Morning Message: The Work of the Holy Spirit

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Work of the Holy Spirit"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

At the end of the last week’s teaching, we read in Acts 2:41, that 3,000 individuals were added to this fledgling First Christian Church of Jerusalem. This week we witness what can only be described as a foundation for a Christian cliché. We have all heard it at some point: “Walking into a Church, does not make you a Christian.”

Just as the Holy Spirit manifested Himself as tongues of fire over the Apostles and Disciples, His work needs to continue in the hearts of newly professing “believers” to bear new, good fruit from their lives.

Anyone can have an emotional response to the excitement witnessed at a Revival or a Crusade. It can build a sense of fellowship and community with our fellow man, but that is not a relationship with Our Great Three-in-One (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It brings a sense of unity, but that’s just one more step on the road to true salvation.

Salvation is the goal of the Holy Spirit, always pointing us to Jesus; it is a unique personal one-on-one relationship with Jesus that supersedes truly wonderful interpersonal relationships with other people. The final verse of Chapter 2 speaks loud and clear: while many had been added to the Church, truly changed lives meant the Holy Spirit’s work was not yet finished, (Verse 2:47) “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Do not misunderstand me, the two things go hand-in-hand, but the work of salvation is not complete until our relationship with Jesus Christ is at the core of every interaction with every human being, whether they are saved, or not. We must think of strangers as “Perspective Brothers and Sisters in Christ,” and our actions should be to help anyone along their road to salvation.

Changes will continue. Miracles will follow…

“Being confident in this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 1:6

Bobservations' Column - Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 2:42 - 3:11 - "The Work of the Holy Spirit"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In last week's study, we find Peter preaching his first sermon, proving Jesus is the Messiah. When the crowd realizes they are complicit in the murder of God's Messiah, their reaction is immediate. They follow Peter's guidance to repent of their sins, trust Jesus to forgive them, and agree to be baptized as a public declaration of their new found faith in Jesus Christ. In response to their faith, the Holy Spirit comes on them. In all, about three thousand make this commitment.

As we continue our study from chapter 2 in verse 42, thus begins the church in Jerusalem, which continues steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers. Signs and wonders are done by the apostles, while the believers display their love and devotion through acts of benevolence and frequent worship. They enjoy the favor of the people, and the Lord adds to the church daily those being saved.

Chapter 3 opens with Peter and John going to the temple at the hour of prayer. They encounter a man lame from birth begging for alms at the gate called Beautiful. Rather than giving him alms, Peter, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, commands the man to rise up walk. Taking the lame man by the right hand and lifting him up, the man is healed instantly and completely. Walking, leaping, and praising God, he accompanies Peter and John into the temple to the wonder and amazement of the crowd.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: Coming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Continued Stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine (2:42) - This is the result of true conversion. The word is more precisely rendered “teaching.” It signifies both the act and the matter rather than just the matter (as in “doctrine”). Those who had joined the faith were willing to sit and be instructed on what it meant to enter into the New Covenant. The foundational content for the believer's spiritual growth and maturity was the Scripture, God's revealed truth, which the apostles received and taught faithfully.

Fellowship (2:42) - Literally "partnership" or "sharing." Vincent’s Word Studies provides the meaning – “From κοινός, [koinos] common. A relation between individuals which involves a common interest and a mutual, active participation in that interest and in each other." Because Christians become partners with Jesus Christ and all other believers (1 John 1:3), it is their spiritual duty to stimulate one another to righteousness and obedience (cf. Romans 12:10; 13:8; 15:5; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2, 25; 5:21; Colossians 3:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24, 25; 1 Peter 4:9, 10).

Breaking of Bread (2:42) - A reference to the Lord's Table, or Communion, which is mandatory for all Christians to observe (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:24-29). The word used, klasis, is derived from a word, klaó, signifying “to break.” It is found only here and in Luke 24:35 where Jesus broke the bread in Emmaus after His resurrection. This is the final use of the word in Scripture, but the connection to Luke 24 may be intended to signify more than just the fact that common meals were shared, but that each meal was considered a participation in the Lord’s Supper.

Prayers (2:42) - Of individual believers and the church corporately (see 1:14, 24; 4:24-31; cf. John 14:13, 14).  Even the prayer life of these early believers was a united activity, and it shows the highly intimate closeness of the body as they continued on in their relationship in Jesus Christ.

Fear Came Upon Every Soul (2:43) - The word "fear" does not speak of terror, but of awe. I would image every soul present was in awe of what was happening around them.

