v.1-6
Ob and In:
1. Main verb of the passage:
They were together
The sound came and filled the house
Tongues (plural) were seen and it (sing) sat on each one of them
They were filled with the HS and they began to speak...
Devout Jews were in Jerusalem
They were gathered by the sound and were confused because they were hearing them speaking in his own language
2. The first group of people are the followers of Jesus from ch 1 and they obeyed God to celebrate the OT festival. They might be just done with their offering in the temple.
(BKC) The day of Pentecost was an annual feast that followed the Feast of Firstfruits by a week of weeks (i.e., seven weeks, or 49 days) and therefore also was called the Feast of Weeks (cf. Lev. 23:15–22). The name “Pentecost,” of Greek derivation, means 50 because it was the 50th day after the Firstfruits feast (Lev. 23:16).
Where the followers of Christ were gathered at this time is not definitely known. Luke simply wrote, They were all together in one place. Perhaps they were in the temple precincts. However, the place is called a “house” (Acts 2:2), an unlikely designation for the temple, though it may be referred to as a house (cf. 7:47). If they were not assembled at the temple, they must have been near it (cf. 2:6).
3. The analogy of the sound and tongues
A. The sound like a violet wind blowing - like a surround sound effect?
Blowing=(NET) While φέρω (pherō) generally refers to movement from one place to another with the possible implication of causing the movement of other objects, in Acts 2:2 φέρομαι (pheromai) should probably be understood in a more idiomatic sense of “blowing” since it is combined with the noun for wind
B. Tongues spreading out like a fire- like fire spreading out quickly?
What is in common is both the sound and the tongues affect every single person in that room. It is not a phenomenon that characterized individual nor it is used to confirm any maturity of the individual. The Holy Spirit spread out to every one.
4. Repeated words: (1) On each of them...All of them were filled with the HS; (2) They began to speak in other languages... they were confused because they were hearing them speaking in is own language.
5. The filling of the HS is not merely an experience for the disciples but they bear witness to the second group of people-the devout Jews in Jerusalem.
Reflection: Jesus promised to give the HS and His words were fulfilled. Do I trust in God's promise?
The coming of the HS was universal among believers. Not individual. Thank God for giving us the HS.
The coming of the HS enable the believers to speak in tongue for the purpose of the Jews. Pray for the Jews around us that we will be a witness to them. God's heart is for their salvation even after they murdered Jesus.
v.7-12
Ob and In:
1. Repeated phrases:
A. language v.6, 8 διάλεκτος, tongue v.11 γλῶσσα (Hebrews לָשׁוֹן)
B. Be amazed v.7, 12
(BDAG) be amazed, be astonished, of the feeling of astonishment mingled w. fear, caused by events which are miraculous, extraordinary, or difficult to understand
This term is used after J performed miracle, e.g. resurrected the death or claim the stormy sea (Lk 8:56, Mk 6:51). Now not only J could do miracles, but after His death, even His disciples performed miracle.
v.11b we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great deeds God has done!” 12 All were astounded and greatly confused, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
They were amazed not because they did not know the meaning of what the disciples said, but how could they possibly used other people's native language to praise God without learning.
(EBC) Galileans had difficulty pronouncing gutturals and had the habit of swallowing syllables when speaking; so they were looked down upon by the people of Jerusalem as being provincial (cf. Mark 14:70). Therefore, since the disciples who were speaking were Galileans, it bewildered those who heard because the disciples could not by themselves have learned so many different languages.
(EBC) All this prepares the reader for Peter’s sermon, which is the initial proclamation of the gospel message to a prepared people.
Reflection: God has a plan for the miracle. The enablement of the HS point to the Gospel. People did saw and heard something miraculously but that is not the end. The purpose is to share the Gospel. Do I see God's heart? Do I share the Gospel no matter what cost?
2. Of those who heard their own native languages they were from different countries listed in v.9-10. The last country listed is Rome, probably the most prominent and in the furthest west.
