This commentary is a verse-by-verse bible expository in order to provide believers with another resource for their personal study of the word of God! This will be a "work-in-progress" so that friends can study incrementally as I am able to add on! From time to time, I will inject audio clips as which will be indicated as such.

Directions: This particular page will be an all inclusive chapter-by-chapter breakout so just click on the link of interest as they become available!

It is my hope and prayer that believers will be enlightened, encouraged and edified as they learn about God's word rightly divided!

Who wrote Acts, and who was it to? Written by Luke “To Theophilus” who further continues his gospel account of the person, work and ministry of Jesus Christ in the very beginning, but immediately transitions into what should accurately be described as the fall of Israel. It was dually written “to” kingdom saints and “for” grace believers to serve as a transition book from “law” to “grace” (please see “What is this book about”?)

When was Acts written? The events of Acts span between 33 A.D. through 62 A.D. and the book itself was penned by Luke around 62 A.D. It should be noted that Luke was one of the few followers of Christ who were exposed to God’s dispensing of law and grace (after it was revealed to Paul)! While not being one of the twelve apostles, Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and continued his account in Acts beginning at the ascension of Jesus Christ and concluding at Paul’s statement concerning his distinctive ministry to the Gentiles.

What is this book about? It was dually written “to” kingdom saints and “for” grace believers to serve as a transition book to show:

§         The origination of the conclusion of God’s dispensing of law and soon “shelving” of His program to Israel (Romans 9 through 11) as demonstrated by:

†       Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven after His glorious resurrection and revealing to the masses of people concerning His victory over death itself.

†       Christ’s specific instruction to the apostles to continue His ministry in Jerusalem and Judea and then to the uttermost parts of the world.

†       The stoning of Stephen even after his sermon to the leadership of Israel as a nation in Acts 7. Please remember that Stephen’s sermon was on the heals of Peter’s message to that same faction of religious rulers as recorded in Acts 2 and 3. Both messages were rejected culminating in the death of Stephen (who was filled with the Holy Ghost while accusing Israel of rejecting The Third Member of the Godhead as well).

†       Three Strikes and Your Out! Department: In summary, Israel had rejected the warning of each member of the Godhead:

1.       The rejection of God The Father at the beheading of John the Baptist.

2.      The rejection of God The Son through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.

3.      The rejection of God The Holy Spirit at the stoning death of Stephen (after he provided a “Readers Digest” version of the nation of Israel and its rebellion against God!

ü      Take special note that after the stoning of Stephen, before he died he saw Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God. Jesus standing was not to give Stephen an ovation but was instead a picture of Him coming ready to judge the planet, to usher in the Great Tribulation for on the prophetic calendar this was next! The Greek word “histemi” for “standing” in Acts 7  depicts one who stands for a cause, one who stands for authority or for one who stands ready or prepared. The risen Christ is The One who fits all of these including several Old Testament verses that show God ready to defend or judge when “standing”.

§         Psalms 82:1 - God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

§         Psalms 109:26 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle. I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.

ü      In addition, the following events had already taken place:

†       The “Nations” or Gentiles had repeatedly rejected God (Romans 1 through 3) and were strangers and aliens to the commonwealth of Israel “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” – Ephesians 2:12 

†       The Gentile “estrangement” started back in Genesis 11, while being of one language, the nations collaborated to build a tower unto to God to reach Him. God wanted them scattered abroad but they did not want to be scattered abroad! Because of this continued disobedience, God judged the Gentiles through the confounding or confusion of their language. Please note that the catastrophic events of the judgment of the flood were only several generations old but the Gentiles had still rebelled again. In fact, they had fallen into grave idolatry in response to God’s desires for them (Joshua 24:2). God knew that “nothing would be restrained from them” so He scattered them and closed the chapter on them! At the end of Genesis 11 and beginning in Genesis 12 Abram, a Gentile, would now be the father of Israel. He then received His calling from God which signified a change in His dealings, house rules or dispensings with man.

†       In Peter’s dissertation in Acts 2, the apostle quoted Joel 2:28-30 when he described events leading up to the coming judgment of Messiah. 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come. Peter expected judgment to come shortly!

