Acts 1-2

(taught on June 1, 2008)

(Acts 1:1) The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

· This book describes the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, the early church, i.e. life without Jesus. What a hole in history and our understanding of Christ would be if we did not have this book!

· As water reflects the face, as an image of the object, the acts of the apostles reflect the acts of Jesus. Jesus did His works by the Holy Spirit (verse 2), which is how we are enabled to do the works of God.

· The gospel of Luke ("the former account") was also addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:3). Even though it was addressed to a particular individual, it was written as though to every person as an individual, so you may consider this book written to you.

· Luke, when writing Luke and Acts, was describing what he saw firsthand. Think of all the amazing things Jesus taught and did - how difficult it must have been to scale that volume down to what was written. John acknowledged this (John 21:24-25).

· Luke, although he produced the great work of his gospel, did not consider his work for Christ complete, but continued with this book. We should never consider our work for God complete - we should never retire from the work God asks us to do. (E.g. Miss Nell.)

· Luke refers to Jesus as both one who taught with words and actions, for both were a constant sermon. Our life must be the same - we are to show who Jesus is by our life, and we are to tell about Jesus with our mouth. For so He commanded (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8).

(Acts 1:2) 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,

· Luke's and Mark's gospels conclude with Jesus' ascension (Luke 24:51, Mark 16:19). His ascension did not end Jesus work, it just transformed His form as He performs it.

· After Jesus' resurrection, He needed to solidify the foundation of the disciples, so when He left they were ready for their work. He knew leaving after a few days would not have given them what they needed, so He stayed forty days (verse 3). During this time He gave them their commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and commandments, His final words of what they needed to do. The last words on earth are always deemed some of the most significant in a person's life - and so, with Jesus. This is what He most wanted to say. We don't have much recorded during that time. But, of what is recorded, we see the theme - "be My witnesses to the people!"

· These are the apostles whom He chose 3 years ago, for this purpose, knowing at the time who they could and would become. What has He chosen you for? He knows what you could become, but will you?

(Acts 1:3) 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.

· Here we have Apologetics, even in that day, for people always demand the evidence. Jesus made sure there was sufficient evidence. There were multiple instances, over forty days. He showed them it was He, alive, by eating, by the scars. Also, people could see it was Him, by the words He spoke - they were the things of God.

· Also, by repeatedly reappearing to them, this filled their need for the evidence - they became satiated with the evidence, so there was no question to them. This shows how well Jesus understood them, and also shows how well He understands us. We may be frustrated with our human-ness, i.e. our failings, weaknesses, doubts, etc., but He is showing that He understands that, and works with us in our human-ness.

(Acts 1:4) And being assembled together 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;

(Acts 1:5) "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

· Pentecost is the fiftieth day of Passover. It had been about 42 days since the Passover. Pentecost is when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit (vs 2:1).

· Those days (about 8) between the ascension and Pentecost must have felt strange. Jesus was gone, they had been given their charter from Him, yet they were to wait, not to act yet. What were they waiting for? How long were they to wait? Jesus told them not many days, but He also implied His return would be imminent, too. What were they thinking or doing in those few days?

· They had already received the Holy Spirit - see notes on John 20:22. At this Pentecost they are filled with the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 1:6) Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"

· This may have been prompted by Jesus speaking about things pertaining to the kingdom of God (verse 3).

· It is still mind-boggling, or should I say unnerving, that they still did not understand the kingdom of God. Jesus told them many times the kingdom (of God) was already in their midst, "at hand" (Matt 3:2, 4:17, 10:7, Mark 1:15, Luke 10:9,11). Maybe they saw that as it being imminent. The scary part is Jesus was relying on these folks to tell others about His kingdom, yet they seemed so far from understanding it. But by Pentecost they solidly understood it, as is evidenced by Peter's sermon (see Acts 2, particularly Acts 2:34-36). This may have been revealed through the Holy Spirit to them.

· By asking this question, they were showing an attitude that the church could not be glorious without the external pomp. How dangerous to think that the power of the church is revealed in its relationship to government, riches, etc. It is solely based on its relationship with Jesus.

· This also shows how difficult it is to overcome what we have incorrectly been taught over the years. From infancy they were taught that the Messiah would redeem Israel. That is why it is so critical to teach youth the truth of the gospel, and to keep lies away from them. What lies are they hearing from the world that can negatively affect who they are? What lies have we heard that we have troubled ridding from ourselves?