Wonders and Signs (2:43) - The words here are teras and sémeion. The teras, or wonder, is something that is done in order to bring about a reaction from those who see it. The effect upon those who witness it is intended to bring about a change in them. A wonder is a thing that is evident in itself. It is something that extends beyond what is normal and is thus considered miraculous. When it is done, it is to be attributed to the Lord because there is no other explanation for it to occur. The sémeion, or sign, is a sign, a miracle, a token, and so on. It generally is given to authenticate, corroborate, or confirm a person or a matter. Whereas a wonder is the thing itself, the sign stands for, testifies to, or points to something else. A simple example of a sign would be the blood of the Passover applied to the doorposts of a house. It is a sign. Jesus’ miracles, at times, are noted as signs. Though they may be miraculous, like the changing of water to wine, they are signs that were given to authenticate Him as the Messiah and His ministry as approved by God. These things, having been done through the apostles, were clear demonstrations of the power and effective working of the Lord, and they were given as confirmations of their office and of the approval by the Lord concerning their ministry.

All Things in Common (2:44) - This phrase conveys not that the early Christians lived in a commune or pooled and redistributed everything equally, but that they held their own possessions lightly, ready to use them at any moment for someone else, as needs arose.

Sold Their Possessions (2:45) - This indicates that they had not pooled their resources but sold their own possessions to provide money for those of the church in need (cf. v. 46; 4:34-37; 2 Corinthians 8:13, 14).

Daily . . . in the Temple (2:46) - Believers went to the temple to praise God (v. 47), to observe the daily hours of prayer (cf. 3:1), and to witness to the gospel (v. 47; 5:42).

Breaking Bread from House to House (2:46) - This has reference to the daily means that believers shared with one another.  These verses show the unity of believers in the early church.  When they weren't at the temple, they were at someone's home.  Wherever the believers dwelt, other believers would come and sit over a meal, symbolized by the breaking of bread that would set the tone for the meal.

Gladness and Singlenss of Heart (2:46) - The Jerusalem church was joyful because its single focus was on Jesus Christ. One can think of the complete joy of knowing they had become a part of what God had been preparing since the fall of man. Step by step, He was working in the world as it led to the coming of Christ and toward the restoration of all things in Him. These early believers were sensing the glory of God in a way that probably stunned their senses from moment to moment.

The Lord Added (2:47) - Salvation is God's sovereign work. It is the Lord who gave Scripture, it is the Lord who fulfilled Scripture, it was the Lord who appointed His ambassadors, and thus it is the Lord who adds to the church.

Hour of Prayer, the Ninth Hour (3:1) - The nineth hour is 3:00 p.m.  The Jews had three daily times of prayer (Psalm 55:17); the other two were 9:00 A.M. (third hour) and 12:00 noon (sixth hour).

Gate of the Temple . . . Called Beautiful (3:2) - A large and ornate gate inside the temple mount on the eastern side, separating the Court of the Gentiles from the Court of the Women.

Alms (3:2) - A charitable donation of money.

Into the Temple (3:3) - Beggars considered the temple the best site to operate because the daily throngs came to impress God with their pious good works, including offerings at the temple treasury.

Porch . . . Solomon's (3:11) - A portico surrounding the temple's Court of the Gentiles.  this was also where Jesus had taught about the Good Shepherd (John 10:23).  cf. Isaiah 35:6.

Morning Message: Proof for the Critics

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Proof for the Critics"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Peter’s initial words in today’s passage, “Ye men of Israel…” seem to indicate that he is addressing the Leaders of the Jews which took part in the plot to get Jesus out of the way, regardless of where they had come. Leaders from all of Jewry would have made sure they arrived early to Passover at Jerusalem to assure good accommodations for themselves and their families. The “determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” has assured they were the ones to fulfill His Word, turning God’s only begotten Son into the Lamb of God, fulfilling prophecy!

They were either blind to the prophecies, or had convinced themselves that the prophecies of God’s suffering servant were not to be directed at themselves. Solomon has written that there is “nothing new under the sun,” so it is quite likely that in the end-times, there will be others who will be blind to the very world conditions that Jesus spoke of as a warning to all mankind.

Yet, it is in 2 Peter 2:3,4 that it says, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” This is a warning to the Church of today! We still have scoffers and doubters living amongst us; some even in our Churches! I recall the Pastor of a Church telling me one time that his church did not Study the Book of Revelation because it was too spiritual, even though it comes with an outline right in the in the text.

