Acts 2
BSB1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. 7 Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12 Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?" 13 But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!" 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 22 Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. 23 He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. 24 But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches. 25 David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope, 27 because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’ 29 Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. 33 Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand 35 until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!" 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, “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. 39 This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. 46 With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Study Notes — Acts 2
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 2
- Themes from Acts 2
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 2
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts chapter 2 begins with the description of the day of Pentecost, when the disciples were gathered together in one place. Suddenly, a sound like a mighty wind filled the room, and tongues of fire appeared on each of their heads. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. A crowd of people from various nations gathered to hear the disciples, and Peter stood up to explain the event. He quoted from the book of Joel, saying that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all people, and that the event they were witnessing was a fulfillment of that prophecy. Peter then preached a sermon, calling the crowd to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The chapter concludes with the description of the early church, where the believers were devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
Context for the Chapter
Acts chapter 2 is set in the context of the early church, shortly after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The chapter is a continuation of the events described in Acts chapter 1, where the disciples were waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. The chapter also looks back to the Old Testament, where the prophet Joel predicted the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days.
Heart Application
This chapter calls us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, just as Peter called the crowd to repentance on the day of Pentecost. It also emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as He empowers us to spread the gospel message and live a life of obedience to God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts chapter 2 describes the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles and the church was born. The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we read this chapter, we are called to turn to Jesus Christ and to seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our own lives, just as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38).
Voices from the Church
“The Holy Spirit is the great agent in the conversion of sinners, and the edification of saints.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Holy Spirit is the bond of our union with Christ, and the pledge of our inheritance in Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) — The chapter begins with the description of the day of Pentecost, when the disciples were gathered together in one place. The Holy Spirit was poured out on them, and they began to speak in other languages.
- The Crowd's Reaction (Acts 2:5-13) — A crowd of people from various nations gathered to hear the disciples, and they were amazed at the miracle of languages.
- Peter's Sermon (Acts 2:14-36) — Peter stood up to explain the event, and he preached a sermon that emphasized the significance of Jesus Christ and the importance of repentance and faith.
- The Response of the Crowd (Acts 2:37-41) — The crowd was cut to the heart, and they asked Peter what they should do. Peter called them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and many of them were baptized.
- The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47) — The chapter concludes with the description of the early church, where the believers were devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
Core Doctrines
- The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
- This chapter teaches that the Holy Spirit is poured out on believers, empowering them to spread the gospel message and live a life of obedience to God.
- Repentance and Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as Peter calls the crowd to turn away from their sins and turn to Jesus.
- The Importance of Baptism
- The chapter highlights the importance of baptism, as Peter commands the crowd to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
- The Unity of the Church
- The chapter describes the unity of the early church, where the believers were devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
Lessons from Acts 2
- The Importance of Unity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as the disciples were gathered together in one place when the Holy Spirit was poured out.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, as He enables believers to spread the gospel message and live a life of obedience to God.
- The Importance of Repentance and Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as Peter calls the crowd to turn away from their sins and turn to Jesus.
- The Importance of Baptism — The chapter highlights the importance of baptism, as Peter commands the crowd to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
- The Importance of Devotion to God's Word — The chapter describes the early church as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer, emphasizing the importance of devotion to God's Word.
Themes from Acts 2
- The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit — The chapter describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
- Repentance and Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as Peter calls the crowd to turn away from their sins and turn to Jesus.
- The Importance of Unity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as the disciples were gathered together in one place when the Holy Spirit was poured out.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter highlights the power of the gospel, as Peter preaches a sermon that emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ and the importance of repentance and faith.
- The Importance of Devotion to God's Word — The chapter describes the early church as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer, emphasizing the importance of devotion to God's Word.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2?
- How does Peter's sermon in Acts chapter 2 emphasize the importance of Jesus Christ?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the outpouring described in Acts chapter 2?
- How does the chapter describe the early church, and what can we learn from their example?
