AND ITS RELEVANCE TODAY.
Acts 2
I. AN AGREEABLE POSITION
1. THE PERIOD WAS COMPLETE v. 1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come* [AV]
The Day of Pentecost – a Feast Day – a Feast of Praise.
50 days from the Feast of First Fruits
The Feast of First Fruits fell on the Day of Resurrection!
The Feast Of Pentecost – the Holy Spirit came.
* The fullness of time is God’s time.
Galatians 4.4 when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, ( to redeem v. 5)
Acts 2.1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come (to empower)
2. THE PEOPLE WERE IN UNITY v. 1
they were all with one accord [AV]
Psalm 133.1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
3. THE PLACE WAS ONE OF FELLOWSHIP v. 1
they were all together in one place.[NIV]
Hebrews 10.24& 25 let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
II. AN ABRUPT PROCEEDING V. 2 - 4
1. THE BREATH OF LIFE v. 2
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like the rushing of a violent wind, and all the house where they were was full of it. [BBE]
Genesis 2.7 And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.
2. THE BEHOLDING OF THE FLAME v. 3
And they saw tongues, like flames of fire, coming to rest on every one of them [BBE]
Exodus 3.2 Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.
II Chronicles 7.1 Now when Solomon’s prayers were ended, fire came down from heaven, burning up all the offerings; and the house was full of the glory of the Lord.[BBE]
3. THE BESTOWING OF THE SPIRIT v. 4
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit [NIV]
Ephesians 5.18 Ever be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit [AMP]
This is a command, not an optional extra!
III. AN ALTERED PEOPLE
1. THEY RECEIVED AN UTTERANCE FROM GOD v. 4
were talking in different languages, as the Spirit gave them power. [BBE]
I Corinthians 14.5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.
2. THEY SPOKE AN UNLEARNED TONGUE v. 6 & 7
When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?
Mark 16.17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name . . . ; they will speak in new tongues,[NIV]
3. THERE WAS AN UNCTION ON THE APOSTLES v. 14
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say . . . [NIV]
Isaiah 10.27 the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
IV. AN AMAZING PRODUCT
2. THE COMMUNICATION OF THE MESSAGE v. 14 & 40
a) THE MESSAGE WAS DISTINCT
It was about the Lord Jesus
I Corinthians 14.8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?[NIV]
I Corinthians 1.23 we preach Christ crucified: [NIV]
b) THE MESSAGE WAS DIRECT
It spoke to their hearts v. 37
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart [NIV]
Hebrews 4.12 the word of God is living and full of power, and is sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through and making a division even of the soul and the spirit, the bones and the muscles, and quick to see the thoughts and purposes of the heart.
3. THE CONVERSION OF THE LISTENERS
a) THE LISTENERS WERE CONVICTED v. 37
Now when these words came to their ears their hearts were troubled, and they said to Peter and the other Apostles, Brothers, what are we to do? [BBE]
Acts 16.30 "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
b) THE LISTENERS WERE CONVERTED V. 41
Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. [NIV]
James 5.20 Be certain that he through whom a sinner has been turned from the error of his way, keeps a soul from death and is the cause of forgiveness for sins without number [BBE]
1. THE COMMUNION OF THE BELIEVERS
a) THEY WERE A WORKING CHURCH v. 44 & 45
All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need [NIV]
John 4.35 open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest
b) THEY WERE A WORSHIPPING CHURCH v.46
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.[NIV]
I Peter 2.9 you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [NIV]
c) THEY WERE A WITNESSING CHURCH v.47
Giving praise to God, and having the approval of all the people; and every day the number of those who had salvation was increased by the Lord. [BBE]
Acts 1.8 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.[NIV]
