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Acts: Chapters 1-2

Acts

Chapters 1-2

 

These notes are taken from Andrew Womack’s Commentary, John Wesley’s Commentary, The Passion Translation footnotes, the Hayford Bible Handbook, the Chuck Smith Commentary on the Book of Acts, the Craig Keener Commentary on the Book of Acts, ESV Study Bible notes, and the Stanley Horton Commentary on the Book of Acts. Translations are taken from biblegateway.com. The notes may be useful to provide background material for personal devotions.

 

Overview.

 

Hayford. Jesus preached the gospel of the Kingdom. After His ascension, glorification, and enthronement, the HS was given. Believers empowered and anointed by the Holy Spirit are the vehicle whereby redemption and restoration come to people. Jesus commissioned his followers to continue “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” References to the Kingdom of God in Acts: 1:3; 1:6; 8:12; 14: 22; 19:8; 20: 25. Evidence of Kingdom ministry abound, such as miracles of healing and demonic deliverance: 19: 11-12; resistance to spiritual opposition: 19:9, 21-41; God’s Word prevails: 19: 18-20; and people coming to Christ: 19:26.

 

  1. The book was written by the physician Luke (Col. 4:14), most likely about AD 62. The fall of Jerusalem is not mentioned (AD 70) nor Nero’s persecution which began about AD 64. Further, the gospel ends in an open-ended manner with no conclusion to Paul’s imprisonment. He most likely was released from the first Roman imprisonment, preached further West, including Spain, and was imprisoned again later and martyred.

 

“The Gospel told what Jesus began to do and teach, and Acts tells us what the Risen Lord Jesus continues to do and teach through the Holy Spirit.

 

TPT notes. Luke’s story (both volumes) covers roughly a 60–65-year time frame. Theophilus means “lover of god.”

 

References to the Holy Spirit are four times more in Acts than in Luke. The Holy Spirit is front and center in Acts. The Holy Spirit is the gift given to the church from Jesus. He is unleashed through the church to the world. He enables the church to carry out its mission, empowers them to bear witness to the gospel, and anoints God’s people to perform mighty wonders.

 

Smith. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to forgive, love, or show kindness to others.

 

Horton. Jesus’ death on Calvary put the new covenant into effect. He. 9:15: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”

 

The Book originally had no title, but since mid-second century, it became known as the Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit is more prominent than the Apostles are, or even Peter and Paul. Jesus emphasized the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5: “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

 

Note that the Book does not come to a formal end. Evidence shows that Luke lived longer than Paul. The Acts of the Risen Lord by the Holy Spirit Through the Church did not end (Horton’s idea for the title).

 

Note that Luke is the only Gentile author in the NT. Chrysostom called “Acts” “the Gospel of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Keener. If one counts all possible references to the Spirit in Acts (59), these constitute nearly a quarter of NT references to the Spirit. No other NT book as even half as many.

Chapter 1.

 

Verse 1.

 

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.

 

Horton. Luke’s gospel recorded what Jesus began to do and teach. Acts records what Jesus continued to do and teach through the Holy Spirit in the growing, spreading church. A complete, modern title might be: The Acts of the Risen, Enthroned, Glorified Messiah by the Holy Spirit Through the Church.

 

AMP. “In the former account which I prepared, O Theophilus, I made a continuous report dealing with all the things which Jesus began to do and to teach.

 

TPT notes. Jesus’ redemptive work is complete, but there is still the unfinished work of preparing his eternal partner, His Bride. With gifts of power, Jesus’ church continues what He began to do and teach. See Mt. 28: 19-20; Jo. 21:25; Ep. 4: 11-13.

 

Wesley. The former treatise - In that important season which reached from the resurrection of Christ to his ascension, the former treatise ends, and this begins: this describing the Acts of the Holy Ghost, (by the apostles,) as that does the acts of Jesus Christ. Of all things - In a summary manner: which Jesus began to do - until the day - That is, of all things which Jesus did from the beginning till that day.

 

Smith. Luke’s attention to detail led him to interview Mary which probably led him to Elizabeth.  He alone records their stories. Luke joins Paul in Acts 16 at Troas.

 

Womack. The “former treatise” was the Gospel of Luke. This is its sequel. The name Theophilus means “friend or lover of God” (Strong’s Concordance). It’s unclear whether this was a man’s name or a way to address this book to all those who love God.

Jesus demonstrated the power of the gospel and taught. It’s the same today. God confirms the teaching of His Word with signs following (Mark 16:20).

 

Keener. The transition between volumes one and two is a transition of leadership from Jesus to the apostles (with the Spirit working through both). Theophilus’s title of “most excellent” probably implies status. He may have been Luke’s patron. The initial copy of Luke’s work probably cost $4,000 in today’s money so a patron was handy. Sometimes, but not always, the dedicatee was the patron.

 

During the 40 days of Jesus’ appearance, He 1) gave convincing proofs of His resurrection; 2) taught about the Kingdom. Just as Jesus did not begin his public ministry before receiving the Spirit, his disciples must depend on God’s empowerment ad should not even attempt their mission without it. The Father’s promise in Acts 1:4 recalls Lu. 24:49 which recalls Is. 32:15. In the OT, men were clothed with power in Jud. 6:34; I Chron. 12:18; 2 Chron. 24:20. The promise is for all who repent.

 

The prophets regularly linked God pouring out His Spirit with the time of Israel’s restoration. Is. 32:15; 42:1; 44:3; 59:21; Ez. 36: 24-28; 37:14; 39:29; Joel 2:28-3:1. See also Is. 43: 9-12; 44: 8-9; 41:5, 9; 43:6; 45:22; 52:10; Acts 13: 46-47.

 

Justus (the surname) meant “the just.” Joseph was a common name with the epithet Barsabbas meaning in Joseph “born on the Sabbath.”

 

Verse 2.

 

“Until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen.”

 

AMP. “Until the day when He ascended to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given instruction to the apostles or special messengers whom He had chosen.”

 

Wesley. After having given commandment — In the3d verse Acts 1:3 St. Luke expresses in general terms what Christ said to his apostles during those forty days. But in the4th Acts 1:4 and following verses he declares what he said on the day of his ascension. He had brought his former account down to that day; and from that day begins the Acts of the Apostles.

 

Smith. Jesus’ ministry continues as He heals, casts out demons, and pours forth grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit.

 

Womack. The Gospel of Luke ended with the resurrected Jesus being taken into heaven (Luke 24:50-51).

 

Horton. The word ‘apostles’ may not have been limited to the 12 but could include other ‘sent ones’ like the 72 in Lu. 10:1.

 

Verse 3.

 

“To whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

 

AMP. “To these men He also showed Himself alive after His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, by a series of many infallible proofs and unquestionable demonstrations, appearing to them over a period of forty days and talking to them about the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

 

TPT. “After the sufferings of his cross, Jesus appeared alive many times to these same apostles over a forty-day period, proving to them with many convincing sings that he had been resurrected. During these encounters, he taught them the truths of God’s kingdom. Note 1. Jesus appeared to his followers at least 11 times and taught them the mysteries of God’s Kingdom. See Mt. 13:11. Note 2. Forty speaks of transformation and completeness through testing. Jesus was tempted 40 days; Noah’s flood lasted 40 days and nights; Moses was 40 days on the mountain; Israel wandered for 40 years; Elijah fasted for 40 days; Jesus spend 40 days with his disciple’s post-resurrection.

 

Womack. The phrase “infallible proofs” comes from one Greek word, “TEKMERION,” which means “a criterion of certainty” (Strong’s Concordance). It stresses the surety of the proofs that attested the resurrection of Jesus. The word “proof” is so strong that it needs no further description; therefore, the addition of “infallible” is surely underscoring that there could be no reasonable argument against the resurrection of Jesus. Indeed, there is more historical evidence of the life and resurrection of Jesus than of any other person in history. To believe that either the life or resurrection of Jesus is a myth is intentional ignorance (2 Peter 3:5).

 

There are eight recorded appearances of Jesus to His disciples during these forty days. Jesus’ seventh appearance was to His disciples at a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20). His last appearance to His disciples was when He was received up to the Father, recorded in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-53, and Acts 1:4-9. There is one other mention of Jesus appearing to over 500 brethren at one time in 1 Corinthians 15:6.

Wesley. Being seen by them forty days — That is, many times during that space. And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God — Which was the sum of all his discourses with them before his passion also.

Smith. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene; then to the other women; then to Peter; then to the two disciples on the Emmaus Road; then to 10 disciples; then to the 10 again with Thomas; then to 7 disciples in Galilee; then to James; and then to 500 others. While seeing and talking to them, he ate with them, and they touched him. These men and women testified to what they had seen and heard to the point of death. Both their lives (miracle working power and holy living) and their deaths (by martyrdom) testified to Jesus’ resurrection.

The promise of His Presence: Mt. 28: 19-20; Mt. 18:20. See Mt. 6:33.

Horton. See Lu. 24: 36-43. Jesus gave sure evidence that he was alive. He also spoke to them about God’s Kingdom.

Verse 4.

 

“And being assembled with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me.”

 

AMP. “While being together and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Of which,” He said, “you have heard Me speak.

 

Wesley. Wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard from me — When he was with them a little before, as it is recorded, Luke 24:49.

 

Smith. The Promise of the Father refers to Joel 2: 28-29. Compare Acts 2: 14-17 and Lu. 3:16.

 

Womack. They had the greatest news in history to report, yet the Lord told them to wait until they received the Holy Spirit. This underscores how important the working of the Holy Spirit is in ministry.

“Them” are the apostles referenced in Acts 1:2.

 

 

 

 

Verse 5.

 

“For John truly baptized with (in) water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

 

AMP. “For John baptized with (in) water, but you will be baptized, empowered, and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now.”

 

Wesley. Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost — And so are all true believers to the end of the world. But the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost also are here promised.

 

Smith. John’s baptism signified the death of the old sin nature, but this baptism will fill the believer with power, enabling him to walk in love, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and testify with boldness (Acts 1:8). Jo. 14:16. Parakletos is made up of “para” which means to “come along side of.” Kletos means “to help.” The Holy Spirit will come alongside you to help you. See Jo. 14:26. See Mk. 13:11. The HS will conform us to the image of Christ. 2 Cor. 3:18.