Studying just portions of God’s Word leaves us with less than a full understanding of the truth of our God, and Savio; who He is; the depth of His love and forgiveness; indeed, even the lengths to which He has gone to save us! I also hear of New Testament Churches, that don’t teach the Old Testament scriptures. For our brothers and sisters in those churches, we need to pray.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 2:22-41 - "Proof for the Critics"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Last week, we ended with Peter, standing with the rest of the apostles, and explaining that what has happened is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-32), who foretold that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days (Acts 2: 14-21).

Today, we see Peter preach Jesus of Nazareth to the crowd, reminding them of His miracles, their involvement in His death, and proclaiming that God raised Him from the dead. As proof for the resurrection, Peter offers three lines of evidence:

1. 1) The prophecy by David, who foretold of the resurrection (Psalm 16:8-11).
2. 2) The twelve apostles as witnesses.
3. 3) The Spirit's outpouring itself, indicative of Christ's exaltation and reception of the promise of the Spirit from the Father. In conclusion, Peter pronounces that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:22-36).

Cut to the heart, the people ask the apostles what they should do. Peter commands them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. With many other words he exhorts them to be saved, and about 3000 souls gladly receive his word and are baptized (Acts 2:37-41).

Thus begins the church in Jerusalem, which continues steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers. Signs and wonders are done by the apostles, while the believers display their love and devotion through acts of benevolence and frequent worship. They enjoy the favor of the people, and the Lord adds to the church daily those being saved (Acts 2:42-47).

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Men of Israel (2:22) - Peter is addressing his fellow Israelites. These are the descendants of Jacob, who is Israel. It would also include any who were brought into Israel as proselytes according to the established norms. With that understood, he next says, “hear these words.”

Jesus of Nazareth (2:22) - He is calling for complete attention so that the reason for quoting Joel can be properly explained. The main connection between the events and the citing of the prophecy will be seen in verse 2:33, but he must first give a logical explanation of what led up to the pouring out of the Spirit. With that understood, he immediately introduces the main Subject of his explanation, saying, “Jesus of Nazareth.” The entire point and purpose of his words comes forth in the stating of the name. In saying “of Nazareth,” he is tying in the reason it is Galileans who spoke the astonishing tongues (see verse 2:7). But more, it is an explanation as to why Nazareth is relevant at all. It is a reminder of the prophecy of Isaiah. In Isaiah 9:1-2, the “great light” that shone in Galilee of the Gentiles had come, thus – without saying it – not only is the prophecy of Joel fulfilled, but it is fulfilled by the One prophesied by Isaiah as well. Thus, it is the reason those who stood before the gathered of Israel were Galileans.

Approved . . . By Miracles, Wonders, and Signs (2:22) - Some translations use "Attested" signifies to show by proof, to demonstrate. By a variety of supernatural means and works, God validated Jesus as the Messiah (cf. Matthew 11:1-6; Luke 7:20-23; John 3:2; 5:17-20; 8:28; Philippians 2:9).  The first is “miracles.” The word is dunamis, and it speaks of mighty, powerful, and marvelous works. The second is “wonders.” The word is teras. It speaks of an extraordinary event which is given to bring forth a reaction from those who witness it, such as a portent from heaven. The third is “signs.” The word is sémeion. A sign is something that speaks to, or provides evidence of, something else. In other words, a sign is not the thing itself, but points to something other than itself. A sign in the sky may tell the people the Messiah has come. The changing of water to wine may testify to the coming change from the Mosaic Covenant to a New Covenant.

By the Determinate Counsel and Foreknowledge of God (2:23) - Peter now gets to the point concerning the error of the Jews in what has occurred. He just noted that Christ was “attested by God” because of the “miracles, wonders, and signs” that He accomplished. This is something that they were all perfectly well aware of.  The word “determined” is translated from the Greek word horizó. One can see the root of the word “horizon.” Being a verb, it signifies “to set limits on.” There was an eternal purpose of God that set the boundaries for what would occur because God had ordained it to be so. The word is used again in Acts 17:26 where the meaning is clearly explained from the text.  As such, the process of redemption was certainly the result of the “foreknowledge of God.” Here is a new word in Scripture, prognósis. One can see the obvious connection to our modern word of the same spelling. God’s foreknowledge allows Him to There was an eternal purpose of God that set the boundaries for what would occur because God had ordained it to be so.

