Acts - The Day of Pentecost (2)

Preparation for That Day....

This is found in Acts 1:12-26.

The Apostles - in obedience to Jesus Christ (Acts 1:4-5) - remained in Jerusalem.

They continued in prayer [Acts 1:14] with the rest of the disciples [120 of them (Acts 1:15]. Although many had believed in Jesus during His earthly ministry, at this point there were only 120 committed disciples.

Peter,led by the Holy Spirit - guided the disciples to fill the place left by Judas (Acts 1:15-26). Matthias was chosen as the 12th Apostle to bear witness - with the other 11 - to the RESURRECTION of the Lord (Acts 1:21-22).

The Coming of the Holy Spirit....

The background for this event is the Feats of Pentecost. The Faithlife Study Bible summarizes....

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 2

day of Pentecost One of three festivals or feasts that required all Jewish men to come to Jerusalem (Exod 23:14–17; Lev 23:1–44; Deut 12:5–6). Pentecost occurs 50 days after Passover, around May or June, and celebrates the gathering of the firstfruits of the harvest (Exod 23:16).

The 3 feasts in which all Jewish men were required to attend = go to Jerusalem were…PASSOVER, PENTECOST, and TABERNACLES. That is why religious Jews from all over the world [since they had been scattered] had assembled in Jerusalem on that day - the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5ff) . [Jesus had died on the Passover - just 50 days earlier (Cf John 18:28).]

Accompanied by Speaking in Tongues....

It is important to realize that this was not “statistic utterances” [which are practiced by many churches today] but rather KNOWN LANGUAGES which were instantly understood by the listener.....

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? (Acts 2:4–8, NKJV)

This is what attracted the people and allowed Peter to speak to the multitudes about Jesus Christ...

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (Acts 2:14–16, NKJV)

Peter’s Message.....

Peter’s message is found in Acts 2:14-40. The heart of his message was THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST - which…he showed....had been prophesied centuries before....

31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. (Acts 2:31–33, NKJV)

Focused on the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ

Peter also pointed out that this MANIFESTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT had earlier been prophesied by the prophet Joel

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:16–18, NKJV)

Showed that the Outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT was Prophesied by Joel

Showed that JESUS is both LORD and CHRIST

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36, NKJV)

Called on the Nation to REPENT and be BAPTIZED in the Name of Jesus Christ

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:37–39, NKJV)

The fact that they were cut to the heart shows that BELIEVED HIS MESSAGE = BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST.

Those who believed were baptized and began meeting daily with the Apostles

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:41–42, NKJV)

Those who believed were demonstrating LOVE for one another by sharing their possessions and goods

44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and were selling their possessions and goods, and dividing them among all, as anyone had need. (Acts 2:44–45, NKJV)

The believers were daily celebrating THE LORD’S SUPPER in their homes

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to the Assembly daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46–47, NKJV)

The Lord was daily adding to the Assembly.....

Because we today have the same Holy Spirit....

This same kind of thing could also happen in our communities today!!