In summary, the purpose of Acts has erroneously been taught in many Christian circles as the birth of the church, The Body of Christ. In fact, the book of Acts’ primary focus is about the failure of God’s chosen nation and not about the growth of the church (don’t be mislead by the mention of new converts in early Acts chapters as many pastors are today concerning the growth of their ministries)! The Book of Acts serves as a “transition” from law to grace without definitively being to kingdom saints or to grace age believers since its message to some degree speaks to both factions! The most significant part for saints today under God’s marvelous dispensing of grace is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus in chapter 9. Up until that point Saul, who would become Paul, The Apostle to the Gentiles, was as wretched and murderous as Adolph Hitler! But after receiving the first of several revelations of the risen, glorified Jesus Christ he became our loving ambassador of grace of whom the Holy Spirit says that ‘we should follow as he follows Christ’!

Acts 1

I. The Instruction of Jesus Christ

Acts 1:1-4 - 1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

§         Greek UEV – man: truly, certainly, surely, indeed

§          Greek PROTOS – former: first in time, rank or place

§          Greek LOGOS - treatise of speech a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea, the sayings of God, decree, mandate or order, of the moral precepts given by God, doctrine, instruction or teaching

§         In verses 1 through 3, Luke insists that through a certainty, he received the personal “treatise” (or word of God - logos) of the ministry of Jesus Christ. In its context, we also know by historical fact (Gospel of Luke) that Luke walked with Christ during His earthly ministry which validates verse 1 here. “Theophilus” was a friend of Luke’s and a friend of God according to the meaning of his name. Upon reading the Gospel of Luke in chapter 1, Acts chapter 1 has the same manner of familiarity and again mentions Theophilus as the second, direct, recorded dialog that he has had with this beloved saint.

§         Luke testifies about his witness of Jesus Christ as he also describes the operation of the Holy Spirit and the commandments that were given to the chosen apostles (11 at that time and after the death of Judas):

†       To not depart from Jerusalem and to wait for the promise of the Father which they had heard of before.

†       To recall Jesus Christ’s resurrection and life with them in that he showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs! John 21:24-25 testifies that had the events in Christ’s life all been recorded, there would not have been enough books to capture them.

Ω                   24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. 

†       To remind the apostles that for forty days Jesus spoke to them pertaining to the things of the kingdom of God.

It is interesting to note that Christ’s resurrection was not that He just simply rose from the dead in secret. In fact as He died on the cross, the bible records in Matthew that many saints that had “slept” in Christ, arose from the dead and appeared to people throughout the city! Friends, could you imagine that? God even at that time began paving the way for the resurrected Christ to show Himself victor over death!

Acts 1:5-9 - 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Starting in verse 5 we read that John for a certainty baptized with water; but now, the disciples are being told that they shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. God had not used this reference to the operation of the Holy Spirit in this way before, and truthfully I am not convicted that the apostles themselves were even sure what Christ meant!

Testifying of this theory (verse 6) was the fact that “the 11” didn’t even ask Jesus what he meant by this but instead, asked about the status and timing of the kingdom and whether or not it would be restored. But our Lord countered (verse 7) and pointed back to the operation of the Holy Spirit when He said that it was not for them to know the times or the seasons of the Father’s game plan.   

§         Greek CHRONOS – times: long or short, where we get the word “chronology” from

§          Greek PROTOS – former: first in time, rank or place

§          Greek LOGOS - treatise of speech a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea, the sayings of God, decree, mandate or order, of the moral precepts given by God, doctrine, instruction or teaching

Our Lord continued His instruction to “the 11” as He described the power of the Holy Ghost that would soon come upon them. One of the most misunderstood concepts across “Christendom” is the operation of God The Holy Spirit. Many believe that He is some “amped up” power source causing people to fall backward uncontrollably, “slain in the spirit”. Others do not distinguish His part in God’s overall plan for mankind.