Wicked Hands, Have Crucified (2:23) - Peter now states the words that are connected to the idea of being “betrayed” as noted above. He says, “you have taken.” Here is a word used only once in Scripture, ekdotos. It is an adjective in the singular. Hence, it more appropriately reads, “[man] delivered.” In other words, it is referring to Jesus. With that understood, the KJV next reads, “by wicked (lawless) hands.” The translation should be singular, "hand." The guilt of the nation is highlighted in these words. It doesn’t matter if every person standing there had done this. Nor does it matter today, two thousand years later, that none of the people now alive were there. The guilt is a national guilt. Hence, Peter’s words are addressed to all.  That the Crucifixion was predetermined by God does not absolve the guilt of those who caused it.

Not Possible (2:24) - Because of His divine power (John 11:25; Hebrews 2:14) and God's promise and purpose (Luke 24:46; John 2:18-22; 1 Corinthians 15:16-26), death could not keep Jesus in the grave.

David Speaketh (2:25-28) - Here the Lord was speaking of His Resurrection prophetically through David.

Hell (or Hades) (2:27) - This is the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament "grave", or "Sheol."  Though sometimes it identifies hell (Matthew 11:23), here it refers to the general place of the dead.

His Sepulchre (Tomb) is with Us (2:29) - A reminder to the Jews that David's body had never been raised, so he could not be the fulfillment of the prophecy of Psalm 16. Peter exposits the meaning of Psalm 16 as referring not to David, but to Jesus Christ.  He would be raised to reign (vs. 30-32; cf. Psalms 2:1-9; 89:3).

Being a Prophet (2:30) - Peter quoted Psalm 132:11. As God's spokesman, David knew that God would keep His oath (2 Samuel 7;11-16) and Christ would come. Peter quoted Psalm 16:10 in the following verse.

God Raised Up (2:32) - “This Jesus,” he now repeats the fact stated in verse 2:24, saying, “God has raised up.” The repetition is to demonstrate that what he had claimed is perfectly in line with the prophecy of David. That "God has raised up" attests to His approval of Christ's work on the Cross (cf. verse 23; 10:40; 17:31; 1 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 1:20).

We All Are Witnesses (2:32) - Because of the office, the apostles remained together while all the others were scattered. Understanding this, Peter’s words now that “we all are witnesses” is most likely speaking of whatever size of group of disciples were gathered and upon whom had been poured out the Holy Spirit. As there were more than twelve languages identified by Luke, it is probable that it was a gathering of all of the disciples, and Peter is referring to all of them. Be it twelve, one hundred and twenty, or more, the matter is legally established before the people with his words. Deuteronomy 19:15 set the standard for witnesses in any testimony concerning iniquity or sin as “two or three witnesses.” That became the standard for any testimony in Israel. Jesus noted that to the Pharisees in John 8:17 because it was a clearly accepted provision among the people. Therefore, the matter of the resurrection is clearly established through the multiple witnesses standing before the people.

Being by the Right Hand of God Exalted (2:33) - “Therefore . . . exalted.” The word means “to lift up,” or “to raise on high.” Thus, it signifies “to elevate.” This happened to Christ who was dead. He was found worthy, and death could not hold Him. He was raised up – from the grave to the throne, and from the humiliation of the cross and death to the glory and power of the eternal King. The right hand signifies power, both in action (ability) and in position (authority). God’s power (His right hand) raised Jesus (Romans 10:9), and Jesus is seated at the right hand (the position of authority) of God (Romans 8:34). With this understood, Peter next says, “and having received from the Father.” What Peter will refer to is something that had to wait for the full course of these events to occur. Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God, but He remained for a span before ascending to the Father. Only with that action completed would the disciples receive “the promise of the Holy Spirit.”

The LORD said to My Lord (2:34) - Peter quoted another psalm (Psalm 110:1) concerning the exaltation of Messiah by ascension to the right hand of God, and reminds the reader that it was not fulfilled by David (as bodily Resurrection had not yet been, but by Jesus Christ (v. 36).  Peter had been an eyewitness to that Ascension (1:9-11).

Therefore, Let All the House of Israel Know Assuredly (2:36) - They are words that are to be heard, understood, and (hopefully) accepted as absolute truth. Hence Peter follows with “let . . . know.” It is the common Greek word ginóskó, signifying “to come to know,” “to recognize,” “to perceive,” and so on. Peter is indicating that the result of the surety of the matter that he has presented is intended to “let all the house of Israel” come to understand that – whether they like it or not, and whether they accept it or not – that the matter is established.