· This also shows how easy it may be to misinterpret Scripture. May we work to hold a most accurate view of God's reality, but may we never be so arrogant as to think all our views of Scripture (especially fringe issues, like whether instruments are allowed in worship, or when and how ladies are allowed to lead worship) are in perfect harmony with truth. Yet, may we trust that on the fundamental truths, ones that Scripture does teach plainly and repetitively, we can be confident that we do understand it as God intended (like the need for Jesus to have a relationship with God). We are to caveat our requests with not by our will, but by God's, for their will and understanding of God's reality in this case was misguided.

(Acts 1:7) And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

· Scripture says it is not for us to know, and we cannot know, the times. People try so much to predict the times, but God says we cannot know and we are not to know!

· Matt 24:27, 36 "For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.", ""But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."

· Mark 13:26,32,33 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.", "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.", "Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is."

· 1 Thess 5:1,2 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.", "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night."

· 1 Tim 6:14,15 "that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing,", "which He will manifest in His own time, ..."

· Acts 17:26 - He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times ...

· Deut 29:29 - The secret things belong to the LORD our God...

(Acts 1:8) "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."

· Note that they received the Holy Spirit in the upper room, from Jesus (John 20:22). At Pentecost they received a special filling of the Spirit (Acts 2:4).

· The Spirit gave them the power to proclaim the gospel without fear, for, as far as we know, none of the apostles ever denied Jesus again, but conversely boldly proclaimed Him everywhere they went. The Spirit can give us this same courage.

· Reasons why we don't share the gospel:

1. Faulty theology (not understanding Christ's commands nor His help)

2. Excuse sharing as a gift of the Spirit you don't have. Sharing is a service. Here the Spirit is promised to all for sharing the gospel.

3. Fear or shyness.

4. Don't want to be alienated or ostracized.

5. Don't know what to say; don't know the Bible or the gospel.

6. Sin in our lives - "how can I witness to others when ...?" Sin paralyses.

· See also 2 Cor 5:20, 2 Cor 5:14, Rom 1:16.

· You haven't witnessed by showing them you are a Christian - you have to show them how they can become a Christian.

· You don't have to know Scripture to share - you can just share what Christ has done for you.

· Be creative - have a New Testament ready with verses highlighted.

· Jerusalem is the city, Judea the southern region (Jewish), and Samaria the northern region (foreigners looked at with disdain). They were to be witnesses there, and way beyond, to the ends of the earth. And not just to friends, but also to those you normally would not talk to.

(Acts 1:9) Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

· These were Jesus very last words. If nothing else, this is what He would have them to remember. Here He said not to worry about the time of His return (make note of that! and don't try to predict it!), that they would soon have the power (from the Holy Spirit) to do His work, and that they are to tell others about Him throughout the earth. There were certainly other things He could have said about Himself, but that work was completed, and now they had work to do, to propagate the knowledge and faith of Him. (Part of His last words are mentioned in Matt 28:18-20, but they reiterate what He says here.)

· This took place on the Mount of Olives (see verse 12), less than a mile east of Jerusalem.

· The Mount of Olives (also Mount Olivet - see vs 12), sometimes Jebel et-Tur, "Mount of the Summit," or Jebel ez-Zeitun, "Mount of Olives") is a mountain ridge less than a mile east of Jerusalem. It is named from the olive trees with which its sides are clothed. At the foot of the mountain is the Gardens of Gethsemane where Jesus stayed in Jerusalem.

· In the Book of Zechariah (Zech 14:4) the Mount of Olives is identified as the place from which God will begin to redeem the dead at the end of days. For this reason, Jews have always sought to be buried on the mountain, and from Biblical times to the present day the mountain has been used as a cemetery for the Jews of Jerusalem. There are an estimated 150,000 graves on the Mount, including the tomb of Zechariah (who prophesized there).

· Major damage was suffered when the Mount was occupied by Jordan during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, with Jordanians using the gravestones from the cemetery for construction of roads and toilets, including gravestones from millennia-old graves. When Israel took back the area, the Israelis painstakingly repatriated as many of the surviving gravestones as possible.

· The Mount of Olives is also mentioned in connection with David's flight from Jerusalem through the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:30). It is, however, frequently alluded to (1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 23:13; Nehemiah 8:15; Ezekiel 11:23).