 

Womack. John baptized with water or in water. But the One who came after him baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire (Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16). Here, Jesus reaffirmed this promise.

Horton. They were to be clothed with power from on high. Lu. 24: 48-49; Jo. 14:16; 15:26; 16:7, 13. Jesus began his ministry in the power of the Spirit (Lu. 4:14) and so must they. Luke does not mention the apostles’ trip to Galilee possibly because it is covered elsewhere. There are OT promises of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: Is. 32:15; 44: 3-5; Ez. 11: 19-20; 36: 26-27; Joel 2: 28-32; Zech. 12:10; Gal. 3:14; Ep. 1:13; Jo. 7: 38-39 and chapters 14-16; Mk. 1:8; Jo. 1:13. “From the day of Pentecost, they are the eschatological community of Spirit-baptized, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-filled prophets.”

Verse 6.

“Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

 

AMP. “So, when they had come together, they asked Him repeatedly, “Lord, are You at this time reestablishing the kingdom and restoring it to Israel?”

 

TPT. “Every time they were gathered together, they asked Jesus,” Lord, is it now the time for you to free Israel and restore our Kingdom?”

 

Wesley. Dost thou at this time — At the time thou now speak of? not many days hence? restore the kingdom to Israel? - They still seemed to dream of an outward, temporal kingdom, in which the Jews should have dominion over all nations. It seems they came in a body, having before concerted the design, to ask when this kingdom would come.

 

Womack. How most believers must have been affected when Jesus was taken up into heaven without establishing the final reign of Christ prophesied in the O.T.

 

Horton. The Cross carries with it the promise of the Kingdom. Mk. 10: 32-40. Lu. 12:32. The word Kingdom in the NT deals mainly with the King’s power and rule. Righteousness, peace, and joy in the HS are evidence that God is ruling. Ro. 14:17. The disciples knew the prophecies of Ez. 36: 24-27 (‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws). and 37: 12-14 (Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.   Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.)’”

 

Verse 7.

 

And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”

 

AMP. He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority.”

Wesley. The times or the seasons — Times, in the language of the Scriptures, denote a longer, seasons, a shorter space. Which the Father hath put in his own power — To be revealed when and to whom it pleases him.

Womack. The disciples had just asked a question about when Jesus would restore the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). As can be seen in the actions of many in the Gospels, most people did not have the concept of a second coming of Jesus to establish God’s physical kingdom on earth. They thought the first advent of the Messiah and the establishment of the kingdom would happen at the same time. Jesus didn’t directly answer their question but rather stated that the time was in the Father’s control. Jesus had previously said that not even He nor the angels knew the day and the hour of this event (Mark 13:32). So, in Jesus’ answer to His disciples, He spoke of knowing the time of His second coming as being beyond their control or ability to know. However, here He revealed that with the coming of the Holy Spirit, certain things would be put under the disciples’ power, and He proceeded to speak of them being His witnesses. The power to witness the Gospel to others has been delegated to us, the disciples of Jesus, and is not under God’s direct control. Therefore, it is incorrect to plead with God to save someone. He has already done His part, and now we must do ours. God will not preach the Gospel for us. Not even angels are allowed to preach the Gospel for us (Acts 10:3-5). We have received the power to be witnesses. It is not by God’s choosing that some have still not heard the Gospel. It is because we have not been faithful to be His witnesses.

 

Horton. The disciples would not know the dates and times. Mt. 24:36; Mk 13:32-33.

 

Verse 8.

 

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

 

AMP. “But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses, to tell people about Me, both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”

 

Wesley. But ye shall receive power — and shall be witnesses to me - That is, ye shall be empowered to witness my Gospel, both by your preaching and suffering.

 

Womack. This clearly indicates that the Gospel must go to the Gentiles. Yet great controversy was sparked among the believers when this happened (Acts 10-12).

The Greek word “DUNAMIS”, translated “power,” is the same Greek word that was translated “strength” in 1 Corinthians 15:56. The Law is the power behind sin, but the believer’s power comes from the Holy Spirit. Break the power of the Law through grace and the power of sin is broken (Romans 6:14).

“DUNAMIS,” means “miraculous power” (Strong’s Concordance). It also means “ability,” “might,” and “strength.” We derive “dynamic” and “dynamite” from it. The Holy Spirit’s presence and anointing is the believer’s power source. It was this anointing power of the Holy Spirit that worked miracles in the life of Jesus (Acts 10:38). We receive the same Holy Spirit power, and we can expect to see it accomplish the same miraculous works that Jesus did (John 14:12).

The Lord has empowered us to be witnesses, not the judge and jury. Witnesses simply relate what they have experienced, thereby providing evidence to the truth of something. We are to witness in word and deed to the truth of Jesus being alive in us, and let God be the one who convicts.

Jesus specified an orderly progression in the way we should be His witnesses. First, Jerusalem (where we live). Then, to Judea (those nearby). Finally, to Samaria (every religious and racial group throughout the whole world). There are practical reasons for becoming witnesses in this way. Jesus testified that prophets are honored everywhere except in their hometowns among their families and friends (Mark 6:4). Typically, home is the hardest place to witness. Starting with those who know us best will cause us to humble ourselves and give God all the glory. Also, if rejection comes, this tempers us and our witness so that we will be more effective when we go to the uttermost parts of the earth. People who have a desire for millions overseas to be converted yet are unconcerned about the condition of their families and friends, will not be the witness that Jesus needs. Those who are waiting for a worldwide ministry and are not actively pursuing the opportunities at hand will never be used. We need to be faithful in little before God will give us “many things” (Matthew 25:21).

 

TPT notes. Witnesses can be translated “martyrs.” Samaria is a “distant province populated by another group of people.”

 

Horton. Greek ‘dunamin’ “mighty power.” “Came on them” is “having come on them, i.e., after coming on them. Their responsibility was to tell what they had seen, heard, and experienced. I jo. 1:1. Chapters 1-7: Jerusalem; Chapters 8-12: Judea and Samaria; Chapters 13-28: to the ends of the earth. Is. 44:8 (Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”). See also Lu. 4:14 and Is. 61:1-2. Dunamis power is given so that the gospel of the Kingdom can be proclaimed.

 

The Greek word for witness (marture) is the same word from which we get martyr.

 

ESV. Acts references were “dunamis or related word” is used to denote the working of miracles: 2:22; 3:12; 4:7; 6:8; 8:10; 10:38; 19:11.

 

Verse 9.

 

“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

 

AMP. And after He said these things, He was caught up as they looked on, and a cloud took Him up out of their sight.

 

Smith. When Israel was in the wilderness, the Shekinah Cloud lead them by day. It was the cloud of the presence of God. That is the same cloud that enshrouded Christ and took Him up out of their sight. See also Lu. 24: 50-51.

 

Womack. See also Mark 16:19 and Luke 24:50-51.

The cloud took Jesus from their sight but not from their presence. Jesus promised that He will always be with us, even unto the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Jesus will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). While He is always with us, we may not always perceive His presence, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

 

Horton. Lu. 24:50 “Jesus was taken up gradually into heaven. The cloud was a glory cloud like the Shekinah Glory of the OT – the cloud by day. The Greek could well mean that the cloud swept under Him and He rode it up out of their sight. He ascended to the right hand of the Father is still present in heaven. Heb. 9:24 (For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.). Stephen saw Him there. Acts. 7:55.

 

Verse 10.

 

“And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel.”

 

AMP. While they were looking intently into the sky as He was going, two men in white clothing suddenly stood beside them.

 

Womack. These were angels who appeared as men. The only thing unusual about them was their white apparel. It must have been both exciting and devastating for the disciples to witness the ascension and yet realize that Jesus, in His physical body, was gone. The angels turned the disciples’ attention back to their earthly task.

 

Horton. All the disciples were from Galilee except for Judas. He had returned to the Father, but He would still be with them (Mt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). Jesus had already told them that He would return in the clouds (Mk. 13:26).  He identified himself with the Son of Man of Daniel 7: 13-14 (In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed). See I Jo. 3: 2-3

 

 

Verse 11.

 

“Who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

 

AMP. “Who said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will return in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

 

Smith. See also Mk. 13:26; Rev. 1:7.

 

Womack. Some Christians still gaze into heaven instead of doing the work God gave us to do. Just as these angels mildly reproved the disciples, so we need to encourage the saints to get on with the work of testifying Jesus.

The angels didn’t say that Jesus would come back to them as they had seen Him go into heaven. They said that He would return as they saw Him ascend. This is consistent with the disciples dying before Christ’s return. It cannot be said that he would return in the generation of those who saw him ascend. This was a subtle revelation that they would die before the second return of the Lord.

Smith says that Jesus ascended the Mount of Olives on the Temple side and descended to the other side. He ascended from the other side.

Jesus departed from the vicinity of the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:12). Zechariah 14:4 says when He returns, He will set foot upon the Mount of Olives, which is on the east side of Jerusalem. He is coming back to the same spot He left from.

 

Verse 12.

 

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.”

 

AMP.  “Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet (Olive Grove), which is near Jerusalem, [only] a Sabbath day’s journey (less than one mile) away.”

 

Note: A Jew was permitt3d to travel 2,000 cubits on the Sabbath (Ex. 16:29; Num. 35:5, or about 1.2 KM (3/4 of a mile).

 

Wesley. A Sabbath-day’s journey — The Jews generally fix this to two thousand cubits, which is not a mile.

 

Horton. Luke (24:52) says that the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Luke draws attention to five things: 1) They all joined together in one accord. Compare and contrast this with the jealously exhibited before the cross where each wanted to be the greatest (Mt. 20:24). Jesus dealt with them all after the resurrection but especially Peter (Jo. 21). “Together,” “one accord,” “with one mind,” “with one purpose.” Being united in one accord with one purpose is surely still an important key to getting God’s work done.  2) They all joined constantly in prayer. There were morning and afternoon Temple prayers at 9 am and 3 pm (see Acts 2:15) and persistence in prayer in the upper room. See Lu. 24:53. See also Lu. 11: 9-13; 18:1. United prayer, praise and expectation are needed.

 

Verse 13.

 

“And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.”

 

Wesley. They went up into the upper room — The upper rooms, so frequently mentioned in Scripture, were chambers in the highest part of the house, set apart by the Jews for private prayer. These, on account of their being so retired and convenient, the apostles now used for all the offices of religion. Matthew 10:2Mark 3:14Luke 6:13.

