Verse By Verse Through Acts

Chapter Two

Acts 2:1-4 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

• Pentecost [πεντηκοστή] means: “fiftieth (from Passover, that is, the festival of “pentecost”: - Pentecost” (Strong’s # 4005). The Greek term is mentioned two other times in the New Testament (Acts 20:16 and I Corinthians 16:8).
• The Law of the 50th day (Leviticus 23:15-21 and Deuteronomy 16:1-12). That Law is no longer valid today (Romans 7:1-6, Ephesians 2:11-17, and Hebrews 9:15-10:22).
• “They” are the twelve Apostles (Acts 1:26). This is a relevant distinction because of vs. 4.
• Being in “one accord” means: “unanimously: - with one accord (mind)” (Strong’s # 3661). See: Acts 1:14, Acts 2:46, Acts 4:24, Acts 5:12, Acts 7:57, Acts 8:6, Acts 12:20, Acts 15:25, Acts 18:12, Acts 19:29, and Romans 15:6.
• Suddenly a sound from heaven like a mighty wind came and filled the house. There appeared among them "cloven tongues." Cloven meaning: “To partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension): - cloven, divide, part” (Strong’s # 1266). Otherwise translated “parted” (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, etc.) or “divided” (Luke 11:17-18, Luke 12:52-53, etc.). Tongues means languages (Strong’s # 1100).
• Like as of fire (Matthew 3:11; cf. Jeremiah 23:29).
• They [the Apostles; Acts 1:2-8] were filled with the Holy Ghost (Exodus 31:1-11, Luke 4:1, Acts 1:5-8, Acts 4:8, Acts 4:31, Acts 6:3-8, Acts 7:51-60, Acts 11:22-24, and Ephesians 5:18). *Note: “Filled with” doesn’t mean a literal indwelling. For example, the same wording is in Ephesians 3:19 regarding being “filled with” the fulness of God.
• They spake with other tongues (Mark 16:15-20). *Later we will see this in a different way than tongues that needed interpreted (Acts 2:6; 2:11). Later passages will discuss circumstances where miraculous languages required interpretation for the audience present (cf. I Corinthians 12–14). Here in Acts 2, the languages were understood directly by the hearers from various nations.
• As the Spirit gave them utterance (Matthew 10:18-20; cf. I Corinthians 2:1-13, I Corinthians 14:37, II Timothy 3:15-17, and II Peter 1:20-21).
• The word translated “utterance” [ἀποφθέγγομαι] appears two other times in the New Testament (Acts 2:14) “said” and (Acts 26:25) “speak forth.” See Strong’s # 669.

• Jews from many lands were present at Jerusalem exactly when the gospel was first publicly proclaimed after Jesus had ascended into Heaven. People from far away worshipped in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27).
• “Devout” meaning: “taking well (carefully), that is, circumspect (religiously, pious): - devout” (Strong’s # 2126). Cf. Luke 2:25 and Acts 8:2
• The fact that they were devout does not necessarily mean receptive to the truth (Acts 13:50).

• “This was noised abroad” is in reference to the Apostles speaking in tongues (Acts 2:3-4).
• The multitude came together because of something to see and hear (cf. Mark 3:1-8, Luke 6:17, and Acts 5:12-16; cf. Mark 16:15-20).
• They were confounded, meaning: “(to pour) or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, that is, (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind): - confound, confuse, stir up, be in an uproar” (Strong’s # 4797). Also translated “confused” (Acts 19:32), “stirred up” (Acts 21:27), and “uproar” (Acts 21:31).
• As you proceed in the New Testament, you find that those who spake in tongues generally were speaking languages they did not understand and the hearer did not understand without an interpreter (I Corinthians 14:1-28). Both were spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:10). This is completely different. Each hearer was hearing his or her own language, distinct from the languages heard by others. When we get further in the context we will see how diverse this was (Acts 2:9-11).

• Miracles caused amazement (Matthew 12:22-23, Mark 2:1-12, Mark 5:35-42, etc.).
• This reaction continues in this context (Acts 2:12).
• They marveled at what they saw. This reaction is not new for those witnessing miracles (Matthew 9:33).
• They were Galilaeans (Acts 1:11).
• Galileans were not generally known for advanced education. In many Jewish circles, Galilee carried a somewhat unimpressive reputation (cf. John 1:46 and John 7:52). This made the ability of these men to speak the various languages represented even more remarkable.

