Making Sense of Pentecost Pt 1

Introduction:

The writer of Acts wishes for his reader to think through the events he has described.

We have at least three groups of people present on the Day of Pentecost:

Disciples of Jesus who have suddenly been enabled to speak dialects represented in Jerusalem on that day.

Those who were not disciples who asked: “what does this mean.”

Those who ridiculed Jesus’ disciples.

None of the modern explanations of Pentecost have their explanation here:

Spiritual gifts

“Birth of the Church”

Peter’s explanation can be divided into three parts.

Acts 2:14

Acts 2:22

Acts 2:29

Peter Takes the Lead:

We have grown comfortable with Peter taking the lead in Jesus’ absence.

He has already done so to instruct the group about the selection of Judas’ replacement.

We have reason to consider him taking the lead here because Luke mentioned the presence of the eleven.

After he stood, he:

Raised his voice.

Explained to them: the implication here is that Peter articulated to the crowd the explanation many of them sought.

He addressed them respectfully:

In his address to them, he hits all of the categories mentioned by Luke earlier.

We have Jews: Those who are from Judea proper, perhaps.

We have all residents of Jerusalem: this could suggest those who lived in other parts of the Roman Empire and beyond.

He called upon them to do more than listen to him. He urged them to think through his forthcoming explanation.

Peter’s Explanation:

Peter first jokingly negates the ridicule.

These are not drunk, like some had assumed.

It is only 9 AM.

The implication is that it is far too early in the morning for drunkenness to be a serious thing to consider.

What he does conclude, however, is that what they have witnessed fulfills the prophecy “through” Joel.

We should note Peter’s use of language here.

Joel was the prophet, but God was speaking (see Acts 2:17).

He primarily emphasizes Joel 2:28 ff although the whole section appears to be important to the overall message.

Points of emphasis:

Note that Peter specifically associated Joel and Pentecost with “in the last days.”

Joel repeatedly refers to “the day of the Lord.”

Joel 2:1, 11, 31.

Acts 2:20.

The Lord promises judgment and salvation for His people.

“All flesh” seems to be relevant here.

Perhaps the contrasts in Joel’s prophecies are intended to give examples of this.

Sons & Daughters.

Young & Old.

Male slaves & female slaves.

These categories transcend gender, age, and social rank.

Two times the Lord says “I will pour out from my Spirit.”

Acts 2:17

Acts 2:18

All who call upon the Lord will be saved.

While Joel turns this into a play on words, Peter appears to mean this as a challenge to the crowd.

They should not assume they understand who the Lord is.

Instead of being the people of the Lord, Israel has rejected the Lord.

Jesus’ disciples show evidence of knowing the Lord.

The larger crowd does not.

They, instead, have reason to be concerned with facing his judgment.

Who is the Lord? These are the last days.