 

TPT note. There is a definite article in the Greek, and this room may be the same room where they ate the last supper with Jesus. In Mark, after the disciples returned from witnessing the ascension, they preached; in Luke, after witnessing the ascension, they praised; in Acts, after witnessing the ascension, they prayed. Others think that the Upper Room may have been in the Temple Complex somewhere.

 

Womack. After three years of ministry with Jesus, the disciples didn’t have a building to house their ministry nor a mailing list. Instead, they had the experience of being with Jesus, the impartation that gave, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. After receiving the power of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), they turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

These eleven were what was left of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2-4) after Judas Iscariot hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5).

All eleven of Jesus’ remaining apostles (Judas had hung himself) were present and tarrying for the Holy Ghost, as Jesus had instructed them (Acts 1:4).

 

Verse 14.

 

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

 

AMP. “All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, waiting together, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

 

TPT notes. Or “siblings. Jesus’ four brothers are named in Mt. 13:55 and Mk. 6:3 as Jacob, Joses (Joseph), Simon, and Judah. In Jo. 7:5, they did not believe in Him, but they must have repented. The Aramaic is “they prayed with one soul.”

 

Wesley. His brethren — His near kinsmen, who for some time did not believe; it seems not till near his death.

 

Smith. This is the last place in the NT that Mary is mentioned, not to be talked much about again until the 4th century.

 

Womack. Jesus’ brothers had rejected Him during most of His ministry, but this shows they were converted by this time. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote the book of James and was the church leader in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13; Galatians 1:19, and 2:9).

That the disciples continued in one accord was an important part of the miracle of Pentecost. The word used for “continued” is “PROSKARTEREO,” and it means “to be earnest towards...to persevere, be constantly diligent” (Strong’s Concordance). They avoided the divisions that customarily separate people because they had lost themselves in God. Being overwhelmed with Jesus’ resurrection and glory to their selfish concerns fell away. Since pride causes contention (Proverbs 13:10), ridding themselves of pride was the prerequisite for obtaining unity. Unity brings the blessing of God [Psalms 133], whereas strife brings the curse of the devil (James 3:16). The power of God is always manifest every time believers come into unity.

Verse 15-16.

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty) and said, men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”

 

AMP. “Now on one of those days Peter arose among the brethren, the whole number of whom gathered was about a hundred and twenty. Brethren, he said, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit foretold by the lips of David, about Judas who acted as guide to those who arrested Jesus.”

 

Wesley. The number of persons together — Who were together in the upper room. Were a hundred and twenty — But he had undoubtedly many more in other places; of whom more than five hundred saw him at once after his resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:6. See Psalms 41:9.

 

Smith. We must protect these two beliefs: 1) the inerrancy of the Scriptures. See Gen. 3:1; 2) the inspiration of the Scriptures.

 

Womack. 1 Corinthians 15:6 says that 500 brethren saw Jesus after His resurrection at one time. Surely hundreds of others also saw Jesus after His resurrection. Where were they? It seems like nothing could have taken precedent over waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit to those who had seen the resurrected Christ. If Jesus being raised from the dead couldn’t turn all the believers out for a church service, then it shouldn’t be a big shock to us if not everyone comes out to see us.

Jesus appeared to His followers eight times after His resurrection. In one appearance, 500 brethren at one time saw Him (1 Corinthians 15:6). But only 120 waited in the Upper Room for the coming of the Holy Ghost. Either Jesus did not command all of those to whom He appeared after His resurrection to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Ghost or, just as with His church today, not followers were obedient. It is possible that Peter got revelation of these scriptures while on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).

The Old Testament prophecy that Peter referred to is Acts 1:20. Before coming to the point, Peter mentioned the same fulfillment of prophecy concerning Judas’ death that Matthew cited in Matthew 27:9.

 

Horton. Apparently not all the 500 who saw the resurrected Jesus in Galilee followed him back to Jerusalem. Peter was quoting Ps. 69:25; 109:8).

 

Verse 17.

 

“For he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

 

AMP. “For he was counted among us and received by divine allotment his portion in this ministry.”

 

Womack. Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and had a part in the ministry of Jesus. What an honor! Yet he is forever associated with betrayal and destruction.

 

Verse 18.

 

“Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.

 

AMP. Now this man obtained a piece of land with the money paid him as a reward for his treachery and wickedness and falling headlong he burst open in the middle of his body and all his intestines poured forth.

 

Wesley. This man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity — That is, a field was purchased with the reward of his iniquity, though very possibly Judas might design the purchase. And falling on his face — It seems the rope broke before, or as he died.

Smith. See Mt. 27: 4-5. See v. 27. The Chief Priests could not put the money back into the treasury. See fulfilled prophecy in Zech. 11:13. There is no contradiction in the account.

Womack. Judas didn’t purchase the field. He took the money he had been paid and threw it on the Temple floor. The priests couldn’t put it back into the treasury, because it was blood money. So, they purchased the potter’s field to bury strangers in (Matthew 27:3-10).

It isn’t clear if this is a poetic way of referring to Judas’ death or if this literally happened. Matthew 27:5 just says Judas hung himself. But it’s possible that the rope broke, or he was cut down in a way that made this come to pass.

Verse 19-20.

And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood. “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate and let no one live in it’; and ‘let another take his office.’

 

AMP. And all the residents of Jerusalem became acquainted with the facts, so that they called the piece of land in their own dialect—Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.  For in the book of Psalms it is written, let his place of residence become deserted and gloomy, and let there be no one to live in it; and again, let another take his position or overseership.” See Ps. 69:25.

 

TPT note. The Jews of Jesus’ day spoke Aramaic. Jesus and his disciples taught in Aramaic.

 

Wesley. In their own tongue — This expression, that is, the field of blood, St. Luke seems to have added to the words of St. Peter, for the use of Theophilus and other readers who did not understand Hebrew. His bishopric — That is, his apostleship. Psalms 69:25.

 

Womack. All people in Jerusalem heard of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and that he had returned the money to the Chief Priests. The field the priests bought for burial place of strangers was bought with the blood money they bribed Judas with (Matthew 27:3-10). What a legacy Judas left. He could have been blessed, but he chose a course that made his name cursed. There is a lesson in this for all of us. This is only a small portion of the curse spoken over the one who betrays the Messiah. The whole curse goes from Psalms 109:1-20. This verse combines Psalms 109:8 and 69:25.

Psalms 109:8 said that Judas’ office was to be filled by another. There is no indication that the remaining disciples were supposed to replace him by casting lots. The one selected, Matthias, was never mentioned again in Scripture, but neither were some of the eleven. Some have suggested that Paul was God’s replacement for Judas.

Peter’s prophecy is a combination of two passages: Psalms 69:25 and Psalms 109:8.

 

Verse 21-22.

 

“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us. Beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

AMP. So, one of the other men who have accompanied us apostles during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us. From the baptism of John at the outset until the day when He was taken up from among us—one of these men must join with us and become a witness to testify to His resurrection.

Wesley. All the time that the Lord Jesus was going in and out — That is, conversing familiarly: over us - as our Master. Psalms 109:8.  To be a witness with us of his resurrection — and of the circumstances which preceded and followed it.

Smith. The qualifications for replacement apostles were that the replacement: 1) had seen Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist; 2) had travelled with the “team” during Jesus’ ministry; 3) and had witnessed Jesus’ resurrection from the dead; and 4) spent time with Jesus after His resurrection and observed His ascension.

Womack. The Holy Spirit directed Peter to see these prophecies as pertaining to Judas. The Holy Spirit lead Peter how to find a replacement. It’s not, though, sure that their choice was God’s choice. The qualifications for Judas’ replacement were that he had to have been a follower of Jesus from His baptism (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22) until the time He was taken up into heaven (Luke 24:50-51).

TPT note. Barsabbas means “son of promise.” Mathias means “Gift of Yahweh.”

Horton. Church tradition says that Mathias was one of the 70.

Verse 23.

 

And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

 

AMP. And they accordingly proposed or nominated two men, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

 

Womack. This is the only reference to these men in Scripture.

 

Wesley. And they appointed two — So far, the faithful could go by consulting together, but no further. Therefore, here commenced the proper use of the lot, whereby a matter of importance, which cannot be determined by any ordinary method, is committed to the Divine decision.

 

Smith. Church tradition says that Matthias was stoned to death in Jerusalem and afterward beheaded.

 

Verse 24-26

 

And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

AMP. And they prayed and said, You, Lord, who know all hearts, their thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, purposes, and endeavors, indicate to us which one of these two You have chosen. To take the place in this ministry and receive the position of an apostle, from which Judas fell away and went astray to go where he belonged to his own proper place. And they drew lots between the two, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to and counted with the eleven apostles or special messengers.

Wesley. Fell — By his transgression - Some time before his death: to go to his own place - That which his crimes had deserved, and which he had chosen for himself, far from the other apostles, in the region of death.

 

Womack. The casting of lots was the Old Testament way of resolving issues and finding the will of the Lord (Proverbs 16:33 and 18:18). In the New Testament, we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which has superseded the casting of lots.

What if the Lord didn’t choose either of them? They should have given the Lord a third option–namely, it’s not either of them. Jesus said of Judas that it would have been better for him if he had never been born (Matthew 26:24). I suspect “his own place” refers to a very isolated place in hell where he will have all eternity to contemplate his choice (Matthew 25:41 and 46). Casting lots was a common practice in the Old Testament. The priests used lots to choose the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:8) and to divide the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel (Numbers 26:55 and Joshua 14:2). Solomon wrote, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33), and “The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty” (Proverbs 18:18). However, this is the last mention of casting lots in Scripture. Now that the Holy Ghost has come, direction comes directly from God to the believer through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26 and James 1:5).

Chapter 2.

Verse 1.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

AMP. And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all assembled in one place.

TPT note. “To be fulfilled.” Pentecost was one of the main feasts of Israel. The Greek word means ‘fiftieth.’ It was also known as the feast of the harvest, and it was held 50 days after the Passover Celebration.