• They heard in their “tongues” [language]. This goes back to what we read earlier in this chapter (Acts 2:4 and Acts 2:6).
• There were Jews and proselytes (Exodus 12:48-49 and Isaiah 56:3-6) from many nations present at this time. God had long ago promised to scatter the apostates of Israel (Leviticus 26:33). He did so many times.
• The various places are shown to indicate the vastness of differences in languages. Yet, they heard speech in their native tongue.
• They heard the “wonderful works of God” (cf. Psalms 111:4).

• As we’ve already read, they were amazed (Acts 2:7).
• We also find here that they were in “doubt.” The Greek word “διαπορέω” translated “doubt” is defined: “to be entirely at loss, to be in perplexity” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; Strong’s # 1280). This term is also translated “perplexed” (Luke 9:7 and Luke 24:4). This best fits the statement following the term.
• They did not know what hearing these Galilaeans speaking in the tongues from where they were born meant. This is like what Peter experienced when he had a vision (Acts 10:9-17).

• The amazement and wondering about what was going on was not the only reaction. Here, there were mockers (cf. Mark 15:31).
• There will be mockers going forward too (Jude 1:17-18).
• A charge is made. This is a common tactic used by those seeking to discredit a speaker (cf. Mark 3:22, Luke 7:33, and Acts 26:24).

• Notice: “Peter, standing up with the eleven…” (Acts 2:37).
• Yes, “lifted up his voice” focuses on Peter. Yes, Peter is the one mostly being quoted (Acts 2:38-41). But, they were all engaged in teaching. Just don’t miss that. Much of what occurred is not recorded for us (cf. Acts 2:40). We should know that Scriptural accounts do not give us every detail (cf. John 21:24-25).
• He lifted up his voice (Isaiah 58:1).
• Hearken (cf. Isaiah 49:1).
• The appeal to reason is that it was too early in the day to assume these men were drunk. The third hour was just beyond early in the morning (Matthew 20:1-4).
• Typically, those who drink alcohol do so later in the night (I Thessalonians 5:7).

• The quote is from Joel (Joel 2:28-32). Peter identifies the events of Pentecost as the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.
• The last days have been since this point in time (Hebrews 1:1-2 and I John 2:18).
• Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:12-13; cf. Mark 16:15-20).
• Wonders occurring (Acts 2:43).

• “Men of Israel” establishes who is being addressed (cf. Deuteronomy 27:14-15, I Samuel 8:22, Acts 3:12, Acts 5:35, and Acts 13:16).
• The Gospel was to be preached to the Jews first (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8, and Romans 1:16).
• Jesus of Nazareth (Mark 1:9, John 19:19, Acts 4:10-12, and Acts 22:8).
• The evidence in miracles, wonders, and signs (Matthew 12:22-32, Luke 7:18-23, John 3:1-2, John 5:36, John 11:47, John 20:30-31, and Acts 10:37-39).
• There were false Christs who claimed divine authority and displayed signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24). The second beast [the false prophet] of Revelation performed miracles (Revelation 13:11-18).
• Jesus was different from the false Christs to those who looked closely (Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:1-5, John 3:34-36, John 6:63, John 7:16-18, John 7:40-52, John 12:28-35, etc.). As Jesus taught, look at the fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).
• As the context continues, we will see that the evidence was more than the miracles, wonders, and signs. The Law, Psalms, and prophets served as evidence too (Luke 24:44).

• The events concerning Jesus’ death were determined [declared] beforehand by the Father (Isaiah 46:9-10, Luke 22:22, and Acts 3:18).
• These things were known of God before man was even created (I Peter 1:18-20). The death of Jesus was not accidental, but according to the deliberate plan and foreknowledge of God.
• To understand the word “determined” [same Greek word “ὁρίζω”; Strong’s # 3724], just take a look at Acts 11:27-30 which shows the idea of a plan and not a forced conclusion. At the same time, when God had a plan, He knew it was certain to happen (Acts 4:27-28 and Acts 15:12-19).
• The Jews were responsible for killing Jesus (Matthew 27:15-23, Acts 3:13-15, Acts 5:30, and Acts 7:44-53) and they accepted that blood on their hands at the time they sought out His death (Matthew 27:24-26).
• These were “wicked hands,” for they put to death the innocent, something clearly condemned by God (Deuteronomy 19:10 and Proverbs 6:16-19).