· It is frequently mentioned in the New Testament (Matthew 21:1;26:30, etc.). The road from Jerusalem to Bethany runs over the mount as it did in Biblical times. It was on this mount that Jesus stood when he wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41).

· Jesus is said to have spent a good deal of time on the mount, teaching and prophesying to his disciples (Matthew 24-25), returning after each day to rest (Luke 21:37), and also coming there on the night of his betrayal (Matthew 26:39). This mount, or rather mountain range, has four summits or peaks: (1) the "Galilee" peak, so called from a tradition that the angels stood here when they spoke to the disciples (Acts 1:11); (2) the "Mount of Ascension," the supposed site of that event, which was, however, somewhere probably nearer Bethany (Luke 24:51, 52); (3) the "Prophets," from the catacombs on its side, called "the prophets' tombs;" and (4) the "Mount of Corruption," so called because of the "high places" erected there by Solomon for the idolatrous worship of his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 23:13).

· The Mount of Olives is also the site of the prophecy of Zechariah (Zechariah 14:4) and Ezekiel's theophany (Ezekiel 11).

(Acts 1:10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,

· They must have stood staring for quite some time. They probably weren't sure what to make of this event, and that Jesus was finally gone.

· Some may have expected Him to return right away, as He did after His death.

(Acts 1:11) 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."

· Jesus was taken back up into heaven, leaving behind His human clothes, and taking on His heavenly clothes. How the angels and heavenly host must have been looking forward to Jesus rejoining them in heaven, how they must have delighted at His return!

(Acts 1:12) Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey.

· The law limited travel on the Sabbath to 2,000 cubits, about 2/3 mile. This was about the distance to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, where Jesus ascended. See notes on verse 9.

· It would be appropriate for the light of Christ to first go forth from Jerusalem, the holy city of Zion.

· They were being asked to go back to Jerusalem (the gospel was to come forth from Jerusalem - Isaiah 2:3), which they did by faith, despite it being the most dangerous place they could be. And, this is when they first became bold and public for the spread of the gospel. Pentecost was certainly not an event out of the public eye, since there were thousands there (Acts 2:41).

(Acts 1:13) 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.

· The returned to the upper room. They had acquired this room by a simple request almost 2 months ago, saying that the master has need of it (Luke 22:8-13).

· Here we see the remaining 11 apostles listed. In the list of apostles in Matthew 10:2-4, "Simon the Zealot" is named "Simon the Canaanite", and "Judas the son of James". is named "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus". See the notes on Mark 3:14 regarding the apostles.

(Acts 1:14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

· This is the last time Jesus' mother is mentioned in the New Testament, and the first time His brothers are associated with the disciples. One of them - James - has seen the risen Christ (1 Cor 15:7).

(Acts 1:15) 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,

· After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to over 500 disciples (1 Cor 15:6). But, after His ascension, there were only 120 still gathered. Where were the others?

· Note that many people received great evidences of who Jesus was, and yet still did not follow Him. In fact, we see that most who saw Him after His resurrection were no longer following with them (although, some of them may still have believed). Realize that even if we present great evidences, many will still not believe.

(Acts 1:16) "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;

· Judas fulfilled prophesy. Peter refers to it, but it is mentioned in verse 20.

· See notes on Matthew 1:22 regarding the prophesies that were fulfilled with Jesus.

· Peter is probably now filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking that which the Spirit is revealing to him.

· There must have been quite a bit of rumors and discussion related to Judas, that Peter needed to address.

(Acts 1:17) "for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry."

(Acts 1:18) (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.

· The field was actually purchased by the Jews after Judas threw the money back at them - Matthew 27:5-8. So, in effect, the field was purchased with the money obtained as a result of his iniquity, and therefore you could say he purchased it with his sin.

· Matthew 27:5 says that Judas died by hanging himself. But Acts 1:18 states that falling[1] headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. Well, what was the mode of death? Hanging, or falling headlong?

· Acts 1:18 describes not Judas hanging, but the after-effects of it. Judas corpse swelled up with gases, and as a result his guts spilled out upon the ground below.