Wesley. At the Pentecost of Sinai, in the Old Testament, and the Pentecost of Jerusalem, in the New, where the two grand manifestations of God, the legal and the evangelical; the one from the mountain, and the other from heaven; the terrible, and the merciful one. They were all with one accord in one place - So here was a conjunction of company, minds, and place: the whole hundred and twenty being present.

 

Womack. Unity is an essential ingredient for the God to out pour the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost was fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was taken up into heaven (Acts 1:9) forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3). Therefore, the disciples tarried for the Holy Spirit for ten days (Acts 1:4).

Saying the day was “fully come” means the sun was completely risen.

One of the reasons that the power of God is not more manifest in the church is because we are not of one accord and not in one place. It is not possible that Christians worldwide can be together, but it’s possible on the local level. The fact that churches are built right across the street from each other and rent the same spaces in shopping centers or office buildings is just a token of how disunited the body of Christ is today. Unity among believers is not a prerequisite of revival, nor is it merely a result of revival. It is an integral part of revival, without which the great outpouring of God’s Spirit will not come.

Feast of Pentecost. Another name for the OT Feast of Pentecost is the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Harvest. See Ex. 23; 24; Lev. 16; Numbers 28, Deuteronomy 16.  See Jo. 14:26; Joel 2: 28-29. Was the Holy Spirit poured out when Jesus was enthroned?

Verse 2.

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

AMP. When suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting.

TPT notes. This mighty wind was for power; the breath of Jesus breathed into His disciples in Jo. 20:22 was for life. See Lu. 24:53. Thinks they were gathered at the Temple. Others think that houses had large courtyards and that they could have accommodated 3,000.

ESV. Fire in the OT often indicates the presence of God, especially in this burning holiness and purity, consuming everything that is impure (Ex. 3:2; 13:21: 19:18: 40:31; Is. 4:5; Ez. 1:4.

Wesley. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven — So will the Son of man come to judgment. And it filled all the house — That is, all that part of the temple where they were sitting.

Womack. This may have taken place in the upper room where the Last Supper was held.

It happened suddenly. The disciples had been waiting for ten days according to Jesus’s instructions (Acts 1:4-5). They didn’t know when this filling of the Holy Spirit would be. What if some of them had given up the night before? This miracle didn’t happen gradually. There was no evidence it was coming, just Jesus’s promise.

Likewise, we can’t always see any physical proof of God’s blessings coming, but we can rest upon His promise. And it may happen suddenly, when we least expect it.

Notice also that this sound of the wind and the accompanying tongues of fire only happened in the house where they were sitting. This was a tremendous outpouring of the power of the Holy Spirit, but it didn't fall anywhere. It came only where people were gathered in unity, waiting and believing for this. There might have been people in a building right next door that never knew what had happened. There are reasons why some are touched by God’s power and others aren’t.

The Scripture does not say there was a wind, rather the sound of a rushing mighty wind. It was apparently calm in the room, and that made this sound of a rushing mighty wind awesome.

Horton. Suddenly, surprisingly, and without warning, a sound came from heaven like the blowing of a violent wind or tornado. But it was only the sound. Fire and light are common symbols of the Divine Presence. The church was already in existence before the Pentecostal experience. The death of Jesus put the new covenant into effect (Heb. 9:15, 17; 12:24).

Verse 3.

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

 

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

 

There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed among them, and they rested on each one of them as each person received the Holy Spirit.

 

And there appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were separated and distributed, and which settled on each one of them.

 

They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them.

 

They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them.

 

Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which separated and came to rest on each one of them.

 

Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.

 

They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there.

 

Then they saw something that looked like many small fires. The separate fires moved and went to sit on each person there.

 

They saw something like ·flames ortongues of fire ·that were separated - that were divided; or that spread out- and ·stood came to rest over each person there.

They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated, and one rested on each of them.

 

Then when the actual day of Pentecost came, they were all assembled. Suddenly there was a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were seated. Before their eyes appeared tongues like flames which separated off and settled above the head of each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them power to proclaim his message.

 

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

 

When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

 

and there appeared to them divided tongues, as it were of fire; it sat also upon each one of them.

 

TPT notes. Or “rested over them.”

 

TPT note. This was the pillar of fire that led Israel from bondage into the promised land. The same pillar of fire manifested hereto initiate a new beginning from new religious structures into the powerful life of the Spirit. Each believer received an overpowering flame of fire, signified by the shaft of light that engulfed them. It was as if each received his own, personal pillar of fire that would empower him and lead him throughout life. This was the promise that Jesus gave His disciples that “one like me” (Jo. 14:26), who would be sent by the Father would come to them and never leave them. Today, every believer is indwelt by the Spirit of Christ (Ro. 8:9). This was the birthday of Jesus’ church.

 

Wesley. And there appeared distinct tongues, as of fire — That is, small flames of fire. This is all which the phrase, tongues of fire, means in the language of the seventy. Yet it might intimate God’s touching their tongues as it were (together with their hearts) with Divine fire: his giving them such words as were active and penetrating, even as flaming fire.

 

Womack. The appearing of visible tongues of fire when people are baptized with the Holy Spirit doesn’t typically happen today. But the same empowerment and gift of tongues that the apostles experienced does.

The supernatural fire of God consumed the sacrifices when the tabernacle was first dedicated (Leviticus 9:24) and when Solomon’s temple was dedicated (2 Chronicles 7:1). From that time, the priests were supposed to add wood to the supernatural fire the Lord had already kindled (Leviticus 6:12-13). When Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire (fire kindled by their effort), they were slain.

We are now the Temple of the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:16 and 6:19). When the Holy Spirit came to inhabit us - His new temple – God’s supernatural fire once again came. We keep the fire that the Lord imparts stoked and burning.

This was a visible (tongues of fire) and audible (wind and different languages) supernatural manifestation of the Holy Ghost that accompanied this Baptism of the Holy Spirit. See also Acts 4:31) for a similar experience with the Holy Spirit.

 

Verse 4.

 

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

 

AMP.  And they were all filled - diffused throughout their souls - with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other, different and foreign languages (tongues), as the Spirit kept giving them clear and loud expression - in each tongue in appropriate words.

 

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak ·different, other; or foreign ·languages by the power the Holy Spirit was giving them - reversing the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. Gen. 11:1–9.

 

Smith. “As the Spirit gave them the ability” or “as the Spirit prompted their speech.”

Wesley. And they began to speak with other tongues — The miracle was not in the ears of the hearers, (as some have unaccountably supposed,) but in the mouth of the speakers. And this family praising God together, with the tongues of all the world, was an earnest that the whole world should in due time praise God in their various tongues.

As the Spirit gave them utterance — Moses, the type of the law, was of a slow tongue; but the Gospel speaks with a fiery and flaming one.

TPT Notes. There are two Greeks words here for “filled.” In verse 2, the word means “to be filled inwardly.” In verse 4, the word means “to be filled outwardly or furnished and equipped.” This later is the anointing of the Spirit for ministry. Every believer needs the filling of the Spirit inwardly for life and holiness and outwardly for ministry.

TPT notes. “Began to speak” is literally “to ring out like a bell.” It can also mean to “carried along or inspired.”

Smith. The Holy Spirit does not take you over against your will. I need to yield my spirit to the Holy Spirit.

Womack.  Peter quoted Joel 2:28-29 in his sermon, and he interpreted this outpouring of the Holy Ghost “upon the servants and upon the handmaids” as being for all the people who were present (over 3,000, Acts 2:41) and for their “children, and to all that are afar off” (that’s us, Acts 2:39). This forever proves that this gift of tongues was not just for a very few apostles.

 

This filling of the Holy Ghost was after their born-again experience. In Romans 10:9, Paul taught that people had to confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead to be saved. The disciples had already done so. John 20:28 records Thomas kneeling before the resurrected Jesus and confessing that Jesus was both Lord and God. No doubt these disciples were saved, yet they had not received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This same thing was true of the people who believed on Jesus in Acts 8:12-17 and 19:2-7. Therefore, it is possible to be saved yet not have the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus spoke of (John 7:37-39 and Acts 1:4-5). Since the Holy Spirit has been given and we do not have to tarry for His coming, we can receive salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time, but it is not automatic. We must ask and believe (Matthew 7:7 and Luke 11:13) for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, just as we believed for salvation.

Speaking in tongues is unique to the church age. When we believers speak in tongues, our new, born-again spirits speak (1 Corinthians 14:14), not our minds. Before salvation, our spirits were the part of us that was “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Therefore, until we received new spirits (2 Corinthians 5:17), the Holy Ghost could not give us this supernatural communication with the Father. However, this experience was prophesied in the Old Testament. Joel prophesied about it in Joel 2:28-29. Peter referred to this passage in his explanation of this miracle. Isaiah spoke very specifically of speaking in tongues in Isaiah 28:11-12, and Jesus also said believers would speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17).

The other tongues that these disciples spoke in were languages other than their own; they hadn’t learned them before. These tongues were different than the tongues that Paul was giving instructions about in 1 Corinthians 12-14, in that these were known languages. Two kinds of speaking in tongues are very clearly spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13:1. They are called “the tongues of men and of angels.” The tongues of men are the known languages, like the disciples spoke here. The tongues of angels, or heavenly languages, are the tongues that all Spirit-filled believers can speak in. Paul taught about this in 1 Corinthians 12-14. This is the only example of believers speaking in known languages that is recorded in the Bible. The other instances of speaking in tongues (Acts 8:18 [implied], 10:45-46, and 19:6) were heavenly languages unknown to men.

Speaking in tongues is not as many envision it. The Holy Spirit does not take possession of us to the point that we have no control over what is happening. Paul made a special point of this in his letter to the Corinthians about how the gifts should be properly administered. He told the Corinthians to control themselves and not speak in tongues in church unless there was an accompanying interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). He would not have told them this if they had no control over the gift. The gift of speaking in tongues is no different than the ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11. True ministers of God also operate in a supernatural gift when they preach or teach. Peter was being used of the Holy Spirit just as much when he preached to this crowd as when he spoke to them in tongues. Yet no one expected him to simply open his mouth and have God supernaturally control it. The Holy Spirit inspires and anoints preachers, but the ministers’ wills are still intact; the degree to which the Holy Spirit uses the message is largely dependent on how much the individuals yield to His control. This is how it is with speaking in tongues. The Holy Spirit gives people the utterance, but they must exercise their faith to speak (Mark 16:17) and believe that the result is inspired by God (Luke 11:9-13). Failure to understand this truth has caused many people to ask the Lord for the gift of tongues and then wait for the Lord to supernaturally move their mouths. If nothing happens, they say that the Lord must not want them to speak in tongues or else it would have happened. But not every person the Lord has called to preach, preaches. Not every person He has given a prophecy to has prophesied. We must step out in faith.