• God, the Father, raised up Jesus (Acts 2:32, Acts 3:26, Acts 10:40, Acts 13:29-30, Romans 6:4, Galatians 1:1, Colossians 2:12, and I Peter 1:21). He did so by the Spirit (I Peter 3:18).
• This is an essential point of our faith, even the cornerstone (Acts 17:1-3, Romans 10:9-10, and I Corinthians 15:1-22).
• If you read the references in I Corinthians 15, you will see that if Christ is not risen, then our faith is vain (I Corinthians 15:13-14).
• If death won, Satan would be the victor (Hebrews 2:14).
• It was not possible for Jesus NOT to be risen because it was the Father’s will for Him to be risen (cf. Psalms 33:11, Isaiah 46:9-11, and Acts 5:39).
• Furthermore, death does not have the authority to hold Jesus. He has the keys of Hades and death (Revelation 1:18). Hades could not prevent Jesus from accomplishing His goals (Matthew 16:18).
• The following verses show the prophecies that Jesus would not be held in Hades.

• Cf. Psalms 16:8-11. 
• The context will offer further explanation.
• “Hell” in verse twenty-seven is “ᾅδης” [hades] (Strong’s # 86). See: Luke 16:19-31
• Specifically, Jesus was in Paradise (Luke 23:39-43).
• He was not just relaxing for three days in Hades (I Peter 3:18-4:6).

• “Men and brethren” is in reference to Israel in the flesh (Acts 2:22; cf. Acts 13:26 and Romans 9:1-4).
• Speaking “freely” carries the idea of speaking “openly” (John 18:20), “boldly” (John 7:26), “plainly” (John 11:14), and/or with “confidence” (Hebrews 10:35). See Strong’s # 3954.
• David is called a “patriarch” in the same fashion in which the sons of Jacob are called “patriarchs” (Acts 7:8-9), and Abraham is also called a “patriarch” (Hebrews 7:4).
• The point of reminding the audience that David is dead is to establish that the words about to be cited could not have been referring to David himself. Rather, David was speaking prophetically of Jesus before He ever came in the flesh (Acts 2:30ff.).

• David was an inspired prophet (II Samuel 23:1-2, Matthew 22:41-45, Mark 12:36, and Acts 1:16).
• The promise of the eternal throne (II Samuel 7:1-16, Psalms 89:3-4, Psalms 89:19-37, and Psalms 132:11-18).
• Jesus is made of the seed of David (Jeremiah 23:5-6, Jeremiah 33:15, Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:31-32, Acts 13:22-23, Romans 1:3, and II Timothy 2:8).
• The expression “raise up Christ” in this context refers to God bringing forth the promised descendant of David rather than to the resurrection, which Peter addresses in the following verses. Jesus was brought forth to the throne of David (Isaiah 9:1-7).

• Cf. Acts 2:25-28 and Psalms 16:8-11. 
• We should not think David fully understood this. David spoke by inspiration concerning matters whose full meaning would not be revealed until Christ came (I Peter 1:3-12; cf. Romans 16:25-27).
• Remember, under the Old Law the promises were carnal (Isaiah 1:19-20). They did not have the same promises we do under Christ (Hebrews 11:39-40).

• The Apostles are doing here what they were supposed to be doing. They are acting as witnesses (Luke 24:46-48 and Acts 1:8; 1:22).
• They will continue to do so going forward (Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, Acts 5:31-32, I Corinthians 15:1-8, etc.).
• It’s not just a story passed down to them and then from them (II Peter 1:16-21).

• Jesus has risen and has been exalted to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19, Ephesians 1:19-23, and I Peter 3:18-22).
• Jesus received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit so that He could pour Him out upon the apostles (John 14:15-26, John 15:26-27, John 16:1-13, and Acts 1:4-5; cf. Luke 24:49).
• “He hath shed forth this” explains what the audience was seeing and hearing (Acts 2:3-4; 2:7-16) and how that relates to the promise of the Holy Ghost.
• Remember how this “sermon” [so to speak] began (Acts 2:7-18).

