Day 117 - Acts 2

From: Chapter-A-Day: Volume 1 By: Norman W. Berry

• 2 min. read • grade level: 8

V.1-13 The word “Pentecost” means “fiftieth”, It was on the fiftieth day after the death of the Lord, that the Holy Spirit came down to earth. Seven weeks (7 Sabbaths, Saturdays) plus one day, bringing it to Sunday, the Lord’s day. This is Christianity’s day — the first day of the week. Christ is the end of the law (Gal. 2:16-21¹⁶Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ¹⁷But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. ¹⁸For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. ¹⁹For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. ²⁰I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. ²¹I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2:16‑21)). By the coming to earth of the Holy Spirit (Who is a distinct Person), a very great change takes place. No longer is the Tabernacle or the Temple to be where God dwells. The Holy Spirit lives now in the body of every believer (1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16). Also 2 Cor. 5:17 everything has changed.

V.3 “Cloven” means parted, implying the many languages spoken. Speaking in tongues means the sober, clear talking in another language which those who heard that tongue could understand. These were uneducated fishermen from Galilee. They demonstrated the power of God. Hebrews 2:3-4³How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; ⁴God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:3‑4) clearly tell us that these signs and wonders were at the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel of the grace of God. “Of fire” would tell us the punishment ahead which the rejecters of Christ shall receive (John 16:7-11⁷Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. ⁸And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹Of sin, because they believe not on me; ¹⁰Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; ¹¹Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16:7‑11)).

V.5-13 Many people of different races and languages (tongues) who were at Jerusalem heard the Apostles miraculously speak in these foreign languages the “wonderful works of God.” The gospel could thus reach out quickly to many languages and nations. The Church of God on earth was formed this day. It is the church’s birthday (1 Cor. 12:12-13). All believers in Christ were formed into “one body.” God desires we would show that oneness today.

V.14-40 Peter preaches that Jesus of Nazareth was now both Lord and Christ (v. 36). He boldly confronts a great crowd, 3,000 at least (v. 41), and simply spoke the facts; Christ’s death and resurrection and ascension to glory, constantly using the Old Testament Scriptures.

V.41-47 What a change took place in the life of these 3,000 souls. Notice 17 things about these believers. Can you find them all? These are the joys and privileges you may have today.

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