Horton. The church is the new Temple. Each individual believer is a Temple. The Bible uses different terms for this experience: 1) Pouring out of the Spirit (Joel 2: 28-32; Acts 2:17-18, 33); 2) a receiving and active taking of a gift (Acts 2:38); 3) a falling upon (Acts 8:16; 10:44: 11:15); 4) a coming upon. The Baptism is the same as the filling. Since the HS is a person, the experience establishes a relationship. In the NT, all can receive; in the OT, only selected individuals were filled.

Verse 5.

And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

 

AMP. Now there were then residing in Jerusalem Jews, devout and God-fearing men from every country under heaven.

 

TPT notes. Or “devote Jewish men.”

 

Wesley. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews — Gathered from all parts by the peculiar providence of God.

 

Womack. We don’t know if the Jewish feast of Pentecost or that Jerusalem was a commercial hub that drew these devout men to Jerusalem. But the Lord used their presence when the Holy Spirit was poured out to cause the news of Jesus’ death and resurrection to spread like wildfire throughout the world.

God, who planned the universe, can publicize the move of His Spirit. He knows how to get the word out.

 

Horton. Many Jews from the Dispersion returned and settled there. 1 million could have been there. More might have been in Jerusalem at this time than at Passover since travel on the seas was difficult.

 

Verse 6.

 

And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

 

AMG. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

 

TPT note. “People of the city” is translated from a word of respect, like “Ladies and gentlemen.”

 

Wesley. The multitude came together and were confounded — The motions of their minds were swift and various.

 

Smith. The crowds heard the “rushing mighty wind.”

 

Womack. By this time, the disciples must have moved out of the Upper Room into a larger place that could accommodate the multitude. Since 3,000 people responded positively to Peter’s invitation, we suppose they had moved into the temple area.

 

Horton. The people heard 120 different languages – from Galileans. V. 4,6, and 7 show that it was different languages.

 

Verse 7.

 

Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?”

 

AMP. And they were beside themselves with amazement, saying, are not all these who are talking Galileans?

 

TPN note. It’s likely that they knew the men were Galileans because of their Aramaic accent common in Galilee.

Smith. 15 nations are mentioned which means that there were at least 15 dialects – probably more. Each nation heard the disciples praise God in their native dialect.

Womack. The people who heard the apostles speak in their native tongues were amazed. They knew these Galileans were uneducated men who could not have possibly known these languages. They recognized this was a miracle of God.

Contrast this reaction with the reaction of others who were present in Acts 2:13. They thought these men were drunk and this was just gibberish. So, it is today. Some people perceive the miracle of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of speaking in tongues while others ridicule it as senseless gibberish.

Verse 8.

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

AMP. Then how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own (particular) dialect to which we were born?

Womack. At least fifteen foreign regions or groups of people are identified. Possibly more than just the apostles were speaking in tongues. Some have suggested that it was not the apostles who were speaking in tongues but the hearers who were hearing in their native tongues. That is not what Luke portrayed in this account. “They [i.e., the disciples] ...began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4.

Verse 9-11.

Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

AMP.  Parthians and Medes and Elamites and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and the province of Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and the transient residents from Rome, both Jews and the proselytes [to Judaism from other religions], Cretans and Arabians too—we all hear them speaking in our own native tongues [and telling of] the mighty works of God!

Wesley. Judea — The dialect of which greatly differed from that of Galilee. Asia — The country strictly so called. Roman sojourners — Born at Rome, but now living at Jerusalem. These seem to have come to Jerusalem after those who are above mentioned. All of them were partly Jews by birth, and partly proselytes. Cretans — One island seems to be mentioned for all. The wonderful works of God — Probably those which related to the miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, together with the effusion of his Spirit, as a fulfilment of his promises, and the glorious dispensations of Gospel grace.

Womack. Parthians lived northeast of Israel in a region that corresponds roughly with the Iranian province of Khorasan. The Medes dwelt in what is modern-day Iran just east of the Parthians and north of the Elamites. The Elamites dwelt in what is today called southwestern Iran. Mesopotamia was a country between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, northeast of Israel and west of the Parthians in what is called Iraq today.

Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia were all districts in Asia Minor, north and northwest of Israel. Egypt is the same as modern-day Egypt. Cyrene was in Libya, North Africa, just west of Egypt. Crete’s were the inhabitants of the island Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Arabia denoted the large, desert-like peninsula southeast of Israel. Any time people speak in tongues as the Spirit gives inspiration (Acts 2:4), they always speak the wonderful works of God (1 Corinthians 2:7; 14:2, and 16-17).

Verse 12.

So, they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

Every group has mockers – those wanting to make fun of someone. Every group has those who jeer.

Wesley. They were all amazed — All the devout men.

Womack. This Holy Spirit outpouring was miraculous, but it didn’t convert the people. They struggled to understand its meaning. Some accused them of being drunk (Acts 2:13). The miracle got their attention, but it was Peter’s preaching that pricked their hearts and caused the conversions (1 Peter 1:23). Likewise, today, no one gets saved because of miracles. Miracles are like a bell that draws people’s attention to the Lord, but it is the foolishness of preaching that converts them from death to life (1 Corinthians 1:21).

Horton. Because the people could not understand the purpose for the languages, they assumed there was no purpose. So, they made fun of them in a mocking, scornful way. They had “too much wine.” This may have been sweet, unfermented grape juice. In view that the drink was unintoxicating grape juice (which the crowds knew) the irony of the charge is self-evident. “These men, too abstemious to touch anything fermented, have made themselves drunk on grape juice. The inadequacy of the cause (grape juice) to produce the effect (drunkenness) is designed to add point to the derisive jest. The Greek indicates that there were mocking gestures as well as words.

Verse 13.

Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Womack. There will always be those who disbelieve and mock, no matter how miraculous a demonstration of God’s power is evident.

One of the greatest events in human history happened before their eyes, yet some missed it. These people rebelled and wrote it off as the disciples being drunk. It’s with the heart that we receive from God (Romans 10:10). Everyone saw and heard the same thing, yet there were different responses based on different heart conditions.

With the heart we perceive and receive from God (Romans 10:10 and 1 Corinthians 2:14), then we can revel in this miraculous manifestation just as if we had been there. This is more real to me than many of the people who were physically present.

Some disbelieve and mock no matter how miraculous a demonstration of God’s power, just like these people did.

Wesley. But others mocking — The world begins with mocking, thence proceeds to caviling, Acts 4:7; to threats, 4:17; to imprisoning, Acts 5:18; blows, 5:40; to slaughter, Acts 7:58. These mockers appear to have been some of the natives of Judea, and inhabitants of Jerusalem, (who understood only the dialect of the country,) by the apostle’s immediately directing his discourse to them in the next verse. They are full of sweet wine — So the Greek word properly signifies. There was no new wine so early in the year as Pentecost. Thus, natural men are wont to ascribe supernatural things to mere natural causes, and many times as impudently and unskillfully as in the present case.

Verse 14.

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.

AMP. But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: You Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be [explained] to you so that you will know and understand; listen closely to what I have to say.

TPT note. Or “you Jewish men.” Also used in Acts 2:2; 3:12; 5:35; 13:16; 21:28.

Smith. Peter spoke to the crowd in Aramaic. The pressing question was “What does all this mean?” Our message must address the questions that is on people’s minds. Preaching must address peoples’ needs, or it is irrelevant.

Wesley. Then Peter standing up — All the gestures, all the words of Peter, show the utmost sobriety; lifted up his voice - With cheerfulness and boldness; and said to them - This discourse has three parts; each of which, Acts 2:14Acts 2:22Acts 2:29, begins with the same appellation, men: only to the last part he prefixes with more familiarity the additional word brethren. Men of Judea — That is, ye that are born in Judea. St. Peter spoke in Hebrew, which they all understood.

Womack. These miraculous events on the Day of Pentecost illustrate the purpose of God’s power or presence. The miraculous that accompanied the Holy Spirit drew thousands of people’s attention. The disciples explained what had happened and preached Jesus to the people. 3,000 people were born again. Likewise, today, miracles draw people’s attention to those who received the miracle, and they provide a perfect opportunity to proclaim Jesus as the one who can work miracles in their lives.

Horton. To address is “to speak out” to. The word used for this speaking is from the same verb used in speaking in tongues in 2:4. It suggests that Peter spoke in his own language (Aramaic) as the Spirit enabled him. See I Cor. 12: 10; 14:3. By calling them “fellow Jews,” he was saying that Spirit-baptized believers were still Jews.

Verse 15.

For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

Wesley. It is but the third hour of the day — That is, nine in the morning. And on the solemn festivals the Jews rarely ate or drank anything till noon.

Womack. The third hour of the day is 9 a.m. - too early for them to be drunk. 9:00 a.m. was also the normal time for daily, Jewish prayer.

Verse 16-21. (See Joel 2: 28-32)

But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above.

And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’

 

AMP. But instead this is the beginning of what was spoken through the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, telling forth the divine counselsm and your young men shall see visions - divinely granted appearances -,and your old men shall dream divinely suggested dreams. Yes, and on My menservants also and on My maidservants in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy telling forth the divine counsels and predicting future events pertaining especially to God’s kingdom. And I will show wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth beneath, blood and fire and smoking vapor; The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the obvious day of the Lord comes—that great and notable and conspicuous and renowned day. And it shall be that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord - invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord—Christ- shall be saved.

TPT notes. “This is the fulfillment…” Note 2. The NT term ‘last days’ began at Pentecost and continues until Jesus returns. Note 3. “Pour out” can be “gush forth” or “run greedily.” Note 4. Visions are “divinely appointed appearances.” The Greek word for ‘visions can also translate “our eyes opened to have divine encounters and see into the spiritual realm.” These are not daydreams but visions of the heavenly realm. Note 5. “The sun will be darkened” could be a figure of speech like “Lights out on the old order.” This could be a prophecy that was fulfilled when Christ was crucified.

