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Acts2

American Standard Version · Public Domain

1And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place.

2And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

6And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language.

7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilaeans?

8And how hear we, every man in our own language wherein we were born?

9Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia,

10in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

11Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God.

12And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

13But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine.

14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words.

15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is but the third hour of the day;

16but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:

17And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:

18Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

19And I will show wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:

20The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable day:

21And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

22Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know;

23him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:

24whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

25For David saith concerning him, I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

26Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; Moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope:

27Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades, Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption.

28Thou madest known unto me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of gladness with thy countenance.

29Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.

30Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;

31he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

32This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.

33Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.

34For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

35Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.

36Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.

37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

38And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.

40And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.

41They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

44And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.

46And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

47praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 2.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The descent of the Holy Spirit at the day of Pentecost. (1–4). The apostles speak in divers languages. (5–13). Peter's address to the Jews. (14–36). Three thousand souls converted. (37–41). The piety and affection of the disciples. (42–47).

vv1-4

We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with them there were strifes among the disciples which should be the greatest; but now all these strifes were at an end. They had prayed more together of late. Would we have the Spirit poured out upon us from on high, let us be all of one accord. And notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, as there were among those disciples, let us agree to love one another; for where brethren dwell together in unity, there the Lord commands his blessing. A rushing mighty wind came with great force. This was to signify the powerful influences and working of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men, and thereby upon the world. Thus the convictions of the Spirit make way for his comforts; and the rough blasts of that blessed wind, prepare the soul for its soft and gentle gales. There was an appearance of something like flaming fire, lighting on every one of them, according to John Baptist's saying concerning Christ; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. The Spirit, like fire, melts the heart, burns up the dross, and kindles pious and devout affections in the soul; in which, as in the fire on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than before. They were filled with the graces of the Spirit, and more than ever under his sanctifying influences; more weaned from this world, and better acquainted with the other. They were more filled with the comforts of the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of Christ and the hope of heaven: in it all their griefs and fears were swallowed up. They were filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the furtherance of the gospel. They spake, not from previous though or meditation, but as the Spirit gave them utterance.

vv5-13

The difference in languages which arose at Babel, has much hindered the spread of knowledge and religion. The instruments whom the Lord first employed in spreading the Christian religion, could have made no progress without this gift, which proved that their authority was from God.

vv14-21

Peter's sermon shows that he was thoroughly recovered from his fall, and thoroughly restored to the Divine favour; for he who had denied Christ, now boldly confessed him. His account of the miraculous pouring forth of the Spirit, was designed to awaken the hearers to embrace the faith of Christ, and to join themselves to his church. It was the fulfilling the Scripture, and the fruit of Christ's resurrection and ascension, and proof of both. Though Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake with tongues as the Spirit gave him utterance, yet he did not think to set aside the Scriptures. Christ's scholars never learn above their Bible; and the Spirit is given, not to do away the Scriptures, but to enable us to understand, approve, and obey them. Assuredly none will escape the condemnation of the great day, except those who call upon the name of the Lord, in and through his Son Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of sinners, and the Judge of all mankind.

Key Words

WhenG1722Greek

ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.

dayG2250Greek

ἡμέρα (hēméra): day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context)

PentecostG4005Greek

πεντηκοστή (pentēkostḗ): fiftieth (G2250 (ἡμέρα) being implied) from Passover, i.e. the festival of "Pentecost"

arrivedG4845Greek

συμπληρόω (symplēróō): to implenish completely, i.e. (of space) to swamp (a boat), or (of time) to accomplish (passive, be complete)

wereG2258Greek

ἦν (ēn): I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

allG537Greek

ἅπας (hápas): absolutely all or (singular) every one

togetherG3674Greek

ὁμοῦ (homoû): akin to G260 (ἅμα)) as adverb; at the same place or time

inG1909Greek

ἐπί (epí): properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.

oneG846Greek

αὐτός (autós): the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

AndG2532Greek

καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Cross References

Acts 2
v16Joel 2:28fulfillment

Directly cited by Peter as the primary prophecy being fulfilled by the Holy Spirit's outpouring.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v27Psalms 16:10quotation

Peter quotes and exposits Psalm 16:10 directly to prove Christ's bodily resurrection.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v34Psalms 110:1-5quotation

Direct citation of David's prophecy of Messiah's ascension and reign at God's right hand.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v44Acts 4:32thematic

Direct development of the believers being of one heart and sharing all things in common.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v45Acts 4:34-37thematic

Narrates the practical implementation of selling possessions and distributing to those in need.

