TEXT: Acts 2:1-40
READING: Joel 2:12-32
SUBJ: The coming of the Holy Spirit and the effect to be noted both then and forever as we witness the work of the Spirit in us as the third member of the Godhead and the Gospel.
AIM: That we might be the more aware of and be looking to that ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives and especially in our witness.
INTR: We would be careful to note that even in significant events such as Pentecost that the essentials of the Gospel message remain intact, and those things are evident in the words of Peter here.
1. We would first be reminded that this day found the disciples obeying the Lord and waiting.
2. We would note the way the work of the Spirit was ushered in (remembering similar events in the Old Testament).
3. We would further note that, in typical fashion, the witnesses to these things were looking for an explanation other than what was happening. Peter simply counters with the Gospel and exalts Christ in the midst. They really had no explanation for the language issue.
THESIS: The Holy Spirit is eternal and as such has always been functioning in concert with the Godhead (no man sayeth Lord, Lord but by the Spirit). Here He is manifested by the force wherein the visible evidence of the work of God is brought into view in those who become subject to the Gospel message and the Lordship of Christ.
I. What really happened that day? (vv. 1-14)
1. This question has been a matter of debate among many theologians for centuries.
1) Was this the birth of the Church?
2) Was it indeed some temporary change from the way things had been going?
2. As far as the Apostles were concerned, they were profoundly affected.
1) They had been hesitant and in semi-hiding.
2) As suddenly as the Holy Spirit came upon them, they sensed a boldness along with the ability to proclaim what was happening.
3. No doubt, they were in awe of what was happening – they may have been unaware that they were being heard in other languages – but the hearers knew that something phenomenal was happening. The Spirit gave them utterance.
4. Things were forever changed – The prophecy of Joel had come to pass, John had prophesied this occurrence, Jesus has alluded to all along, and He had told them of it just ten days before.
1) Along with this came the revelation that men would be empowered to believe the Gospel.
2) Some had believed as did these Apostles, but now the sense of the Spirit within would be the order of the day in all believers for all time!
5. Was the church born at that time? It was at the very least empowered at that time.
II. The events explained (vv. 14-21)
1. It is typical that men look for a human explanation for divine phenomena such as creation, crossing the Red Sea and others. They supposed them to be drunken.
2. The was a matter of prophecy and we note how closely all is related to the prophecies of old.
1) The quote is almost verbatim from Joel 2:28-32.
2) There is a mixture of things to be understood.
3) Consider that the sun was darkened while He was on the cross.
4) There appears to be an overview that encompassed all until the day of judgment.
5) Much came to pass during the Apostolic era and continues to this day.
3. But it is especially to be noted that “whosoever calleth upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
III. Some things to consider (vv. 22-32)
1. We would ever rehearse the earthly ministry of Christ and Peter does so here.
1) It is important that we see that Peter called out those who were eyewitnesses to His ministry, were involved in or complicit in the crucifixion of Christ.
2) They could not deny what they had seen and done.
3) Peter would confirm two things to them: That the determinate foreknowledge of God delivered Him up to suffer, to die, and to be resurrected and exalted. (We consider that all that was done to Him was ordained before), and they were fully chargeable for His death -- For He made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
2. Peter declared His resurrection to them having loosed the pains of death because there were no grounds to hold Him. (v. 24)
1) We fully understand the exacting measure of the justice of God.
2) Peter is declaring that the reason of death that was upon Him is now gone.
3) And, as the Lamb of God so are the sins of those who call upon the name of the Lord.
IV. The prophecy of David (vv. 25-32)
1. Peter again goes to the prophecies of old – we do well to stay with what is plainly stated and stay away from speculation. He quotes from Psalm 16:8-11.
2. The things read there are most assuring and were, no doubt, an expression of David’s heart under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
1) But it was the Spirit of Christ in David writing things that would be fully realized in Christ.
2) The declaration of verse 27 does not lend itself to anything but that which is witnessed in the death and resurrection of Christ.
V. The exaltation of Christ (vv. 32-36)
1. Jesus declared to be risen by us who have witnessed Him alive (v. 32)
2. Having received the promise of the Father:
1) See again Joel 2.
2) They were witnesses to that promise being manifested.
3. Declared to be exalted – the Lord said unto my Lord is from Psalm 110:1 wherein David testified of the exaltation of Christ Jesus and therefore it is not David seated there!
4. He is declared to be both Lord and Christ
VI. The effect on them and us (vv. 37-41)
1. We might immediately think that this is a wonderful message and impossible to resist.
2. Yet, it required that they be pricked in their hearts before they reacted:
1) It was by the work of the Holy Spirit both preaching and bringing to life that enabled understanding and the gravity of what had been said.
2) It was the work of the Spirit to reveal their need and move them to repentance.
3. They were directed to repentance and, baptism because of that repentance.