 

Wesley

But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet — But there is another and better way of accounting for this. Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out 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. The times of the Messiah are frequently called the last days, the Gospel being the last dispensation of Divine grace.

I will pour out of my Spirit — Not on the day of Pentecost only, upon all flesh - On persons of every age, sex, and rank.

And your young men shall see visions — In young men the outward sense, are most vigorous, and the bodily strength is entire, whereby they are best qualified to sustain the shock which usually attends the visions of God. In old men the internal senses are most vigorous, suited to divine dreams. Not that the old are wholly excluded from the former, nor the young from the latter.

And on my servants and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And upon my servants — On those who are literally in a state of servitude. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: And I will show prodigies in heaven above, and signs on earth beneath — Great revelations of grace are usually attended with great judgments on those who reject it. In heaven — Treated of, Acts 2:20.

On earth — Described in this verse. Such signs were those mentioned, Acts 2:22, before the passion of Christ, which are so mentioned as to include also those at the very time of the passion and resurrection, at the destruction of Jerusalem, and at the end of the world. Terrible indeed were those prodigies in particular which preceded the destruction of Jerusalem: such as the flaming sword hanging over the city, and the fiery comet pointing down upon it for a year; the light that shone upon the temple and the altar in the night, as if it had been noon-day; the opening of the great and heavy gate of the temple without hands; the voice heard from the most holy place, Let us depart hence; the admonition of Jesus the son of Ananus, crying for seven years together, Wo, wo, wo; the vision of contending armies in the air, and of entrenchments thrown up against a city there represented; the terrible thunders and lightnings, and dreadful earthquakes, which everyone considered as portending some great evil: all which, through the singular providence of God, are particularly recorded by Josephus.

Blood — War and slaughter. Fire — Burnings of houses and towns, involving all in clouds of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come, the moon shall be turned into blood — A bloody color: before the day of the Lord - Eminently the last day; though not excluding any other day or season, wherein the Lord shall manifest his glory, in taking vengeance of his adversaries. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. But — whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord - This expression implies the whole of religion, and particularly prayer uttered in faith; shall be saved - From all those plagues; from sin and hell.

Smith. The incredible, miraculous events caused the multitude to say: “what is this?” “What does this mean?” Peter answer by quoting scripture. He did not give his opinion.

Womack. Peter exhibited scriptural perception and understanding that neither he nor the other apostles had exhibited before. They understood because of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth and teach us all things (John 14:26 and 16:13). The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is the most important key to revelation knowledge from God.

Are we in the last days? Joel prophesied that this outpouring of the Holy Ghost would take place in the last days. Peter affirmed that the events at that Pentecost inaugurated the last days. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which happened nearly 2,000 years ago, inaugurated the last days.

That the Spirit was poured out on “all flesh” speaks of all mankind. The door of salvation and the infilling of the Holy Spirit is open to Jew and Gentile, male and female, adult and child.

Prophesying, experiencing visions, and dreaming God-inspired dreams are associated with the Baptism. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the doorway into the miraculous realm of God.

The Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, but it was not for these few only. Peter says in Acts 2:39, “For the promise is to you, to your children, and to all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Holy Spirit power is available to all believers today (Mark 16:17 and Luke 11:13).

God pours out His Spirit on women and they prophesy. Women can be in ministry.

Most commentaries say that the signs described in this verse relate to the destruction of Jerusalem that took place in A.D. 70. “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” The great and terrible day spoken of is the day of God’s judgment.

But Matthew 24:29 mentions similar things happening with the second coming of the Lord. I’m not sure which of these periods this is referring to or if it has a double meaning. Peter was still quoting from the prophecy of Joel. Joel 2:32 says, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.” The words “saved” and “delivered” are being used interchangeably.

The word “salvation” is found 164 times in the Bible–117 times in the Old Testament and 45 times in the New Testament. Variations of this word such as “save,” “saved,” etc., are used hundreds of other times. “Salvation” is used as an all-inclusive word to denote all the acts and processes of God’s redemption of mankind. One of the great tragedies in the church has been the association of the word “salvation” with the initial forgiveness of sins only. As can be clearly seen here by comparing Peter’s quote with the original passage from Joel 2:32, salvation and deliverance are the same thing. Deliverance is a part of our salvation, as is healing, prosperity, righteousness, justification, forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification. The Greek word translated “saved” in this passage is “SOZO.” This word is translated “save” or “saved” ninety-four times in the New Testament. SOZO is used of deliverance from danger or suffering in Matthew 8:25, Matthew 14:30; John 12:27; 1 Timothy 2:15; and Jude 1:5. In James 5:15, it is used when referring to physical healing (“shall save”). SOZO is also translated “whole” or “made whole” eleven other times in reference to physical healing (Matthew 9:21-22 [three times]; Mark 5:28 [once],34 [once]; 6:56 [once]; 10:52 [once]; Luke 8:48 [once], 50 [once]; 17:19 [once]; and Acts 4:9 [once].

Horton. Peter declared that “what they saw and heard” was the fulfillment of Joel 2: 28-32. Joel did not see the time span between the first and second coming of Christ. He defined “afterward” as “in the last days.” Thus, the last days began with the ascension of Jesus. We are in the last age before Jesus is ‘revealed from heaven in blazing fire.’ 2 Thes. 1: 7-10. In the Bible, to prophecy means to speak for God as His spokesman or “mouth.” Ex. 4: 15-16; 7:1. There is no gender differentiation when it comes to the Baptism. The Spirit would pay no attention to social or economic distinctions as “servants” is “doulous or slaves.” 20 percent of the population of the Empire were slaves.

The church age is the Holy Spirit age. The door of salvation is open during the church age.

Verse 22-24.

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

AMP. You men of Israel, listen to what I say. Yahweh accredited, pointed out, highlighted, showed forth, commended, and attested Jesus, the Anointed One to you. Yahweh did so through His power poured forth in Jesus expressed in mighty works, wonders and signs. Yahweh testified to Jesus in your midst, as you yourselves know—

This Jesus, when delivered up according to the definite and fixed purpose and settled plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and put out of the way, killing Him, by the hands of lawless and wicked men.

But God raised Him up from the dead, liberating Him from the pangs of death. It was not possible for Jesus to continue to be controlled or retained by death.

TPT note 1. A great transformation has taken place in Peter. He had denied Christ three times only six weeks ago. Now, he preaches with power and authority. This is what the Holy Spirit does in the believer’s life. Note 2. Or Jesus the Nazarene (the Branch). Note 3. V. 24: “God destroyed death’s destruction.” “God freed him from the travails of death. The Greek word translated “travails” is commonly used for the labor pains of childbirth.

Smith. The Holy Spirit’s testimony began in Jerusalem. The message centered on Jesus. He was Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was a common name; it was the Greek adaptation to the Hebrew Joshua. Peter pointed out that Jesus had been attested by God. “The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness of me.” Jo. 109: 24-25. Jesus’ crucifixion was predicted in Ps. 22, Is. 50, 53, Zech. 11, 12, Amos 8. Jesus testified to what happened. See I Cor. 15:3-4. Peter ends with the heart of the gospel – the resurrection from the dead. “The cords of death could not hold Jesus in the grave.” See Ps. 16:8.

Wesley. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God — The apostle here anticipates an objection, why did God allow such a person to be so treated? Did he not know what wicked men intended to do? And had he not power to prevent it? Yea. He knew all that those wicked men intended to do. And he had power to blast all their designs in a moment. But he did not exert that power, because he so loved the you and me! Because it was the determined counsel of his love, to redeem mankind from eternal death, by the death of his only begotten Son. Having loosed the pains of death — The word properly means, the pains of a woman in travail.

As it was not possible that he should be held under it — Because the Scripture must needs be fulfilled.

Womack. The Greek word translated “approved” is “APODEIKNUMI,” and it means “to show off, to exhibit; to accredit” (Strong’s Concordance). Peter was saying that God bore witness to the authenticity of Jesus by the miracles He performed through Him. If Jesus needed the miraculous power of God to bear witness to His words, then how much more do we? Miracles, healings, casting out of demons, and wonders are important to evangelism.

This scripture, combined with other Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’ prediction concerning His death and resurrection, makes certain that the crucifixion wasn’t happenstance. It was planned by God. Does that mean those who were instrumental in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus are not guilty? No. Jesus came to the earth to die in our place and purchase our redemption. That was His plan. But He didn’t force anyone to fulfill it. His ministry and message placed Him in direct opposition with the devil and his followers. Their hatred for Jesus caused them, of their own free will, to crucify Jesus. God, in all His wisdom, simply knew what man would do, and He determined to use their rejection of His Son to accomplish His will.

God never controls our will to accomplish His will. This is revelation knowledge that Peter didn’t possess six weeks prior. Either he had been profitably studying the Word after Jesus’ ascension but before Pentecost or God have him revelation as part of His Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

My personal testimony is that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit gave me instant revelation knowledge. The gift of tongues came later, but revelation knowledge came instantly.

The Greek word translated “pains” is “ODIN,” and it means “birth pangs” (Strong’s Concordance). This same word is translated “travail” in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 and refers to the birth pangs of a woman in labor.

It was possible for Jesus to suffer defeat, or He would not have been a true “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45). He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Verse 25-28. (Ps. 16: 8-11)

For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,

For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore, my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover, my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

 

AMP. For David says regarding Him, I saw the Lord constantly before me, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken, overthrown, or cast down from my secure and happy state. Therefore, my heart rejoiced, and my tongue exulted exceedingly; moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope – it will encamp, pitch its tent, and dwell in hope in anticipation of the resurrection. For You will not abandon my soul, leaving it helpless in Hades (the state of departed spirits), nor let Your Holy One know decay or see destruction my body after death. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will enrapture me – you will diffuse my soul with joy with and in Your presence.

TPT. “This is the very thing David prophesized about Him ‘I continually saw the Lord in front of me. He’s at my right hand and I am never shaken. No wonder my heart is glad, and my glory celebrates. My mouth is filled with His praises, and I have hope that my body will live because you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor will you allow your sacred one to experience decay. For you have revealed to me the pathways to life, and seeing your face fills me with euphoria.