• When David was alive on this earth, in the flesh, he said this (Psalms 110:1).
• Jesus referred to this (Matthew 22:42-45 and Luke 20:42-43).
• He was moved by the Holy Ghost to write that (Mark 12:36).
• Christ presently reigns at the Father's right hand until all His enemies have been placed under His feet, with death being the final enemy destroyed at His return (I Corinthians 15:24-26).

• Peter has moved from proving Jesus is the Christ (Acts 2:22-35) to calling Israel to acknowledge the conclusion. "Therefore" marks the logical conclusion of everything he has taught.
• The phrase “house of Israel” had been used many times and for many generations to describe the Jews (Exodus 16:31, Exodus 40:38, Leviticus 10:6, Leviticus 17:3, etc.).
• Jesus used the phrase (Matthew 10:6 and Matthew 15:24).
• There may be some significance to the word "all" in this phrase. After the division of the kingdom, a distinction was often made between Judah and Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
• There also may not be any significance to the usage of “all” because the same thing was said of old before the division of Israel and Judah (I Samuel 7:3 and II Samuel 6:5).
• Immediately, the emphasis is that the message applies to all the Jews present. They were from various places (Acts 2:8-11).
• Though Jesus was killed, He is Lord [supreme in authority] and Christ [anointed] (Acts 4:10-12, Acts 5:30-31, Acts 10:36-42, and I Peter 3:18-22).

• They were pricked in their hearts. Look at the word translated “pricked.” κατανύσσω means: “to pierce thoroughly, that is, (figuratively) to agitate violently (“sting to the quick”): - prick” (Strong’s # 2660).
• The word of God works on the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
• The result of hearing the word of God is not always the desire to respond in obedience (Acts 5:33 and Acts 7:51-54).
• The response was to question what they had to do (cf. Luke 3:7-10, Acts 16:29-30, and Acts 22:10).

• Repent (Ezekiel 14:6, Ezekiel 18:30, Matthew 3:1-8, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 21:28-32, Luke 5:32, Luke 13:1-5, Acts 3:19, Acts 17:30, Acts 26:18-20, II Timothy 2:24-26, and II Peter 3:9-14).
• Be baptized (Mark 16:15-20, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:26-40, Acts 9:1-20, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 16:13-34, Acts 18:1-8, Romans 6:1-6, Galatians 3:24-29, Colossians 2:12, Titus 3:3-7, and I Peter 3:20-21).
• Baptism was by the authority of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
• For the remission of sins (Luke 24:47 and Acts 26:18-20).
• Remission [forgiveness] of sins through the blood of Christ (Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:12-14, and Hebrews 10:1-18).
• Remission of sins was not possible before Christ (Acts 13:38-39). Forgiveness always depended upon Christ's future sacrifice (cf. Hebrews 9:15-17). People under the Old Testament were forgiven on the basis of what Christ would accomplish.
• The connection between baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost pertains to what happened after water baptism. That is, an Apostle laid hands on a person and the Spirit then imparted a gift as we see clarified later in this letter (Acts 8:12-24 and Acts 19:1-7; cf. I Corinthians 12:1-13).

• The remission of sins was a promise (Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Acts 3:25-26).
• The gift of the Holy Ghost was a promise (Joel 2:28-32; cf. Acts 2:17-18 and John 7:37-39).
• "You" refers to those present (Acts 2:5).
• "Your children" refers to their descendants, the next generations of Israel (Acts 10:36).
• Those "afar off" are, Scripturally, the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-17; cf. Acts 22:17-21). The Jews were those who were "nigh" to God (Deuteronomy 4:7 and Psalms 148:14).
• "As many as the Lord our God shall call" (Romans 9:22-24 and Romans 10:12-17), calling them through the Gospel (II Thessalonians 2:14).
• While the promise of forgiveness extends to all whom God calls through the Gospel, the miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit were temporary and belonged to the apostolic age (I Corinthians 13:1-13).

