Dig In:
Passage: Acts 2
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-4 - The Holy Spirit comes, as had been promised by Jesus before He ascended in yesterday's chapter. There is no missing the Spirit's arrival: the tongues of fire can be seen, the wind heard, and suddenly the apostles can speak in all of the diverse languages present in Jerusalem at that time.
v5-13 - The commotion of Pentecost is noticed by people from all over the known world who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Pentecost (See the Old Testament references below). They're stunned when they hear their own languages being spoken by uneducated backcountry Jewish men. Some react to this with wonder, others with skepticism.
v14-41 - Peter preaches one of the most amazing sermons of all time. It's filled with Old Testament passages, showing how they all point to Jesus. Peter's sermon has several key points: - The apostle's aren't drunk, rather it's a fulfillment of God's promise to pour out His Spirit (v17-21 / Joel 2:28-32) - Sending Jesus to suffer and die was part of "God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge (v23) - Although "you crucified" Jesus (v36) God raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to God's right hand (v32-33) - Therefore, "Repent and be baptized... for the forgiveness of your sins." (v38)
v42-46 - This chapter finishes with a beautiful description of how the simplicity in which Church should function: - It was devoted to the apostles' teaching (which we read in God's Word) - It participated in the sacraments (the breaking of bread and baptism) - It practiced and lived in solid Christian discipline
Old Testament References - Add even more value to your daily Bible reading by reading a related passage from the Old Testament
Deuteronomy 16:9-11
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize.
Out of all the amazing things this chapter describes, what stands out to you the most?
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our sovereign Father, whose deliberate plan and foreknowledge controls all things (v23)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will continue to "cut you to the heart" so that you might be saved "from this corrupt generation." (v37, 40)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
Watch the week 2 video - The REAL God sermon series