Note 1. V. 25 is Yahweh. Note 2. The Greek word for “live” is always used “to pitch a tent.” Or “my body will pith its tend in hope and expectation. Note 3. The Greek is ‘hades and the Hebrew-Aramaic is ‘sheol.’ Both refer to the realm of the dead. V. 28. The Greek word occurs only here and in Acts 14:17. It is the spirit of joy, an ecstasy that comes from God.

Wesley. Psalms 16:8. Thou wilt not leave my soul in hades — The invisible world. But it does not appear, that ever our Lord went into hell. His soul, when it was separated from the body, did not go thither, but to paradise, Luke 23:43. The meaning is, thou wilt not leave my soul in its separate state, nor suffer my body to be corrupted. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life — That is, thou hast raised me from the dead. Thou wilt fill me with joy by thy countenance — When I ascend to thy right hand.

Smith. “Prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus, Hades was divided into two diverse compartments. One was “in the bosom of Abraham” and the other was a place of torment. There was a gulf between the two compartments, impossible to cross over. Lu. 16. Isaiah told why Jesus went to Hades in Is. 61:1. Jesus emptied out that one compartment of Hades known as paradise. Lu. 23:43. Jesus did not go to the hell compartment.”

He. 10:4 shows that the OT sacrifices could not put away sin, only cover it. The OT saints all died in faith looking forward to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, the Son of God. His death put away sins. Smith does not believe that Jesus was punished for sins in hell.

Womack. Acts 2:25-28 quotes Psalms 16:8-11 - “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Peter, inspirated by the Holy Spirit, quoted Old Testament scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. All the things that had happened to Jesus were prophesied hundreds of years before. Just as Peter used fulfillment of OT prophecy to prove Jesus was the Christ, so one of our strongest arguments for Jesus’ deity, is that He perfectly fulfilled OT prophecy. Peter credits this Psalms 16:8-11 quotation as speaking of Jesus. It is a Messianic psalm where Jesus spoke through David. Jesus speaks that His heart rejoiced, His tongue was glad, and His flesh would rest in hope because His attention was fixed totally on His Father (Acts 2:25). If we fix our hearts completely on the Father as Jesus did, we will rejoice through any situation too.

That’s the message in Hebrews 12:1-3, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Hebrews 12: 1-3 quotes Psalms 16:10. Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applied the term “Holy One” directly to Jesus. This is the key to understanding a number of Old Testament scriptures (Psalms 16:10; Isaiah 41:14, 43:3, 14-15, 45:11, 47:4, and 48:17.

Psalms 16:8-11 is a good example showing how Scripture explains itself. If someone read Psalms 16:8-11, he might think that David spoke of himself. Yet Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, beautifully explained that David spoke of the Messiah. Thus, the Bible is a commentary on itself and forever settles that Psalms 16:8-11 is Messianic. This also suggests that the term “Holy One” refers to Christ. This one truth will give us insight into many other Messianic scriptures (2 Kings 19:22; Job 6:10;Psalms 71:22, 78:41, 89:18-19;Jeremiah 50:29, 51:5; Ezekiel 39:7; Hosea 11:9; Habakkuk 1:12, and 3:3). It is no coincidence that Isaiah, who had one of the clearest OT revelations of the Messiah, used the term “Holy One” more than everyone else in the Old Testament combined (Isaiah 1:4; 5:19, 24; 10:17, 20; 12:6; 17:7; 29:19, 23; 30:11-12, 15; 31:1; 37:23; 40:25; 41:14, 16, 20; 43:3, 14-15; 45:11; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5; 60:9, and 14). Some of Isaiah’s references to the “Holy One of Israel” very clearly state that the “Holy One” is God Almighty (Isaiah 30:15; 41:14; 43:3,14-15 ; 45:11; 48:17; and 54:5.

Jesus is God in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). This was Jesus speaking and saying that God made known to Him the ways of life. God the Father revealed Himself and His plan for Jesus becoming a man to Him. We don’t have many details of how and when this might have taken place except Jesus’s actions in Luke 2:41-51.

Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus was able to endure the cross because of the joy set before Him. Focusing on the promise of being with the Father instead of the problem gives us staying power.

Notice the differences between what Peter quoted and Psalms 16:11. David said, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life.” Peter quoted this as “Thou hast made known to me the ways of life.” Peter put this in the past tense, which was appropriate. When David wrote this, it was prophecy. When Peter quoted it, it was fulfilled prophecy.

David said, “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Peter quoted that as “Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.” By comparison, we can see that being at God’s right hand is equivalent to beholding His countenance.

Verse 29-32

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.”

AMP. “Brethren, it’s given to me to tell you confidently and with freedom concerning the Patriarch David that he died and was buried. His tomb is with us now; we can see it if we want to visit it. Being however a prophet and knowing that God had promised him and sealed to him with an oath that He would set one of his descendants on his throne. David, foreseeing this, spoke by Holy Spirit foreknowledge of the resurrection of the Christ, the Messiah, that He would not be deserted in death and left in Hades, the state of departed spirits, nor would His body know decay or see destruction. This Jesus God raised up, and of that all we, His disciples, are witnesses.”

TPT notes. See Ps. 132:11 and Luke 1:32.

Smith. If you go to Jerusalem today, you can see David’s coffin where he is supposedly buried. David was a prophet and knew that God had promised to raise up from his lineage a ruler. David also prophesied the resurrection of Jesus.

Wesley. The patriarch — A more honorable title than king. Psalms 89:4. He foreseeing this, spoke of the resurrection Of Christ — St. Peter argues thus: It is plain, David did not speak of himself. Therefore, he spoke of Christ’s rising. But how does that promise of a kingdom imply his resurrection? Because he did not receive it before he died, and because his kingdom was to endure forever. 2 Samuel 7:13.

Verse 33.

Therefore, being exalted to Yahweh’s right hand, and having received the Holy Spirit from the Father, Jesus poured out this which you see and hear.

 Phillips. “Men and brother-Jews, I can surely speak freely to you about the patriarch David. There is no doubt that he died and was buried, and his grave is here among us to this day. But while he was alive, he was a prophet. He knew that God had given him a most solemn promise that he would place one of his descendants upon his throne. He foresaw the resurrection of Christ, and it is this of which he is speaking. Christ was not deserted in death and his body was never destroyed. ‘Christ is the man Jesus, whom God raised up—a fact of which all of us are eyewitnesses!’ He has been raised to the right hand of God; he has received from the Father and poured out upon us the promised Holy Spirit—that is what you now see and hear! David never ascended to Heaven, but he certainly said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool’.

MSG. “Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you. Our ancestor David is dead and buried—his tomb is in plain sight today. But being also a prophet and knowing that God had solemnly sworn that a descendant of his would rule his kingdom, seeing far ahead, he talked of the resurrection of the Messiah— ‘no trip to Hades, no stench of death.’ This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it. Then, raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear. For David himself did not ascend to heaven, but he did say, God said to my Master, “Sit at my right hand Until I make your enemies a stool for resting your feet.” “All Israel, then, know this: There’s no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross.”

EXP. Jesus was ·lifted to heaven and is now at exalted at God’s right ·side or hand which is a position of highest honor beside the king. The Father has given the Holy Spirit to Jesus as he promised. Accordingly, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit, and this is what you now see and hear.

Smith. Not only was Jesus’ resurrected, but He also ascended, was enthroned, and is glorified. See also Ps. 110:1, Mt. 26: 63-64, Mk. 16:19, Ro. 8:34, and Rev. 3:21. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit in J. 14: 16-18.

Wesley. Being exalted by the right hand of God — By the right hand; that is, the mighty power of God. Our Lord was exalted at his ascension to God’s right hand in heaven.

Womack. Jesus told His disciples He was going to His Father and would send the Holy Spirit in His place (John 14:16-18 and 16:7). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit proves that Jesus currently sits at God’s right hand, enthroned as King – reigning.

Horton. While the Baptism is the promise of the Father, Jesus is the One who pours Him out.

Verse 34-35.

 

For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says:

‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”

 

TPT. “David wasn’t the one who ascended into heaven, but the one who prophesied: ‘Yahweh said to my Lord, I honor you by enthroning you beside me, until I made your enemies a footstool beneath your feet.” Note. Ps. 110:1 – the most frequently quoted OT verse in the NT. There is a continuing work to defeating Christ’s enemies as His kingdom increases on earth as it is in heaven.

Wesley. Sit thou on my right hand — In this and the following verse is an allusion to two ancient customs; one, to the highest honor that used to be paid to persons by placing them on the right hand, as Solomon did Bathsheba, when sitting on his throne, 1 Kings 2:19; and the other, to the custom of conquerors, who used to tread on the necks of their vanquished enemies, as a token of their entire victory and triumph over them. Until I make thine enemies thy footstool — This text is here quoted with the greatest address, as suggesting in the words of David, their great prophetic monarch, how certain their own ruin must be, if they went on to oppose Christ. Psalms 110:1.

 

Womack. This is a quotation from Psalms 110:1, a psalm of David, which says, “The LORD said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” This psalm was also quoted in 1 Corinthians 15:25 and Hebrews 1:13.

Jesus used this scripture to confound those who questioned Him to proclaim Himself as David’s Lord (Matthew 22:43-45, Mark 12:35-37, and Luke 20:41-44). In the previous verses, Peter had given a very persuasive argument for Jesus being both Lord and Christ. Through the scriptures Peter quoted, the death and resurrection of the Messiah had been prophesied. The crucifixion of Jesus was undeniable. Most of the people present had witnessed it. Peter and the apostles were testifying to Jesus’ resurrection. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which these people witnessed, was proof that God had resurrected Jesus from the dead and that Jesus had ascended to the Father’s right hand. Jesus is Lord and Christ.

Peter confronted the people with their guilt, but not in a malicious way. Before people can receive God’s forgiveness, though, they must repent.

Verse 36.

“Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

AMP.  Therefore, let the whole house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt and acknowledge assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, the Messiah, this Jesus Whom you crucified.

TPT note. Assuredly could be “inescapably” for no one can escape the claims of Christ.

Note 2. The Greek verb “made” can also be “brought forth.” This is a clear statement of Jesus’ humanity (God brought him forth by human birth) and his deity.

Wesley. Lord — Jesus, after his exaltation, is constantly meant by this word in the New Testament, unless sometimes where it occurs, in a text quoted from the Old Testament.