(EBC) As was probably customary, the list includes both ancient kingdoms and current political entities, moving generally from east to west and in its middle section naming first the northern and then the southern lands...Perhaps the most cogent one involves viewing “Judea” here in a wider prophetic sense, wherein the reference is to “the land of the Jews” that was held to stretch from the Euphrates to the Egyptian border
(EBC) Luke’s interest in Acts is in the gospel reaching out even to Rome, the capital of the empire. So he singles out this pilgrim contingent for special mention. It may be that some of these “visitors” from Rome returned there and formed the nucleus of the church in that city
Then they listed their ethnicities in v.11
Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs
From the closest kinsman, to the proselytes, and the last one was Arabs, the enemies of Israel nowadays. In other words, God gave chance to everyone in their known world at that time to experience the miracle. Not only did God want the devout Jews to worship Him, but worship Him probably by believing the Gospel.
3. The content of their speech: About the great deeds God has done.
Speaking in different languages was not a single incident that God could do. He had done great things in history.
4. How would people explain miracle?
Ignorance and proud people will choose the attitude of mocking in v.13.
new wine=(NET) New wine refers to a new, sweet wine in the process of fermentation.
Reflection: Am I ignorance and proud towards God? When do I mock God or the servant of God?
v.14-21
Overview: (BKC) Peter began with a rebuttal of their accusation of drunkenness...Instead of being drunk the believers were experiencing what was described in Joel 2...However, the prophecies of Joel quoted in Acts 2:19–20 were not fulfilled. The implication is that the remainder would be fulfilled if Israel would repent. This aspect of contingency is discussed more fully in the comments on 3:19–23.
Ob and In:
1. In defending of the mocking Peter stood up, raised his voice, and declared this message. v.14. In the beginning, this is an apologetic speech.
2. The comparison with Joel 2:28-32 and Acts :17-21
a. "After all of this," changed to "'And in the last days it will be,' God says..." v.17
b. "Even on male and female servants," changed to "Even on my servants, both men and women" v.18
c. " I will pour out my Spirit on those days, " changed to "I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy" v.18
d. The rescue of Israel when Jesus returns are more about physical deliverance ( Joel 2: 32 It will so happen that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered. For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who survive, just as the LORD has promised; the remnant will be those whom the LORD will call), but Peter did not quote the whole verse, "And then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved v.21"
3. Peter gave his explanation of the speaking in foreign languages:
a. They were the result of the pouring of Spirit, just as what the OT prophet had described for the last days. God was the One behind the speaking in foreign languages and God's Words gave the supporting evidence. To whom are you mocking? Think carefully.
Reflection:
Jews knew the Bible but they mocked the disciples when they spoke in foreign languages. Maybe because of false presuppositions they missed the obvious relationship between Joel and the speaking in tongues. Do I have false presuppositions that blind my interpretation?
b. The relationship between the pouring of the HS and the speaking in foreign languages
The pouring of the HS will be to all people v.17b and they will prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams.
(BKC) This will be true regardless of age, gender, or social class (Joel 2:29 is better trans. “and even on the male and female servants”; cf. NASB). At that time recipients of the divine Spirit will exercise prophetic gifts (will prophesy … will dream dreams, and will see visions) which in the past had been limited to a select few (cf. 1 Sam. 10:10–11; 19:20–24)...This extensive outpouring of the Spirit will signal the advent of divine blessing (contrast 1 Sam. 3:1, where the absence of prophetic visions characterized a period of sin and judgment).
v.18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. [addition to Joel's prophecy].
Even=(BDAG) Intensive
Speaking in foreign language by the disciples were comparing to God's servants who prophesy in the last day.
prophesy=(BDAG) to proclaim an inspired revelation
Summary: Peter wanted the mockers and all audience to know that the disciples were God's servants who were proclaim an inspired revelation to them.
4. The purpose of the apologetic speech
Peter did not stop quoting Joel in v.18, but he extended to v.21 which discussed the phenomenon in the heaven, earth, and the rescue of Israel when Jesus returns. However, Peter did not quote the part that emphasized on the physical deliverance. Maybe he wanted to make it more general and invited the Jews to call on the name of the LORD and be saved spiritually?