Supported by Matthew Henry

Establishes the Old Testament feast of Pentecost (fifty days/weeks) fulfilled on this day.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v2John 3:8allusion

Jesus uses wind as a sovereign, mysterious emblem of the Spirit's regenerative work.

Supported by John Calvin, JFB

v3Matthew 3:11fulfillment

Fulfills John the Baptist's prophecy that Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin

v21Joel 2:32quotation

Peter quotes Joel's prophecy concerning salvation in the name of the Lord.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v27Acts 13:35thematic

Paul employs the identical argument from Psalm 16 in Antioch of Pisidia.

Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB

v42Acts 20:7thematic

Illustrates the early church practice of meeting on the first day to break bread.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v46Luke 24:53thematic

Shows the continuity of the disciples continually praising God in the temple.

Supported by John Calvin

v2Ezekiel 37:9thematic

The breath/wind (ruach) from heaven breathing life into the dead, symbolizing spiritual rebirth.

Supported by John Calvin, JFB

v4Acts 1:5fulfillment

Direct fulfillment of Jesus' promise that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin

v19Joel 2:30quotation

Peter quotes this passage detailing wonders in heaven, blood, fire, and smoke.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v20Joel 2:31quotation

Peter quotes this text concerning the sun turning to darkness before the Lord's great day.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v23Acts 4:28thematic

Parallels the dual agency of God's sovereign predestination and human responsibility in Christ's death.

Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB

v30Psalms 132:11-18fulfillment

God's oath to David that his descendant would sit on his throne.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v33John 14:26thematic

Fulfills Christ's promise that the Father would send the Holy Spirit in His name.

Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB

v33Joel 2:28fulfillment

The source of the pentecostal outpouring which Peter identifies as now happening.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v38Luke 24:47fulfillment

Fulfills Christ's command that repentance and remission of sins be preached starting at Jerusalem.

Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB

v41Acts 2:38thematic

The immediate execution of Peter's command to repent and be baptized.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v41Psalms 110:3fulfillment

Prophetic fulfillment of the Messiah's people offering themselves willingly in the day of power.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v42Acts 1:14thematic

Links back to the disciples continuing with one accord in prayer before Pentecost.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v43Acts 5:11thematic

The recurring theme of great fear coming upon the church and onlookers.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v43Acts 5:12-14thematic

Parallels the combination of apostolic signs, public fear, and daily additions.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v1Exodus 19:11typology

The giving of the Law on Sinai occurred fifty days after the first Passover.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v1Acts 20:16thematic

Illustrates the continued massive gathering of diaspora Jews in Jerusalem during Pentecost.

Supported by John Calvin

v4Genesis 11:7contrast

The division and confusion of languages at Babel is reversed by the gift of tongues.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v13Ephesians 5:18contrast

Contrasts being drunk with wine (mockers' charge) with being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v22Acts 10:38thematic

Peter's parallel defense of Jesus authenticated by miracles, wonders, and signs from God.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v37Zechariah 12:10thematic

The prophecy of looking on Him whom they pierced and mourning in deep conviction.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v38Acts 3:19thematic

Peter's subsequent call to repentance and conversion for the blotting out of sins.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v39Genesis 17:7thematic

The covenant promise extending to believers and their children.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin

Explains how those 'afar off' are brought near by the gospel message.

Supported by John Calvin, JFB

v42Acts 20:11thematic

Apostolic practice of breaking bread and eating together in home gatherings.

Supported by Matthew Henry