- What is the application of Acts chapter 2 to our own lives, and how can we seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)
| Acts 2:1 | The disciples were gathered together in one place, waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. |
| Acts 2:2 | Suddenly, a sound like a mighty wind filled the room, and tongues of fire appeared on each of their heads. |
| Acts 2:3 | The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. |
| Acts 2:4 | The crowd of people from various nations gathered to hear the disciples, and they were amazed at the miracle of languages. |
2. The Crowd's Reaction (Acts 2:5-13)
| Acts 2:5 | A crowd of people from various nations gathered to hear the disciples, and they were amazed at the miracle of languages. |
| Acts 2:6 | The crowd was confused, wondering what was happening, and some of them mocked the disciples, saying they were drunk. |
| Acts 2:7 | The disciples stood up to explain the event, and Peter began to preach a sermon that emphasized the significance of Jesus Christ. |
| Acts 2:8 | The crowd was amazed at the miracle of languages, and they asked Peter what was happening. |
| Acts 2:9-11 | Peter explained that the disciples were not drunk, but were filled with the Holy Spirit, and that the event was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. |
| Acts 2:12-13 | The crowd was amazed, and some of them asked what they should do, while others mocked the disciples. |
3. Peter's Sermon (Acts 2:14-36)
| Acts 2:14 | Peter stood up to explain the event, and he preached a sermon that emphasized the significance of Jesus Christ. |
| Acts 2:15 | Peter explained that the disciples were not drunk, but were filled with the Holy Spirit, and that the event was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. |
| Acts 2:16-21 | Peter quoted from the book of Joel, saying that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all people, and that the event they were witnessing was a fulfillment of that prophecy. |
| Acts 2:22-28 | Peter emphasized the significance of Jesus Christ, saying that He was crucified and raised from the dead, and that He is the Lord and Messiah. |
| Acts 2:29-36 | Peter explained that Jesus is the one who was exalted to the right hand of God, and that He has poured out the Holy Spirit on the church. |
4. The Response of the Crowd (Acts 2:37-41)
| Acts 2:37 | The crowd was cut to the heart, and they asked Peter what they should do. |
| Acts 2:38 | Peter called them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. |
| Acts 2:39 | Peter promised that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and that the promise was for them and their children. |
| Acts 2:40-41 | The crowd responded to Peter's sermon, and many of them were baptized and added to the church. |
5. The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47)
| Acts 2:42 | The early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer. |
| Acts 2:43 | The early church was marked by signs and wonders, as the apostles performed many miracles. |
| Acts 2:44-45 | The early church was characterized by generosity and sharing, as the believers shared their possessions with one another. |
| Acts 2:46-47 | The early church was marked by joy and praise, as the believers worshiped God and enjoyed fellowship with one another. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2?
The day of Pentecost marks the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles and the church was born. It is a significant event in the history of the early church, as it empowered the disciples to spread the gospel message to the world (Acts 2:1-4).
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the outpouring described in Acts chapter 2?
The Holy Spirit is the central figure in the outpouring described in Acts chapter 2. He is the one who is poured out on the disciples, empowering them to speak in other languages and spread the gospel message (Acts 2:2-4).
What is the application of Acts chapter 2 to our own lives?
The application of Acts chapter 2 to our own lives is to seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, just as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost. We are called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and to be baptized in His name (Acts 2:38).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 2:16 → Joel 2:28-32 | The prophecy of Joel is fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. |
| 2 | Acts 2:25 → Psalm 16:8-11 | The Psalm is quoted by Peter to emphasize the significance of Jesus Christ and the promise of the Holy Spirit. |
| 3 | Acts 2:31 → Psalm 16:10 | The Psalm is quoted by Peter to emphasize the significance of Jesus Christ and the promise of the Holy Spirit. |
| 4 | Acts 2:34 → Psalm 110:1 | The Psalm is quoted by Peter to emphasize the significance of Jesus Christ and His exaltation to the right hand of God. |
| 5 | Acts 2:38 → Matthew 28:19 | The command to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is a fulfillment of the Great Commission. |
| 6 | Acts 2:39 → Genesis 17:7 | The promise of the Holy Spirit is for all people, including the children of believers. |
| 7 | Acts 2:42 → Hebrews 10:25 | The early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer, just as believers are called to gather together today. |
| 8 | Acts 2:46 → Deuteronomy 8:10 | The early church was marked by joy and praise, just as believers are called to worship God and enjoy fellowship with one another today. |
| 9 | Acts 2:47 → Psalm 100:5 | The early church was marked by joy and praise, just as believers are called to worship God and enjoy fellowship with one another today. |
| 10 | Acts 2:1 → Leviticus 23:15-21 | The day of Pentecost is a fulfillment of the Jewish festival of Pentecost, which commemorated the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. |
Sermons on Acts 2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 1): Introduction to 1st Peter by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the role of Peter in the early Church and his ability to effectively communicate the wonders of the Holy Spirit. The speaker also acknowledge |
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The Revival Hymn by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land |
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Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to |
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Authority Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, Corey Ten Boom shares her personal experiences of preaching the gospel and casting out demons. She recounts a time when she was in a concentration camp and witnesse |
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previo |
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(Australia) Another Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the contrast between the prosperity and comfort of some people's lives and the struggles and brokenness that others face. He emphasizes the |
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A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo |
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(Belarus) Crisis Praying by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal journey of being consumed by television and worldly entertainment. He describes how God convicted him to get rid of his TV and spen |
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Revival on the Isle of Lewis by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a parish. The revival began when four young girls, aged 16, prayed for their head |
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limitations of our physical bodies in experiencing the power of God. He explains that no man can look upon the face of God and live becau |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 2
In this chapter, we see the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit, as He is poured out on the disciples on the day of Pentecost. The event is a significant turning point in the history of the early church, as it empowers the disciples to spread the gospel message to the world. Peter's sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ and the importance of repentance and faith. The chapter also describes the early church, where the believers were devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer. As we read this chapter, we are called to seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our own lives, just as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost. We are also called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and to be baptized in His name. The chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, and of the significance of Jesus Christ as the Lord and Messiah. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Unity of the Disciples
The chapter begins with the description of the disciples gathered together in one place, emphasizing their unity and harmony. This unity is a key factor in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The chapter highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, as He enables the disciples to speak in other languages and empowers them to spread the gospel message.
The Importance of Peter's Sermon
Peter's sermon is a key element in this chapter, as it explains the significance of the event and calls the crowd to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.