Reflection:
In the eyes of the Jews, they did not respect Jesus and nevertheless His disciples. Now, Peter reminded them that they were God's servants and giving them an inspired revelation. But the purpose was not just to scorn on them, but to call them to turn to Jesus and call on His name for help. Do I have the right respect to God's and His words? How can I help other people to have this respect and listen to the Gospel? Prayed for Mrs. Loh who asked us yesterday, "Who wrote the Bible?"
v.22-36
Ob and In:
1. The relationship btw God and J and btw Isr and J were opposite
a. God attested J vs Isr executed J
b. God raised J from death
God predetermined and foreknew about what the Isr would do to J. What they did was not out of the control of God. However, God released J from death, and did not agree with what Isr did to J. Their purpose was not pleased by God. Now, how would Isr face God?
Reflection: Isr seemed to be successful in their scheme and "got rid of" Jesus. However, that is not final. Similarly what we could do and had done does not necessarily mean God is pleased about them. Be careful when I evaluate them. Do I please God?
2. Now since resurrection was so crucial to the Isr' conviction, Peter gave evidences both from the OT and their own testimony to support this.
a. It was impossible for David to talk about himself in the OT prophecy v.25-29
v.25 For David says about him, ‘I saw the Lord always in front of me, ...I will not be shaken...my body also will live in hope,
(BECNT) This verse expresses the confidence God’s presence gives. It causes the heart to be glad ... and to rejoice ... It causes one’s flesh to live in hope
because you will not leave my soul in Hades, nor permit your Holy One to experience decay. You have made known to me the paths of life...full of joy with your presence.
(BECNT) Being in hades stands in contrast here to being in God’s presence and expresses the threat that death represents...The nonabandonment to hades, the declaration that this one will not see corruption, and the idea of the person being secure, including in his flesh, lead Peter to argue that resurrection, even an immediate bodily resurrection, is affirmed here (Acts 2:30–31)...This verse in the psalm expresses trust and confidence in God’s deliverance and abiding presence. Again, all of this language, Peter argues, fits resurrection.
Reflection: J is the first fruit and we will follow Him. In other words, I can have the same confidence that I will be saved from death and have the presence of God always. Thank God for giving believers in J this privileges that not even David could enjoy. Therefore, the decay of the flesh, or death should not be a concern to me. Do not pay too much attention or time in studying or preventing about these things.
b. Instead of talking about himself, David prophesized about his descendants Jesus Christ v.30-31
c. Peter and other disciples were witness of J's resurrection v.32.
d. The resurrection was supported by the siting to the right hand of God and the subsequent pouring of the HS.
The exaltation led to the receiving the HS, which then led to the pouring of what they both see and hear. v.33
(1) The pouring of the HS required authority, which J received after resurrection and exaltation;
(2) Israelites themselves were now the witnesses of J's resurrection.
3. The purpose of Peter for proofing J's resurrection (not just to see that they opposed God in executing J).
v.36b God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.
Lord=(NET) This looks back to the quotation of Ps 110:1 and the mention of “calling on the Lord” in 2:21. Peter’s point is that the Lord on whom one calls for salvation is Jesus, because he is the one mediating God’s blessing of the Spirit as a sign of the presence of salvation and the last days.
Reflection: Jesus is the Lord, the God that saves v.21, J is the One that is exalted v.34, J is both Lord and Christ vv.36, and the One who calls people to receive the HS v.39. He fulfilled the promised in OT, accomplished salvation, and is still active today. Praise and thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord!
v.37-39 Grk “they were pierced to the heart” (an idiom for acute emotional distress) for what they had done to J. Even for sins like that, what God wanted them to do is to repent and get baptized. Then they will also receive the gift of the HS.
Reflection: Thank God for His mercy and salvation, even for the murderers of J He is willing to forgive when they repent.
v.40-43
Ob and In:
1. repeated ideas:
v.40 Peter testified (BDAG)=to exhort with authority in matters of extraordinary importance, freq. w. ref. to higher powers and/or suggestion of peril, solemnly urge, exhort, warn
v43 Reverential awe came over everyone (BDAG)=fear of the coming judge
v.40b "Save yourselves from this perverse generation" (BKC)=Peter’s words in this verse look back to verses 23 and 36. Israel was guilty of a horrendous sin; individual Jews could be spared from God’s judgment on that generation if they would repent (cf. Matt. 21:41–44; 22:7; 23:34–24:2). They would be set apart to Christ and His church if only they would be disassociated from Israel.