Several years back I had a “spirited” discussion with another person on the difference between the concept of God The Holy Spirit coming upon a believer and God The Holy Spirit indwelling a believer. In verse 8 from above, the Greek word epi after careful study means the following:

1.       upon, on, at, by, before

2.      of position, on, at, by, over, against

3.      to, over, on, at, across, against

Nowhere does this word even imply an “indwelling” of a believer. It is no different than not understanding the distinction between riding on top of an automobile versus riding inside an automobile. However, it is clear in the context of this verse, that Jesus told His disciples that The Holy Ghost would indeed come upon them and do so for a special purpose! Take note that this is not the first time that Christ told the apostles about the coming ministry of The Holy Spirit. In the Gospel of John in chapters 15 and 16, Jesus spoke of soon coming The Comforter and His operation!

In the rest of verse 8, Jesus told “the 11” that they would be witnesses to Him not only in Jerusalem but also in all Judea, Samaria and then into the uttermost parts of the world. At the end of His earthly ministry, Luke records His departure as Christ being taken up in a cloud while speaking to them and eventually vanishing from before them. After some careful study of the account these verses, some things came to mind:

§          Jesus specifically told His disciples that they were on a “need to know” basis concerning the establishment of the kingdom.

§          The 11 apostles (that is what they were before Matthias was chosen) were instructed to remain in Jerusalem and from a historical and legal perspective preach the gospel (good news) of the kingdom as Jesus did.

§          Christ’s disciples did not know they wouldn’t make it out of Jerusalem alive. Jesus did not want them to know that Israel as a nation would ultimately reject their Messiah and that all of the apostles (except John) would eventually be martyred for their faith as a result.

§          Although Jesus prophesized of Peter’s death (John 21:18), it is unclear when Peter would eventually come to grips with that fact.

§          His disciples “beheld” him as He left planet earth to ascend into the heavens. In other words, they saw (Greek - ophthalmos) His physical body leave from among them up to the heavens eventually being overtaken by a cloud.

II. The Intimacy of The Little Flock

Acts 1:10-12 - 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

The bible tells us in verse 10 that “the 11” looked earnestly, steadfastly or fixed their eyes upon, a particular event. That event being Jesus Christ rising before them out of their site! They were so transfixed by this that two men in brilliant, angelic clothing stood by them and asked them why they stood gazing in amazement. The two men encouraged the disciples by telling them that Jesus in the same way will return to the earth in the same fashion you saw Him depart (verse 11). Verse 12 tells us that Jesus Christ departed from Mt. Olivet which is a significant landmark in scripture to Israel and not to His Body, The Church. Unfortunately, many fundamental teachers confuse this section of scripture by associating it with “the rapture”. This is not a rapture verse:

§          Zechariah 4:14 - And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Please take note of the fact that in this section of scripture, we are in the book of Acts, chapter 1, verses 1 through 10. The law is still firmly dispensed to Israel as stewards to God and He has not yet shelved this program! It is true that grace and truth did indeed come from Jesus Christ (John 1:17) but Christ had not yet revealed grace and peace!

Acts 1:13-14 - 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Along with key women who supported the ministry of Jesus Christ, Mary, His mother, His brothers and the 11 apostles met together in an upper room. How scared and isolated they must have felt with the “Little Flock” (Luke 12:32) being but 120 strong and Christ already ascended into heaven. They all persevered in one mind and one passion and were devoted to His ministry. They sought direction and counsel through prayer to and from God collectively.

Acts 1:15-16 - 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

The Greek word for “stood up” (anistemi) describes someone who arises from the dead or from lying down. As the one who distinctively denied Christ three times, Peter now boldly asserts himself amidst the 120 followers who were assembled. The words describing “names” in verse 15 indicate that those who were present were people who were known by others and had a rank or authority about them. I am convinced that The Holy Spirit wanted this fact to be known to assure its readers that there wasn’t a last minute “collection of bodies” to validate the ascension of Jesus Christ as well as the account of His instructions to His followers.

The scripture fulfilled in verse 16 comes from Psalm 41:9. David speaking from his heart about the treachery of his enemies, unknowingly prophecies about the treachery that would await Christ on His way to the cross.

Psalm 41 ¹ Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. ² The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. ³ The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. ⁴ I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. ⁵ Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? ⁶ And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. ⁷ All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. ⁸ An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. ⁹ Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. ¹⁰ But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. ¹¹ By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. ¹² And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. ¹³ Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

III. The Indignation of Peter

Acts 1:17 - 17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

The term indignation (in also being a good “I” word…J) accurately fits what the 11 may have felt about “the one” who was numbered with them. All 12 apostles were guilty of forsaking Christ and fleeing (Matthew 26:50-56). But only Judas fled, orchestrated his own revolt, and not only turned over Christ to the authorities to be put to death, but put the lives and the families of Christ’s followers at risk as well!

