Acts 2NASB
Books
All books

Acts2

New American Standard

1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

2And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them.

4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.

5Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.

6And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together and they were bewildered, because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.

7They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

8And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?

9Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

11Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.”

12And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

13But others were jeering and saying, “They are full of sweet wine!”

14But Peter, taking his stand with the other eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, know this, and pay attention to my words.

15For these people are not drunk, as you assume, since it is only the third hour of the day;

16but this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

17‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, And your young men will see visions, And your old men will have dreams;

18And even on My male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, And they will prophesy.

19And I will display wonders in the sky above And signs on the earth below, Blood, fire, and vapor of smoke.

20The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood, Before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a Man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know—

23this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

24But God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

25For David says of Him, ‘I saw the Lord continually before me, Because He is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken.

26Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue was overjoyed; Moreover my flesh also will live in hope;

27For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

28You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.’

29“Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30So because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne,

31he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay.

32It is this Jesus whom God raised up, a fact to which we are all witnesses.

33Therefore, since He has been exalted at the right hand of God, and has received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He has poured out this which you both see and hear.

34For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,

35Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

36Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?”

38Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

40And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on urging them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!”

41So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

42They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

44And all the believers were together and had all things in common;

45and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.

46Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Study Guide

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

Full AI study →

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