(BECNT)=The deliverance is from this crooked or twisted generation. The warning about the fate of this generation alludes back to the mention of the day of the Lord and the judgment that comes at the end (vv. 19–21). The forgiveness that Peter’s hearers would obtain by turning to Jesus will also deliver them from this judgment.
Reflection: Warning people about the Lord's judgement is appropriate, at least in Peter's case when he spoke to Jews in his generation.
Do I have the proper fear of the Lord's judgment? Why am I only fear about the prison on earth and not thinking about the Lord's judgment?
2. The focus of new added members to the group was Peter's and other apostles' teaching.
v.41 So those who accepted his message were baptized...
42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching...
devoting themselves=(BDAG) hold fast to, continue in, persevere in
(BECNT)=The imperfect periphrastic construction speaks of the ongoing devotion that they have
(BECNT)=Instruction is an important part of the new community. The centrality of Jesus and the preparation of members to share in the new life and witness are key community concerns.
Reflection: Am I accepting, holding fast, persevere, ongoing devotion to the teaching of Jesus (through the NT)? Or I am only reading and treating God's words causally?
3. Other focuses of the group:
v.42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
fellowship (BDAG)=close association involving mutual interests and sharing, association, communion, fellowship, close relationship (hence a favorite expr. for the marital relationship as the most intimate betw. human beings...fellowship, (harmonious) unity
(NET)=Fellowship refers here to close association involving mutual involvement and relationships
There is no "and" between "the fellowship," and "the breaking of bread." Perhaps the breaking of bread is part of the fellowship. If so, then the main focuses of the group were: the teaching of the apostles, the fellowship, and the prayer.
v.43 Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles.
(BKC) Wonders (terata, “miracles evoking awe”) and miraculous signs (sēmeia, “miracles pointing to a divine truth”) authenticated the veracity of the apostles (cf. 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3–4). The apostles performed many such “signs and wonders” (Acts 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6, 13; 14:3; 15:12). Christ too had performed many “wonders” and “signs”—and also “miracles” (dynameis, “works of power”).
This group followed the teaching of Jesus (from the apostles), lived out their faith in unity, and sought God in prayer. The result: Fearing God and God pleased (in authenticating the apostles with wonders and miraculous signs).
Reflection: Do I want to be changed by God to become fearing God? Do I want to be pleased by God? If yes, am I devoted to the 3 focuses?
Weakness: 1. Not willing to be close to some brothers and sisters. Not living in peace, keeping a inactive or hostile attitude. 2. Pray together.
v.44-47
Ob and In:
1. A radical change
A. the believers shared their property and possessions; they distributing the proceeds to those who had need; every day they spent time together, sharing their food
B. The verbs in v.45-47 selling, distributing, sharing (food) were all in imperfect tense.
C. Every day x2 in v.46, 47
(NET) Since in context this is a description of the beginning of the community of believers, it is more likely that these statements refer to the start of various activities and practices that the early church continued for some time.
(BKC) The selling of property and the common possession of the proceeds may imply that the early church expected the Lord to return soon and establish His kingdom. This may explain why the practice was not continued
Reflection: What radical change am I willing to do for the Lord?
2. They sharing their food with glad and humble.
Glad=(PNTC) Their gladness was doubtless motivated by more than the provision of daily needs. They were aware that God was at work in their midst in a new way and that they were enjoying the benefits of the messianic salvation
humble=(PNTC) God’s kindness to these believers bound them wholeheartedly to himself and to one another in a fellowship of generous self-giving. They expressed their gladness and devotion to God by constantly praising him and caring for one another.
Reflection: Do I share food with other believers with the awareness that God was at work in our midst and that we are enjoying the benefits of our salvation? Do I share food with kindness and generosity that God first gave me?
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