Acts 1:18-20 - 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Starting in verse 18 Peter describes how “this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity” and gruesomely discusses the detail of his death.

§          While many question the method of Judas’ suicide since in the gospel accounts the bible tells us that he hung himself, reconciliation to the description of his demise is possible.

§          Many scholars have concluded that Judas hung himself over a cliff and that after some time the rope broke and he fell headlong into a rocky canyon.

§          Scripture tells us that he hung himself and whether he fell dead or alive is inconsequential as long as scripture is not compromised.   

Again, the Book of Psalms prophecies of the one who would betray Messiah in Psalm 109 and specifically calls for “another to take his office” in verse 8. In Zechariah 11 the details of the financial transaction are discussed plainly.

Zechariah 11:12,13 - ¹² And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. ¹³ And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Also, starting in Genesis 37 the story of Joseph “typifies” many future events of Christ’s life in this outstanding story. Specifically, Joseph’s brother Judah sells him into slavery for 20 pieces of silver as an example.

Acts 1:21-22 - 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Peter’s description of the qualifications of an apostle must not be overlooked. He specifically points to two milestones as the boundaries; The Baptism of John and The Departure of Jesus Christ. The qualifying candidate must have had to have been present during the ministry of Jesus Christ. Of more importance “must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection”.

Acts 1:23-26 - 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Scholars and teachers alike dispute how Peter and the apostles chose Judas’ replacement. They argue since the apostles use lots, their methodology is like gambling and could not have been from God. But in verse 24, the bible tells us that they prayed and asked direction from the Lord. Lots were often pebbles, bits of wood or potshard pieces placed in a jar and cast onto the ground. The piece that came out of the jar first belonged to the one that was chosen. In this case the lot fell and Matthias was numbered with the 11. No more recorded information is written about him beyond this point.

Acts 2

I. The Direction of The Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-4 - ¹ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

§          With Jesus Christ recently ascended into heaven and after choosing Matthias as the 12^th apostle and replacement for Judas, there had been no recorded changes in how God was dealing with mankind (no dispensation change; The Law was still in operation). Although the gateway to grace was provided by the loving kindness of Jesus Christ and his redemptive work, His special dispensing and instruction on how He would deal with man was not yet revealed!

§          In verses 1 through 4, Israel is still in the forefront and the 12 had already received the instruction from Christ to preach the gospel of the kingdom and specifically where to preach it as well as what order.

§          The Kingdom Gospel is its uniqueness is a “good news” message that:

†       Proclaims Jesus Christ as The Son of God (God Himself); which must be believed to be saved.

†       Jesus Christ The Messiah is offering the Kingdom to Israel and will establish it on planet earth (Christ often quoted “the kingdom is at hand”)

†       Jesus Christ will rule and reign on the earth forever along with those who take Him at His word:

1.       His nation Israel and members of that nation based on lineage, faith and its resulting expression of faith under the Law of God!

2.      Gentiles who would realize their position and come through Israel to be reconciled to God.

†       This promise of the Kingdom is two-fold in nature:

1.       The fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham concerning the land for Israel (And he told Abraham to walk its borders...).

2.      The fulfillment of the kingdom and its establishment that God promised to David.

Friends, none of these promises pertain to the Body of Christ and they are distinctly to Israel! None of these promises are for any other religious system, sect, organization, government or church!

SEASONAL FESTIVALS

Beginning in verse 1, Luke spoke of one of the three annual festivals following each season of the year. These festivals were important occasions for commemorating God’s power as well as His provision for Israel. These three festivals were prescribed in Exodus 23:14-17 and Deuteronomy 16:16 and consisted of:

(1)   Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

(2)  The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

(3)  The Festival of Booths (Tabernacles, Shelters).

For these festivals, all the males of Israel were commanded to make the pilgrimage to the sanctuary for the celebration (Exodus 12:14).