· The Greek phrase prhnhs[2] genomenos is translated "falling headlong". It isn't a phrase that one would typically use to describe a man falling down. Genomenos[3]" is just the ordinary Greek word for becoming[4]; the interesting term is prhnhs[5] (or pre-nes[6]). Employed as medical jargon, it is capable of meaning swelled[7] up. The Greek term prhnhs[8] is so much more fitting to describe a swollen corpse than a swollen living person that it seems likely that Luke's initial readers (already familiar, like Theophilus, with some of the background about Jesus and the early church) understood that Luke was describing Judas corpse. And since Luke was a physician, he may have been more descriptive of Judas condition rather than method.

· It would have been better for Judas had he not been born (Matt 26:24). This was Judas fate. Anyone who rejects Christ will be in relatively the same position, for they will also be tormented on earth nor in the afterlife (Luke 16:24, Matt 24:50-51).

(Acts 1:19) 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.)

(Acts 1:20) "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.'

· This refers to Job 18:14-15, Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8.

· Note that it was not the position of apostle that was egregious, but the method by which Judas carried it out. Judas did not have an heir (his dwelling place would be desolate), but he was to have a successor - Matthias.

(Acts 1:21) "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

(Acts 1:22) "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."

· Those chosen were probably part of the seventy that Jesus sent out in His name (Luke 10:1, 17). And, they were probably with those in the upper room when Jesus revealed Himself after the resurrection (Luke 24:33). They at least were part of the 500 who saw Him resurrected (1 Cor 15:6), and part of the 120 that remained (vs 15).

· Wow. These people had followed Jesus all 3 years of His ministry, along with the apostles.

· Note the apostles were not so arrogant about their high positions that they wanted to keep it just to themselves. This seems a change of pace from when they were arguing over who was the greatest (Luke 9:46).

(Acts 1:23) And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

· Joseph had three names - Joseph, Barsabas ("a son of the oath"), and Justus. These two had faithfully followed, and not only that had the character and respect deserving of the office. Judas, in the office, had neither, and here are those outside the office and Jesus circle of apostles who either one could have served well in that office. It appears they both sat humbly when the apostles were choosing who would will the office, and also when the selection was announced.

(Acts 1:24) And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen

· They let God select, for God knows the hearts. It appears the apostles did not realize Judas evil character, even though he had walked with them those three years (Matt 26:21-22). So, they weren't trusting their own judgment.

(Acts 1:25) "to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place."

(Acts 1:26) And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

· God sometimes uses the lot to show His decisions - Prov 16:33.

· Later Paul also became an apostle (1 Cor 15:9, 2 Cor 11:5, 12:11), after James was martyred (Acts 12:1-2), for Saul was his name until Acts 13:9. Also, it appears James, Jesus' brother, became an apostle (Gal 1:19) - note James is also listed with the apostles in 1 Cor 15:7.

(Acts 2:1) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

· The Jewish holiday SHAVUOT, is the Feast of Weeks, or First Fruits, or Pentecost. Pentecost is a New Testament word, and in Greek means fiftieth. It marks the giving of the Law (10 Commandments, or Torah) at Mt. Sinai, and also celebrates the first-fruits of the spring grain harvest. See Numbers 28:26, Exodus 23:16, 34:22, Lev 23:15-21, Num 28:16-31, Deut 16:9-12.

· In the year 2006, PESACH, or Passover, was Thurs-Fri, April 13-14. SHAVUOT, or Pentecost, was Fri-Sat, June 2-3. (They are always 50 days apart - see Lev 23:15-16.)

· Jesus appeared for 40 days (Acts 1:3) after his resurrection, before he was taken up to heaven (Acts 1:9). Therefore, this is about 8 days after his ascension.

· What has happened in those 8 days? Mostly prayer (Acts 1:14). They had also selected another twelfth apostle - Matthias. There does not appear to be any preaching yet. They have been incognito. But that changes here.

· "They" here refers to the 12 apostles - see verses 14 and 37.

(Acts 2:2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

· Note that they, at this point, were in a house. They were indoors.

· The sounds came suddenly, not gradually, as if the Spirit burst into the room. It was a sound characteristic of the Spirit -- like wind (John 3:8).

· The sound didn't come from one direction - it filled the room, was all around them. It must have been a tremendous sound, because it could be heard all around Jerusalem - thousands heard it and came to see what produced the sound (verse 6).

(Acts 2:3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

· "Divided" is also translated "cloven", or split. A split tongue sat upon each of the disciples there, which was the 12 (see vss 14, 37), not the 120 (Acts 1:15). What appeared was fire in the shape of a split tongue.

