Acts 2
-The Holy Spirit’s coming to indwell believers as Jesus had
promised is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost as the believers were all
together in the upper room in Jerusalem (John 14:16-26; 15:26; 16:7-8, Acts 2:1).
The Holy Spirit came from Heaven with a noise “like a violent rushing wind,”
and It filled the whole house where the disciples were sitting. There appeared
to them “tongues of fire distributing themselves,” and “they rested on each one
of them.” As they were all filled now with the Holy Spirit, each one began to
speak with other tongues as the Holy Spirit was giving them utterance (Acts
2:2-4). *Application* This is the Spirit of Truth and Conviction that draws the
whole world to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and gives believers the
power over the enemy filling them with His fruits (Romans 15:13, Galatians
5:18-26). This same Holy Spirit is available to us as we receive the gift of
Him at the point of trusting in Jesus Christ to save us (Acts 2:38). He wants
complete control of our lives to do His will. We can grieve or quench Him, but
never lose Him (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Have you received the
gift and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)? Have
you been baptized (immersed, totally controlled and consumed) by this awesome
fullness of God (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 2:16, Acts 1:5; 2:38)? This is
the key to eternal and triumphant living.
-The amazing and miraculous events of Pentecost draw a huge
international crowd during this common Jewish festival in which many attended
in Jerusalem. They were hearing the disciples speaking to them in their own
language, which was in itself a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. These
people were amazed, astonished, and in great perplexity asking, “What does this
mean?” Some were there mocking these Spirit filled believers saying, “They are
full of sweet wine.” Peter is now empowered to take his stand with the eleven
and declare the fulfillment of prophecies and the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts
2:5-36). The response was incredible. When the message was heard along with
these miraculous demonstrations, they questioned the apostles about what they
should do to be saved. The apostles’ response was to repent and be baptized in
the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Then, they also would
receive this gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for them, their children,
and all those far off into the future, “as many as the Lord our God will call
to Himself (Acts 2:39). The church age had begun with the ingathering of all
the nations to the Lord (Genesis 18:18, Psalm 22:27, Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:37-41,
and many more).
-The early church had all things in common. They were
continually devoting themselves to prayer and the apostles’ teaching. There was
a sense of awe and many signs and wonders were taking place through the
apostles. God’s power was definitely on them. They had one mind, the mind of
Christ, and there was sweet communion, provision, and fellowship with each
other. The Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being
saved (Acts 2:42-47). *Application* There is no reason why this can’t be the
case in the church today. We can be of the same mind only if we all are
obedient and conform to the image of Christ (Philippians 2). Our hearts need to
be generous and in total worship as we abide in His presence together as the
Body of Christ (Romans 12:5, Colossians 3:12-17). This is the kind of church
God wants and uses as He leads and directs without interference.
Verses to Memorize:
Acts 2:32-33, 39
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