All believers of the Gospel of the Kingdom were of one mind and together in one place and in verses 2 through 4, God moved in a very distinct way! The Holy Spirit that was promised by Jesus Christ appeared to them in the form of cloven tongues of fire.

The Greek word for “cloven” actually describes the “divided or distributed” appearance of “fire”` upon each person who sat in the house. I believe this event showed that God wanted to specifically demonstrate the power of The Holy Spirit as well as a transition in the operation of God as evidenced by:

†       A sound like a rushing, mighty wind was heard from heaven that resembled the roar of waves and all in the house were well aware (fulfilled) of God’s presence in this fashion.

†       A fiery appearance of God above each person present in the house called a “tongue” to signify that the languages would again be a part of His plan. Please note that to this day, the issue of tongues is still regarded as a major “choke” point across churches.   

†       They were all together fulfilled or filled with the Holy Spirit. Please note this filling of God’s Holy Spirit greatly differs from how Paul would later describe the operation of the indwelling Holy Spirit as it pertains to believers in the dispensation of grace.

†       The Spirit sat or rested upon each of them.

†       And they began to speak as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (GK –apophtheggomai; belonging to an elevated dignified discourse).

 Acts 2:5-12 - ⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. ⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. ⁷ And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? ⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. ¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

I find it interesting how Luke used the words “confounded” and “language” so close together bringing to remembrance how God scattered the nations in Genesis 11.

Genesis 11:1-9 - ¹ And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. ² And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. ³ And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. ⁴ And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. ⁵ And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. ⁶ And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. ⁷ Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. ⁸ So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. ⁹ Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

§          At The Tower of Babel, God wanted man to scatter across the earth and testify of the One, True and Living God.

§          Man in his rebellion built the tower to reach God by his own merits. The tower in fact typified man’s first organized religion and could have at that time assumed any denominational name on its building façade!

§          In the Acts 2:6, God was bringing to remembrance the judgment He had meted out before concerning the languages, almost appearing to return to the pre-Babel state where all could understand each other.

§          As this event was “noised abroad”, two groups of people outside the “Little Flock” and the apostles observed and concluded it was either from God or from man as described in verse 13.

II. The Discourse of Peter

¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. ¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: ¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. ¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; ¹⁷ 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: ¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: ¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: ²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: ²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Starting in verses 13 through 15, we read of "others" who mocked the 12 apostles. the Greek word for "others" is heteros meaning "those that oppose" or are "those who are not of the same nature". It is clear that the opposition to the ministry of Jesus Christ would not cease. These accusers mocked, jeered and derided (to laugh at, ridicule or make fun of) the work of God and told the people that the 12 were drunken fools.

Peter and the 11 then counter to those from Judea and of Jewish lineage as well as those that reside in Jerusalem itself. They stand (histemi) in defense of the faith and against the Sanhedrin, judges and religious leaders who rejected God and His Messiah. But Peter lifted up his voice to encourage the gainsayers to listen to his words (rhema) concerning the matter:

§          He testified that they were not drunk since it was 9:00 in the morning!

§          Peter appealed to their knowledge of scripture in that he pointed to the book of Joel in verses 16 through 21!

§          In the Acts 2:6, God was bringing to remembrance the judgment He had meted out before concerning the languages, almost appearing to return to the pre-Babel state where all could understand each other.

§          As this event was “noised abroad”, two groups of people outside the “Little Flock” and the apostles observed and concluded it was either from God or from man as described in verse 13.

¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; ¹⁷ 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: ¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: ¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: ²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: ²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

As far as Peter was concerned, the events of time and the “last days” that were unfolding to all, displayed the soon judgment of God according to what the profit Joel had to say in chapter 2:28 through 32 in his prophecy! Please note that the phrase “last days” can differ in context. In other words, Peter’s last days are vastly different to Noah’s last days or Paul’s last days as each are marked by their distinct, end time, events via the permissive will of God!  As far as Peter was concerned, judgment was now coming!

To re-iterate and as previously described above (bookmark) the Gentiles were already written off in unbelief as nothing more than idolaters.  In addition, God’s chosen nation Israel has fully rejected God’s witness; His very own Son - Jesus Christ the Messiah. With the movement of the Holy Spirit now in place as prophesied by Christ in His earthly ministry, Peter himself empowered by the Holy Spirit speaks candidly:

û         ²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

û          ²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

û         ²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

û         ²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: ²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: ²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

û          ²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. ³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

û         ³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. ³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

û         ³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, ³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

û         ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Friends, since I am teaching in an expository fashion, I thought is necessary to single each set of verses to get the full impact of what Peter was trying to say!!! Let me see if I can break this out for our edification….