· God had also appeared before Israel as a pillar of fire, to guide the exodus of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 13:21).

· It's difficult to determine how long the appearance of the tongues of fire stayed, but surely there were many who saw that, a physical confirmation of what was taking place.

(Acts 2:4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

· In John 20:22, the apostles received the Holy Spirit. Here they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Pentecost was a filling of the Holy Spirit, rather than a receiving of the Spirit. The receiving took place on the day of Jesus' resurrection.

· This filling was foretold by Jesus in Acts 1:5,8, just a few days before.

· Now, on the day of Pentecost, "they were all filled with the Holy Spirit". 3 times (vss 17, 18, 33), in Peter's sermon that day, he quotes God where He said "I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy." (Acts 2:17).

· Here we see that Peter was filled with the Spirit (Acts 4:8). Peter and John also were later (Acts 4:31). Paul was (Acts 13:9). Paul and Barnabas were (Acts 13:52). Christians are encouraged to be "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Eph 5:18).

· This was not a single language, since they spoke with other "tongues" (plural). They could not do this on their own initiative, but only when led by the Spirit.

(Acts 2:5) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

· The Jews in Jerusalem at that time were not just those from Jerusalem, but from every nation on the earth. See the list in verses 9-11. Most were there for the Shavuot Jewish holiday.

· From this disparate group, 3000 souls were added to the kingdom (2:41). That means these new Christians would be taking the message back to every part of the populated world, thereby spreading the gospel. God chose this time to enable the quicker spread of His gospel. Isaiah prophesied that the word would go forth from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3).

(Acts 2:6) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

· I wonder how long the sound of the wind could be heard? It must have been for a period of time, to allow those throughout Jerusalem to hear it and find its source.

(Acts 2:7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

(Acts 2:8) "And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

· The apostles may have been repeating the same message over and over in many different languages, or each person miraculously heard it in their native tongue. But we do know the general content - they spoke of "the wonderful works of God" (verse 11). But still, what they had heard was incomplete, for they wondered what it all meant (verse 12). That is why Peter stood up and delivered his sermon (starting in verse 14).

(Acts 2:9) "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

(Acts 2:10) "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

(Acts 2:11) "Cretans and Arabs; we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."

(Acts 2:12) So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"

(Acts 2:13) Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."

(Acts 2:14) 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.

· Even though they all had different native languages, they all knew the same local language, most likely Aramaic.

· Was Aramaic the language of Palestine in those times?

· Palestine, given that it was always a crossroads for many peoples, was by necessity a multi-lingual land. It was a place where they spoke several languages at the same time. There were no less than two local languages spoken and understood by the majority of the people: Hebrew and Aramaic. Two international languages were also used: Greek and Latin. These however were spoken by a small group of persons found in State Administration and Education.

· The Hebrew language, the same language used in writing the Books of the Old Testament, came into common usage in the Liturgy of the Sabbath of the Synagogue, even though there were few who understood it clearly.

· Besides Hebrew, there was Aramaic, which had already been used for some centuries. This language was the familiar language which the people spoke in most of the villages and towns of Palestine.

· Besides the local languages, there were two other, which were spoken in the towns where there were persons of learning, and administrators of the State. While in the villages such as Nazareth and Capharnaum, the dominant language, if not the only one, was Aramaic.

· In Luke 4:16-30, we see that the Hebrew language was familiar to Jesus. In this passage, it says that Jesus read the Scroll of the Law (from the Prophet Isaiah) in the Synagogue. Certainly this Reading was done in Hebrew. The few words that Jesus added by way of comment were most probably spoken in Aramaic.

· The New Testament, written in Greek, allows us a glimpse of genuine Palestinian “root” words. There were a number of proper names (persons or places) that easily go back to Aramaic origins.

· Some words of Jesus turn out to be very interesting. For example: Effeta or Effata is faithfully written down by the Evangelists. Or, Talita Qum which means: Arise little child! Also Abba (Mark 14:36 and Gal. 4:6) which means Papa/Father. Recall the Aramaic phrase spoken by Jesus as He was dying on the Cross: Eloi Eloi lema sabactani. These Words, found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, are interpreted for us as a Prayer of Jesus. They were in fact the beginning of Psalm 22, spoken by Jesus in Aramaic, and written down in Greek. It is possible that the Evangelists wished to preserve and hand down through their writings some words certainly spoken by Jesus, words which the Early Christians (since they spoke Aramaic) faithfully remembered.