• “With many other words” is a great reminder that we do not have all the words or accounts of everything said or done in the Scriptures (I Kings 11:41, I Chronicles 29:29, Luke 1:1-4, John 20:30-31, John 21:24-25, Acts 15:32, and Colossians 4:16).
• There is no doubt that these individuals would have been taught to count the cost (Luke 14:25-33), confess Jesus (Acts 8:37), and “many” other words.
• The Lord did His part in providing the path to salvation (Galatians 1:3-4). "Save yourselves" shows that man also has responsibilities in salvation (Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 2:12, I Timothy 4:13-16, James 4:6-10, etc.).
• They lived in a perverse generation (Matthew 12:38-45, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 8:38, Philippians 2:15, and I John 5:19).

• Gladly receiving the Gospel (Psalms 119:162, Jeremiah 15:16, Acts 8:6-14, Acts 17:10-11, and I Thessalonians 1:4-7; 2:13). 
• A word of caution regarding those who gladly receive the word (Luke 8:13).
• In contrast, there are those who reject the word of the Lord (Zechariah 7:8-14, Mark 7:9, Luke 7:24–35, and Acts 18:5-6).
• Baptism (see notes on Acts 2:38).
• Added unto them (Acts 2:47, Acts 6:7, and I Corinthians 12:12-13).

• Continuing stedfastly (Acts 14:22, I Corinthians 15:58, and Colossians 1:23).
• In the apostles' doctrine—which is the doctrine of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, John 16:1-13, I Corinthians 2:1-16, I Corinthians 14:37, Galatians 1:6-12, I Thessalonians 4:1-2, II Peter 3:1-2, and Jude 1:17).
• “Breaking of bread” can refer to the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 10:16, and I Corinthians 11:23-33).
• However, later in this context, “breaking bread from house to house” is mentioned (Acts 2:46).
• While the kingdom is not about meat and drink (Romans 14:17), the saints living together and providing for one another (Acts 2:44-46) included sharing meals (Acts 16:33-34).
• Fellowship [κοινωνία] is about the spiritual relationship of the saints (I John 1:1-7).
• The saints prayed together as they had been doing prior to the conversion of those just added to the body (Acts 1:14).
• The points here are simple. The saints were together. The context continues to bear that out!

• The kind of fear that happened at this time is like what happened at other times when miraculous wonders occurred (Mark 4:35-41 and Acts 5:1-11) or angels appeared (Luke 1:5-12 and Luke 2:8-9).
• The Apostles worked wonders and signs as they were supposed to (Mark 16:15-20).
• This confirmed the word (Hebrews 2:1-4).

• Because of the context, we know who is referenced in regard to “all that believed” (Acts 2:41; cf. Acts 5:14). We should note that faith does not automatically mean someone will obey (John 12:42 and James 2:19).
• Believing also does not assure continued faithfulness (Luke 8:13).
• Brethren were together (Acts 2:42; cf. Ephesians 4:16 and I Thessalonians 5:11-14).
• They shared their possessions (Acts 4:32).
• The saints helped one another meet their needs (Romans 12:13, I Timothy 6:17-19, and I John 3:14-18).

• We see the daily working of the saints together continue through chapter five (Acts 5:42).
• Breaking bread occurred from house to house. We can know this refers to common meals rather than the Lord's Supper because the Lord's Supper was observed when the whole church came together in one place. Common meals were to be eaten outside the assembly (I Corinthians 11:20-34).
• Later, we read that they were at “Solomon’s porch” in the temple grounds (Acts 5:12).
• There was joy and singleness of heart in what they were doing. This shows spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

• The saints were praising God (Hebrews 13:15-16).
• The word translated “favour” means: “graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy)” (Strong’s # 5485).
• From that, we see our brethren in the infancy of the church were lights in the local community (Philippians 2:14-16).
• The Lord added to the church. He knows who belongs to Him (II Timothy 2:19).
• Conversions were taking place daily. The number will go from three thousand to five thousand in a seemingly short period of time (Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4). The number of the disciples multiplied (Acts 6:7).
• The final realization of salvation is yet future (I Peter 1:3-9).
• From this point forward, those in the body of Christ are those whom He will save (Ephesians 5:23).