In verses 22 and 23, Peter appeals to their reason as he does nothing more than re-account history and bring to remembrance the events of the life of Jesus Christ which cannot be disputed! Like a lawyer, Peter builds his case as the very acts and deeds of a prophet of God involve miracles, wonders and signs. All were well of aware of the healing power of Jesus Christ and his good works were further testified of John in chapter 21:24-25. Peter further mentions that God did this work in the midst of them and that they all knew about it! Folks, he is not providing them an inch of “wiggle room”. The facts here point to man as he must exercise his free-will (while given more revelation) and decide whether or not if he will take God at His word!

Peter makes it clear that Jesus was delivered “by the determinate counsel” (Israel’s leaders); turned over to those that would kill him (the governing nation of Rome). In a biblical account typifying the life of Christ and in a similar fashion, Joseph’s brothers also turned him over hoping someone would kill him and relinquish them of their bothersome yet convicting younger brother.

Those religious leaders that stood behind the Law of Moses to justify their wicked deeds actually violated God’s commandments by crucifying Christ without proof or blame. The Greek word for “foreknowledge” is prognosis as God knew all along the desperate and depraved hidden motivation, also in verse 23. The Son of God was turned over to Israel from a religious standpoint whose leaders promptly turned him over to Rome from a government standpoint!

The Greek word anaireo for the word “slain” is a more complete meaning for the harm that was brought to Jesus Christ. Not only did they kill him but they wanted total control and responsibility to abolish Him as well as His ordinances and doctrine. Instead these leaders wanted to raise themselves up! Friends, in a similar fashion, Paul’s gospel of grace is rejected in most fundamental Christian circles so that pastor’s, leaders and teachers can promote their own self-appointed views.  

Verse 24 brings to light something for consideration. God revealed a much different plan as His Son would be raised up on high!

†         God The Father would not only loosen the physical bondage of Christ from the tonnage of the stone and bounded grave clothes, but He would loosen man from the weight of the law and the shackles of sin through the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

†         This resurrection was not only the blissful hope and joy for lost man, but a blessed reunion of the tri-unity of God. There was no longer a separation as the “plan of plans” came to a glorious conclusion at the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Death has no hold or power over God beloved, for what He offered up He gave of his own free will for the love of man and Christ’s victory over the grave was proof positive of that fact!

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. – Hebrews 5:7-10

But in verses 25 through 28, Peter cleverly points back to scripture when referring to David pointing out that he (David) through the Holy Spirit prophesied of Christ! This fact was something that those that were in attendance knew about as the apostle quoted Psalm 16:

1 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. 5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. – Psalms 16:1-11

Peter filled with the Spirit speaks with boldness and assurance (starting in verse 29) to the men and brethren of the audience. He describes (verses 30 to 36) how David the patriarch (in the lineage of Jacob, forefather) is dead, buried and that his sepulcher is with us unto this very day. Peter’s point is that he could not have been talking about himself since his body (David’s) did see corruption; it’s still in the tomb! 

û         ³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

û         ³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. ³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

û         ³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, ³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

û         ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

As a prophet, God had revealed to David that through his loins, the Messiah would come and establish His throne. This is one of the few verses in the bible that speak distinctly of Christ’s glorious resurrection! Peter exhorted that it is this same Jesus that we are all witnesses to:

û         Greek – witnesses: martus

û         In a legal sense

û         In a historical sense

û         As actual spectators

Peter concludes with the sober truth of it all that “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Through his message, Peter had brought these men to a crossroad with a decision they needed to all make individually. Being convicted or pricked in the heart they each had a decision to make!

³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Let's go back one verse and examine verse 37 and forward:

³⁷ Now when they heard (akouo {ak-oo'-o}) this, they were pricked (katanusso {kat-an-oos'-so}) in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

akouo

1) to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf

2) to hear

b) to attend to, consider what is or has been said

c) to understand, perceive the sense of what is said