· There were local differences in the Aramaic language. These changes did not affect the mutual comprehension of the inhabitants of the different localities (realizing that the distance between these various localities was small and contact was frequent).

· Jesus spoke the Aramaic dialect of Galilee, but His words were “Jerusalem-ized”, so to speak, for the Early Church, and transmitted to us in the dialect of Jerusalem. It is well recorded that the difference between the Jerusalem and Galilee dialects was small and, all things considered, quite negligible.

(Acts 2:15) "For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

· Supposedly folks there generally didn't drink before 12:00 pm, and it was only 9:00 am.

(Acts 2:16) "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

· Verses 17-21 are from Joel 2:28-32.

(Acts 2:17) '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.

(Acts 2:18) And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

(Acts 2:19) I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

(Acts 2:20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.

(Acts 2:21) And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.'

(Acts 2:22) "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 also know;

(Acts 2:23) "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;

· Why is Peter blaming those listening? The thousands here were Jews from all over Jerusalem, many of whom cried "Barabbas!", sending Jesus to His death (Matt 27:21). He also condemns them in verse 36.

(Acts 2:24) "whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

(Acts 2:25) "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.

· Verses 25-28 are quoted from Psalm 16:8-11.

(Acts 2:26) Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

(Acts 2:27) For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

(Acts 2:28) You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.'

(Acts 2:29) "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.

(Acts 2:30) "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,

(Acts 2:31) "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

(Acts 2:32) "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

· The apostles had all seen Jesus after His resurrection.

(Acts 2:33) "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

(Acts 2:34) "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand,

· Verses 34-35 are from Psalm 110:1.

(Acts 2:35) Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."'

(Acts 2:36) "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

· Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the Christ (John 4:25-26).

· This was truly an amazing statement to them. Here they had been waiting for over a thousand years for the Christ, and here He had been in their midst, and they had killed him. But, they had to understand that this was part of the plan. And that through this Christ they could be forgiven (verse 38).

(Acts 2:37) 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?"

(Acts 2:38) 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.

· Repent = Change of mind resulting in a change of behavior. Delayed obedience is disobedience.

· Did they sprinkle (rhantizo)? Did they pour (cheo)? Or did they immerse (baptizo)?

· In the baptisms in the New Testament there was: water - Acts 8:36, much water - John 3:23, a going into water - Acts 8:38, a coming out of water - Matthew 3:16, a burial -Romans 6:4, a resurrection - Romans 6:4-5, and a washing - Acts 22:16. Only in immersion do you have all the above.

· "Baptize" (baptizo) = "immerse"; to make fully wet or "submerge & emerge". Embapto means to dip or make wet, as in Mark 14:20.

· In addition to this verse, verses that seem to indicate baptism is required for salvation: Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21, Eph 5:25-26. Acts 22:16, 1 Cor 12:13, Col 2:12, Romans 6:4-5, Gal 3:27, John 3:5, Matt 28:19-20.

· Verses that indicate baptism is not required for salvation: 1 Cor 1:14, Acts 16:30-34, Rom 10:8-10, Rom 10:13, 1 John 5:13, Rom 10:1-4, John 13:3-11, 2 Peter 3:9, John 1:12-13, Acts 10:43, Acts 10:44-48, Gal 2:16.

· Examples of baptism:

· Acts 2:41 - those who believed (3000) were baptized that day

· Acts 8:12-13 - when they believe Philip, they were baptized

· Acts 8:35-39 - as soon as the eunuch believed, Philip baptized him

· Acts 10:45-48 - (Cornelius) they had already believed and received the Holy Spirit, but as soon as they learned about baptism, they were baptized

· Acts 16:14-15 - Lydia and her household, as soon as they believed, were baptized

· Acts 16:32-34 - the jailor and his household, as soon as they believed, were baptized

· Acts 18:8 - Crispus, and many of the Corinthians, as soon as they believed, were baptized

· Acts 19:1-5 - Some disciples had been baptized in John's - as soon as they learned about baptism in Jesus, they were baptized

· Acts 22:16 - Paul, in his defense to the Jewish council, tells them of their need for immediate baptism

(Acts 2:39) "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."

(Acts 2:40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."

· Peter didn't present a simple 2 minute speech. He may have spoke for a long period of time, explaining many details and convincing arguments. But what is quoted here is the bottom line - be saved.

