nations with His gospel message.

bewildered

Bewildered, amazed, and astonished are the words in the ESV to describe the devout men’s reactions. I like that they all seem to admit in verse 11 that they know “what” is being said and that is not what is amazing or confusing. It is also not that these follows of Jesus are speaking about the wondrous works of God that supersizes them. Not who, or what, but how they can do it - that is what is supernatural and awe inspiring.

own language

The Greek word used here and in verse 8 is the one we get our English word “dialect” from, a recognizable language but one that is unfamiliar. Even though we may not under German, French, Farsi, or Chinese we can usually recognize the general region of the globe that the language comes from even if not the particular country. We recognize the person’s speech is a different “dialektos” than ours even if we do not understand the words spoken.

For these men it was the opposite, they understood the words but not how they were being spoken by a person unfamiliar with there speech.

Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? … how is it that we hear

I wonder if part of the amazement they had was because not only was the language from the country but the dialect was from the hometown. Some the translations allude to this possibility with “in which we were born.”

“These men are from Galilee how do they know our special words and accent?”

We talked about this some when we studied the Tower of Babel and that all people spoke all the same dialects and idioms and no regional accents before the “confusion.” If that curse is being temporarily lifted, then all those local components would unified and heard as well.

Luke & Acts Commentary

The crowd’s bewilderment or confusion points to a reversal of Babel and makes for an interesting, contrasting parallel. According to Genesis, God confused the languages so that the people would not understand (Gen 11:7, 9 LXX suncheōmen … sunecheen [4797, 5177], “confound”). In Acts 2:6 the Spirit brings understanding, which causes the crowd to be confused (sunechuthē [4797, 5179], the same word as in Gen 11, LXX). But the confusion is a function of the continuing effects of Babel. The crowd was expecting language barriers, not the miraculous suspension of them through a Spirit-empowered affirmation of linguistic—and hence cultural—diversity.

v.9-11

Parthians to Rome, Pontus to Egypt and all points in between.

Do you remember as song about “from sea to shining sea?”

If you look at these people groups go across regions that on a map they connect the various seas throughout the Middle East. Dispersed by language and cultural differences, now being brought back together for the Gospel to be presented to them all.

Jews and proselytes

These proselytes were probably the only ones in the group that were “born” Gentiles. That had converted to Judaism and were faithful enough to be considered “devout” and have access to the Temple grounds. Except by birth, they were considered Jews, but only their children would be able to hold that title, until then these men were “devout converts.”

own tongues

The Greek word used here is the one we get our English word “glossary” from. Pointing to not a new form of speech but different word meanings.

the mighty works of God

What these visitors heard however was not just general conversation, it was specific to the power promised by God at the coming of the Holy Spirit - to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.”

v.12-13

What does this mean?

When we talk about God or Jesus there will be some people who are honestly curious and wonder. Most however today seem to fit into the next group.

others mocking

Ever been called a “Jesus Freak” or “Bible Thumper?” Wear that moniker with courage and thankfulness that they see enough of difference between themselves and the parts of God’s work in you that they perceived a need to put you down to ease the guilt they are uncomfortably feeling around you.

Ask: How can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit to witness for Christ? (PSG, p. 23)

The opposite question is equally as important.

How do you resist the Holy Spirit to witness for Christ?

How the Jews at Pentecost responded to the Spirit’s movement. They also reveal how people often respond to God’s work today. As we seek to live in obedience to Christ and His Word, we can expect a variety of responses, both positive and negative. These responses neither validate nor invalidate our witness. Our responsibility is to share the message. Each person will be responsible for their own response. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Peter explains this to them in the next few verses.

Acts 2:14–16 ESV

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

Peter.. lifted up his voice and addressed them

When we see Peter in the Gospels, he is often tripping over himself, making mistakes, sticking his foot in his mouth, and speaking without thinking. He famously denied Jesus three times just weeks before Pentecost.

