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{{Infobox Contents |
topic_name = Acts 2 |
subtopics = [[Pentecost]]* [[Tongues]]* ''Related passages'' - [[Joel 2:28]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}
== Commentary ==
Acts 2 tells the story of the beginning of the [[church]] in [[Jerusalem]] with the events of [[Pentecost]]. On this day the disciples were filled with [[Holy Spirit]] and began to speak in languages foreign to them ([[Acts 2:4]]) and preach to a crowd. [[Apostle Peter|Peter]] proclaimed the [[good news]] of [[Jesus Christ]] and about about three thousand became Christians that day.
Pentecost was one of the three main annual Jewish feasts, occuring 50 days after the Passover. Since Jesus was crucified in the Passover, and he remained with his disciples for 40 days after his resurrection, this would mean that his disciples had been waiting about 10 days in Jerusalem for the coming of the [[Holy Spirit]] as promised by Jesus.
The experience of the [[Pentecost]] was shared by all in the crowd of disciples. It began with a sound of the rushing of a might wind ([[Acts 2:2]]) and tongues of fire appearing on the disciples ([[Acts 2:3]]). The disciples were filled with [[Holy Spirit]] and began to speak in languages foreign to them ([[Acts 2:4]]) and preach to a crowd. In addition to Jews from Judea and Galilee, the crowd consisted of many [[diaspora Jews]] who were visiting Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost. These Jews would have spoken languages of their adopted homelands as their native tongue and so when they heard the disciples speaking in their languages they were bewildered ([[Acts 2:6]]). This [[speaking in tongues]] has been described as a reversal of Babel, where God is breaking down the communication barriers between people.
The hearers fell into one of two groups - those who were interested in finding out what was happening, and those who jumped to conclusions saying that the disciples were drunk. Then the [[Apostle Peter]], standing with the eleven other apostles, spoke to the crowd. This is his first speech in acts. He explained that these strange events had been predicted by the prophet [[Joel]] ([[Joel 2]]:28-32), and that [[Jesus]]'s coming had been prophesied by [[King David|David]]. Peter explained that these events confirmed David's prophesied exaltation of Jesus.
The Old Testament in many places, in addition to the promise in Joel, promised outpouring of the Spirit, which was now being fulfilled. Relevant passages include [[Numbers 11:29]], [[Jeremiah 31:31]] and [[Ezekiel 36:25-27]]. John the Baptists had also promised the coming one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Peter continued his first speech by exorting his listeners to repent and turn to [[Christ]]. About three thousand responded to Peter's sermon. This was the formation of the early church. These early converts were all Jews. Some were from Judea and others were diaspora Jews. The group they formed became known as "followers of the Way". Formation of religious sects within Judaism was not an unusual event, for example the [[Essenes]] were an ascetic group of Jews who existed around that time, and so it may not have initially seemed too unusual that this new group had formed.
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==Quotes==
[[Samuel Chadwick]]
: Pentecost gave me the key to the Scriptures. It has kept my feet in all the slippery places of all sorts of criticism. The things that are stumbling blocks to so many are stepping stones to me. The inexplicable becomes plain when we recognize the presence and law of the Spirit. It balances scholarship, and gives discernment beyond all human learning. Indeed, learning without the Holy Spirit blinds men to the realities of divine truth. The man who thinks he can know the Word of God by mere intellectual study is greatly deceived. Spiritual truth is spiritually discerned.
==Links==
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Acts]]
[[Category:Commentary]]