(Acts 2:41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

· Three thousand were converted. They not only received the word, but received it gladly. Once convinced that Jesus was their Messiah, what an incredible feeling that must have been to join Him!

· There may have been many thousands more present who didn't receive the word, similar to a Billy Graham crusade. But many more were being added on a daily basis (vs 47).

(Acts 2:42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

· 3000 had just been added to the church. The Christian church was brand new, consisting mostly of these 3000, and the disciples who had followed Jesus. They had to learn how to operate a body, how to fellowship, how to pray together, etc. But it's interesting that there didn't seem to be much planning and organization - the Spirit led them, and they followed. There weren't really any old timers in the faith - even the apostles had only started following Jesus a few years ago. This was a brand new church, and the people in it were brand new Christians. The Christian church of today was in its very infancy at this point. It's interesting to look at where the church traveled over the next 2000 years from this sincere and humble beginning.

· There were certain activities which God and Jesus had asked them to do, which they readily began to do. We need to look at these things to make sure these are how we run our church today.

· The regularly heard preaching from the apostles, preaching that gave instruction to them (as Jesus had commanded - Matt 28:20). The apostles were diligent to present the instruction, and the church was diligent to hear it. It's interesting that they were probably hearing the apostle's teaching that, in due time, was transferred into written form as the N.T.

· The Greek word for steadfast is also translated diligent - it means to be earnest towards, to persevere, to be constantly diligent, to adhere closely to. This was how they operated - with an earnestness that drove them.

· They continued meeting together, spending time together as Christians. They met together daily in the temple (vs 46). They were together a lot, and had a mutual affection for each other, and help mutual conversations with each other. When you saw one disciple, you saw others. The fellowshipped in the temple and in the homes, which meant at the designated times and undesignated times. They were intimate with each other - they knew what was going on in each others lives. This fellowship with each other was also with God (1 John 1:3).

· By meeting daily, they worshipped God daily. This is to be a daily act, not just on Sundays.

· When they met, they held church - they heard the word, held Communion (1 Cor 11:23-26), and prayed. Here is seems the held Communion daily. Later it seems they met for Communion once a week (Acts 20:7). It seems these church activities were held both at the temple and at their homes (vs 46).

Is prayer an important part of our church? Is prayer an important part of your life?

(Acts 2:43) Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

(Acts 2:44) Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,

· They did not all meet together, for it was impractical, but they were as one, so any believer could attend any fellowship and feel completely welcome and part of it. They probably met together in several congregations, according as their languages, nations, or other associations.

· And, since they were together more often, their love for each other increased because of time spent together.

· Having all things in common and selling their possessions (vs 45) did not mean that individuals did not have possessions. When there was a need, possessions would be sold to meet the need. If someone had need of something another had ('need', not 'want'), it was available.

(Acts 2:45) and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

· They were cheerful in their giving, freely sharing with each other. They went beyond the requirements of giving to the joy of giving.

· This system was necessary for many believers, because they were disowned by society and disinherited by their family.

(Acts 2:46) 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,

· The met daily, both in worship in the temple but also in each others homes for food and fellowship.

· The met with one accord (see Eph 4:1-6). All that is listed in the Ephesians passage describing oneness of the body was present. They did not just avoid discord and strife, but they had genuine love for each other. They didn't just put up with each other, but went out of their way for each other. They were unanimous in their devotions.

· They did not meet out of obligation, but with gladness. Their hearts were into it. How pleasant it must have been to be with these Christians, because they were doing it in joy, not out of obligation. Note we should never neglect to do what we need to do, but how much better it can be for ourselves and those around us if our heart is in it. There were no ulterior motive, not hidden agenda - this service was out of a true concern for others.

· Here, breaking bread meant meals (since it talks about them eating their food), as compared to verse 42, which meant Communion.

(Acts 2:47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

· Wherever they met, in the temple or in the homes, they were continually praising God. They gave God all the credit for activity in their lives - they gave Him the glory.

· Because their heart was right, and God was blessing them, they had favor with all those around them. Amazingly, this implies they had favor with their Jewish neighbors. They were doing lifestyle evangelism! The result? Daily people were being saved.

· What drew them to the early church? It was not the building or the architecture, it was the hearts of the people.

· If you were to read a newspaper article describing a genuine, fellowshipping church in the 21st century, that living out Acts 2:42-47, what would you read about?