However, in Acts 2, Luke portrayed a Peter who had been transformed by the Holy Spirit and was becoming the “rock” that Jesus envisioned. Rather than denying Jesus, Peter boldly proclaimed the work of God. Peter was again quick to speak; but, unlike the in past, he was speaking the words of God instead of being the voice of Satan (Matt. 16:23). [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Another immediately visible change in the apostle brought on by the presence and filling of the Holy Spirit.

let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

There is an interesting possibility raised with this phrasing. Some translations render it, “Listen and I will tell you what this means” That was the question they were asking each other, so Peter not only may have spoken to them in their native language but may have hear them in his own, or the asked it out loud in the Aramaic. Either would help explain the specific direction of the expository speech he was about to give. Yes, it was divinely inspired but it also directly answered their question. God working in them prompted their question and Peter understanding both words and Spirit responded with the first evangelist gospel message.

these people are not drunk

Remember these were “devout men” so they followed the rules of Scripture as best they could.

Opening Up Acts Peter Explains the Spirit (vv. 14–21)

Jews would fast on feast days until at least 10 a.m

This is what was said by the prophet Joel:

Peter used Scripture in answering their spiritual question. That is always the best practice, let God speak for Himself through His Word.

“Scripture is a powerful tool for getting to the heart of a spiritual challenge.” [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Do you think that it is “a tool” or “the (only) tool” we can use?

Acts 2:36–38 ESV

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “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.

v.36

Let all the house of Israel know

Further confirmation that Peter knew he was only speaking to Jews, born or converted, at this time.

It was the God that they all worshipped that had “made” Jesus both Lord and Christ.

It was also man that had crucified the same. It was no less a part of God’s sovereign plan, but it was sin like this that made Christ’s coming necessary, and their need for repentance of it.

Whom you crucified

Believer’s Bible Commentary D. The Day of Pentecost and the Birth of the Church (2:1–47)

The nation of Israel had crucified the Lord of glory. The Jewish people had cried out, “His blood be on us and on our children” (Matt. 27:25). The guilt of the Messiah’s death was thus claimed by the people of Israel.

Peter pulled no punches in this sermon. He clearly proclaimed that the people of Jerusalem—along with their leaders—were guilty of crucifying Jesus. Of course, these people did not physically nail Jesus to the cross or issue the death penalty. The Roman government did that. However, their rejection of Jesus and demand for Barabbas made them culpable (Luke 23:18-25). Our sins make us just as culpable since He died in our place. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

When we present the truths of Scripture to others we must also tell them of both the good and bad so that God can convict or comfort as He sees fit.

v.37-38

Brothers, what shall we do?

Some of those mocking may have been convicted by Peter’s words, but those who had asked “what does this mean?” surely were and now recognized a need for action but had no concept of atonement outside of the Temple sacrificial system.

When people truly understand the gospel, they recognize their sin and their need for a Savior. The Jewish audience’s question demonstrated hearts and minds that were being transformed by the Holy Spirit. Peter’s response had nothing to do with trying harder or following the law more closely. Instead, he challenged them to place their faith and hope in Christ alone. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

said to Peter and the rest of the apostles

I like this small detail added by Luke. Even though it was probably Peter that spoke, the other disciples may have been repeating his words for those further back in the crowd - as was typical in speaking to large groups. Those that were convicted knew that any of these apostles could answer their question. God had convicted through His Word, and not convinced their minds, all of these men had the answer of how to heal the “cutting to the heart” that His Word had caused. Luke record’s Peter as giving the answer, but I am sure that everyone of the apostles and disciples gave the same answer to all who asked. It is the same answer that we give today, for it is the only way for salvation and forgiveness of sin.

every one of you

It is small thing, but I like the CSB and other translations that have “each of you better” for this phrase. “Every” groups together, “each” separates individually. This choice Peter is speaking of is still for “each” individual to make on their own, no one else can make if for them otherwise not child of a saved parent would ever go astray.

Repent, be baptized, receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit

As we progress through the book of Acts we will see the process change in its actions and order as it is delivered to various other people groups until it eventually coalesces into the presentation in the Epistles. That is part of what Luke it helping his reader(s) understand as the Church begins and continues to form throughout the book. God does somethings once to establish His presence and other things repeatedly to prove His faithfulness.

The means and methods of the Gospel presentation changed in the few years recorded in the books of Acts and continued to change afterwards as it spread across the world and its cultures. Today we still have to repent, we still have to believe in faith, and God’s Spirit in us helps us know of His acceptance of that faith which we then display openly to others through things like baptism, “good works”, and finally the boldness and ability to tell others of the change that He made within us.

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