 

Womack. In the previous verses, Peter argued persuasively that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. Through the scriptures Peter quoted, the Messiah’s death and resurrection had been prophesied. Jesus’ crucifixion was undeniable. Most of the people present had witnessed it. Peter and the apostles testified to Jesus’ resurrection. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which all these people witnessed, was proof that Jesus had resurrected and ascended to the Father’s right hand. The fulfillment of all these signs was beyond coincidence. Jesus had to be both Lord and Christ.

Peter put the blame on their shoulders. He confronted the people with their guilt, but not in a malicious way. Before people can receive God’s forgiveness, they must repent.

 

 

Verse 37.

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (How do we become your brothers)?

 

AMP. Now when they heard this they were stung (cut) to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren, what shall we do?

 

TPT note 1. The Greek word for “cut to the heart” indicates “the deepest sorrow and emotional agitation. It is taken from a root word that means “mortally wounded” and is found only here in the NT.

 

Smith. Does your preaching produce conviction of sin? See 2 Tim. 4: 2-4. The church needs a gospel that pierces the heart.

 

Wesley. They said to the apostles, Brethren — They did not style them so before.

 

Womack. These hearers were “pricked” in their hearts with Holy Spirit conviction. That is the way “pricks” is used in Acts 9:5 too.

These people were convicted in their hearts, not their brains. We cannot argue people into salvation. We can present the arguments, but the Holy Spirit must work in their hearts (John 6:44). People believe in their hearts (Romans 10:10).

 

Verse 38.

 

“Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

 

AMP. And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

TPT note 1. The Greek word translated “repent” means “to change the mind and direction of your life’ and “turn back to God.” Note 2. Peter was likely preaching from the steps of the Temple. Below him were dozens of mikveh (immersion pools used for ceremonial cleanings of Jewish worshippers). Peter was pointing them to the cleansing that comes through the name and authority of Jesus Christ.

 

Smith. REPENT is the first step to salvation. Repentance is more than just a mere statement of “I’m sorry.” Being sorry doesn’t necessarily lead to repentance. Only Godly sorrow produces repentance. Second, ‘be baptized.” See Mt. 28:19. Baptism always signifies inward change. Baptism indicates a change of ownership. Through baptism, we reckon our flesh as dead. The old life is buried, and we rise out of the water in newness of life in Christ Jesus.

Wesley. Repent — And hereby return to God and be baptized - Believing in the name of Jesus - And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - See the three-one God clearly proved. See Acts 26:20. The gift of the Holy Ghost does not mean in this place the power of speaking with tongues. For the promise of this was not given to all that were afar off, in distant ages and nations. But rather the constant fruits of faith, even righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Whomsoever the Lord our God shall call — Whether they are Jews or Gentiles by his word and by his Spirit: and who are not disobedient to the heavenly calling. But it is observable St. Peter did not yet understand the very words he spoke.

Womack. The people asked the apostles what to do to become their brethren. Peter did not tell them to go home and think about it for a while. He called them to immediate action.

The listeners were cut to the heart by Peter’s sermon, and they called on Peter and apostles to tell them what to do to get right with God. Peter told them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Many battles have been fought among Christians over this verse. The main point of contention is not repentance. Most will not deny that repentance is part of receiving salvation. The real argument is over water baptism.

The argument centers around water baptism and whether it is a requirement for salvation or evidence of it? Jesus commanded us to be baptized in water and we should obey, but putting our faith in water baptism as a means of salvation is an offense to Christ and what He has done for us. It’s saying that Jesus didn’t pay it all; there is also a price that we must pay to be saved. Those who preach water baptism as necessary to obtain salvation invariably also preach other actions of holiness that we must do to be saved; they have accepted the belief that faith in what Christ has done is not enough. They believe we must do certain things to be saved, and they cite this verse and water baptism as an example. If people believe that, the burden of salvation shifts from Jesus to man.

The answer to this problem is found in the little word “for.” The Greek word translated “for” in this verse is “EIS,” and it can mean because of, because of, and since or can also mean to obtain. There are two examples of different groups of people being born again before they were baptized in water; therefore, water baptism cannot be a requirement to obtain salvation. So, it must be an action that comes because of, because of, or since the remission of sins. It is an act of obedience that only a person who is already born again can perform (Acts 8:36-37). Water baptism is an outward show of an inward change. It has great benefit as an action that resists the devil and as a witness that identifies us as one with Christ, but it cannot save.

Verse 39.

For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

 

AMP. For the promise of the Holy Spirit is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, even to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself.

TPT note 1. To those who are far away is the Gentiles.

 

Womack. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not a miracle unique to them at that time; it is for all believers of all ages.

 

Verse 40.

 

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”

 

AMP. And Peter solemnly and earnestly witnessed and testified and admonished and exhorted with much more continuous speaking and warned, reproved, advised, and encouraged them, saying, be saved from this crooked, perverse, wicked, and unjust generation.

 

Smith. The Greek word for “perverse” means ‘crooked or wicked.’

Wesley. And with many other words did he testify and exhort — In such an accepted time we should add line upon line, and not leave off, till the thing is done. Save yourselves from this perverse generation — Many of whom were probably mocking still.

Womack. The NIV translates “untoward generation” as “corrupt generation.” The Greek word SKOLIOS, which was translated “untoward” in the KJV, means “warped or perverse.”

Notice that Peter told these people to save themselves. Of course, we can’t save ourselves by ourselves. It takes the power of God to transform a life. But the decision to change or not to change is ours. The Lord will keep what we commit to Him (2 Timothy 1:12) If there isn’t any committing, there won’t be any keeping.

 

Verse 41.

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day of about three thousand souls were added to them.

 

Smith. Their hearts were pierced. Then the apostles confronted them. Then there was mercy, pardon, and forgiveness. 3,000 were baptized.

 

Wesley. And there were added — To the hundred and twenty.

 

Womack. Compare this coming of the Holy Spirit with the coming of the Law. In Exodus 32:28, 3,000 people died when Moses brought the Law down from Mount Sinai. In contrast, when the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 found new life in Christ. What a difference between the ministry of the Law and the ministry of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6-10).

People have argued that 3,000 people could not have been water baptized in one day, since there were no flowing streams or pools within Jerusalem. However, there were man-made pools within the city that would have proven adequate. The pool of Siloam, immediately south of the temple, would have been adequate. It is about 60 feet long and averaged 16 feet wide. It was the pool Jesus instructed the blind man to go to and wash in (John 9:1-7).

 

The upper and the lower Gihon pools were also nearby and suitable for water baptisms. The upper Gihon pool is 316 feet long and 218 feet wide. Archaeologists have also uncovered many ritual immersions bath pools adjoining the temple complex. There were more than enough pools of water to perform 3,000 baptisms.

 

As to the time that it would take to baptize 3,000 people, that also could have been easily done. If only 1 person was baptized every minute, or 60 per hour, 12 men could have baptized 3,000 people in a little over four hours. Also, any believer can administer water baptism, so there could have been many more than twelve baptizing. It is also possible that the people baptized themselves without another’s assistance, as the converts to Judaism did in the temple’s ritual baths and as some people think John the Baptist administered water baptism.

 

Verse 42.

 

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

Smith. This verse gives us the four basic activities in the early church. The Apostles Doctrine was the study and teaching of the Word. See Acts 6:2-4. Prayer. Fellowship or Koinonia. It is translated as communion in 2 Cor. 6:14. In Ro. 15:26, it is translated ‘contribution.’ In 2 Cor. 9:16, it is translated as ‘distribution.’” “You cannot do any service for God until you have first wrought the victory through prayer.”

 

Wesley. And they continued steadfast — So their daily Church communion consisted in these four particulars: 1. Hearing the word; 2. Having all things common; 3. Receiving the Lord’s Supper; 4. Prayer. Ye diff’rent sects, who all declare, Lo here is Christ, and Christ is there; Your stronger proofs divinely give and show me where the Christians live!

 

Womack. The church went from 120 to 3,120 in one day, yet they stayed together and fellowshipped, broke bread, and prayed together. This was a mighty move of the Holy Spirit. They continued in the apostles’ doctrine. They were being taught, or discipled. But they didn’t only have doctrine; they had fellowship. Every member of the body of Christ needs the other members of that same body.

TPT note 1. “Breaking of bread’ was communion.

Verse 43.

Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

 

Smith. Pro. 8:13. “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.”

 

Womack. What were the signs and wonders? The Holy Spirit didn’t reveal them. Probably, the wonders and signs recorded in Acts (Acts 3:6-8; 4:31; 5:5-11, 15-16, 18-19; 6:8; 8:6; etc.) happened more often than was recorded.

 

Wesley. And fear came upon every soul — Of those who did not join with them: whereby persecution was prevented, till it was needful for them.

 

Verse 44.

 

Now all who believed were together and had all things in common.

 

AMP. And all who believed, who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ, were united and together they had everything in common.

 

Womack. As Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). To give of one’s own prosperity to help another is one of the greatest ways to show love (1 John 3:17). The believers still retained their homes because they met daily from house to house (Acts 2:46). It would also appear that this was not a long-term arrangement, and there is no indication in Scripture that this type of communal living was repeated in other places where large numbers were converted to Christ. In fact, just a few years later, Paul took up a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26), implying that the communal system had either failed or been abandoned. This sharing was voluntary, as can be seen by Peter’s statement in Acts 5:4.

Many attempts have been made to duplicate this type of sharing, but they have and will all fail unless there is genuine love in the people’s hearts who give. Without love, the people’s giving will profit them nothing, spiritually or physically (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Verse 45.

“And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

Wesley. And sold their possessions — Their lands and houses; and goods - Their movables. And parted them to all as anyone had need — To say the Christians did this only till the destruction of Jerusalem is not true; for many did it long after. Not that there was any positive command for so doing: it needed not; for love constrained them. It was a natural fruit of that love wherewith each member of the community loved every other as his own soul. And if the whole Christian Church had continued in this spirit, this usage must have continued through all ages. To affirm therefore that Christ did not design it should continue, is neither more nor less than to affirm, that Christ did not design this measure of love should continue. I see no proof of this.

Verse 46-47.

“So, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

TPT. Ecclesia is the church or called out ones – called out to rule on their knees.

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Acts: Chapters 1-2
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