The term “house of Israel” is a way of saying “family.” In the Old Testament, Israel was the father of twelve sons. He also adopted two sons of Joseph as his own. It is this family which comprises the whole house of Israel. Descendants from all of these tribes were gathered at the temple, they had seen the effects of the coming of the Spirit upon the apostles, and they had heard the explanation of the event. From there, they were to accept what was presented and continue to convey this message to all others in this nation – the “house of Israel.” And what is it specifically that Israel is to hear, understand, and (hopefully) accept? Well, it is a thought that is based on what Peter had just presented right from Scripture, and which was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. This same "Jesus of Nazareth", who was attested to Israel by God, and whom God raised up from the dead, is the One that Peter is referring to. It is also He, as Peter says to Israel, “whom you crucified.” These words would have been like sharp arrows pointing directly at the hearts of the men standing there. What had occurred was an event that was prophesied, and it was an event that was then fulfilled. But it was an event that Israel had been responsible for.

Both Lord and Christ (2:36) - Jesus is God as well as anointed Messiah (cf. Romans 1:4; 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:9, 11). The word translated as “Lord” (kurios) signifies a Master. In the Greek, it can indicate the Lord (YHVH). The word Christ (Greek: Christos) comes from the word chrió, signifying “to anoint by rubbing or pouring olive oil on someone to represent the flow (empowering) of the Holy Spirit. Anointing (literally) involved rubbing olive oil on the head, etc., especially to present someone as divinely-authorized (appointed by God) to serve as prophet, priest or king”.  As such, it means “Anointed One.” Thus, it is a direct translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” God has made this Jesus both the Lord of Israel and the Messiah of Israel.

Pricked in their Heart (2:37) - "Pricked" means pierce, to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently. Some translations us the word cut, they essentially mean the same thing. The Greek word for "cut" means "pierce" or "stab," and thus denotes something sudden and unexpected.  In grief, remorse, and intense spiritual conviction, Peter's listeners were stunned by his indictment that they had killed their Messiah.

Repent (2:38) - This refers to a change of mind and purpose that turns an individual from sin to God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).  Such change involves more than fearing the consequences of God's judgment.  Genuine repentance knows that the evil of sin must be forsaken and the person and work of Christ totally and singularly embraced.  Peter exhorted his hearers to Repent, otherwise they would not experience true conversion.

Be Baptized (2:38) - This Greek word literally means "be dipped or immersed" in water.  Peter was obeying Christ's command from Matthew 28:19 and urging the people who repented and turned to the Lord Christ for salvation to identify, through the waters of baptism, with His death, burial, and Resurrection (cf. Romans 6:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27).  This is the first time the apostles publicly enjoined people to obey that ceremony.  Prior to this, many Jews had experienced the baptism of John the Baptist, and were also familiar with the baptism of Gentile converts to Judaism (proselytes).

In the Name of Jesus Christ (2:38) - For the new believer, it was a crucial but costly identification to accept.

For the Remission of Sins (2:38) - This might better be translated "because of the remission of sins."  Baptism does not produce forgiveness and cleansing from sin.  The reality of forgiveness precedes the rite of baptism (v. 41).  Genuine repentance brings from God the forgiveness (remission of sins (cf. Ephesians 1:7) and, because of that, the new believer was to be baptized.  Baptism, however, was to be the ever-present act of obedience, so that it became synonymous with salvation.  Thus, to say one was baptized for the forgiveness was the same as saying one was saved.  Every believer enjoys the complete remission of sins.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38) - A gift is something one cannot earn. It is grace and nothing more. And yet, Peter has said they must do something in order to receive it. The apostles had received the gift. It simply came upon them. But it did not come upon the others. This means that the reception of the gift is conditional. Repent and Believe - a heart issue. There are no works here. There are only set requirements. And the gift they would receive would be that “of the Holy Spirit.” This is salvation. It is the sealing of the person for redemption. It is receiving the full, final, and forever forgiveness of sins through the shed blood of Christ. It is moving from the Mosaic Covenant (the Law of Moses) to the New Covenant in Christ’s blood. It is the covenant that speaks of the non-imputation of sin and the surety of reconciliation with God for all eternity.

The Promise (2:39) - The Holy Spirit being poured out is the establishment of the New Covenant.  The prophesy of Jeremiah 31:31 and Joel 2:17

All Who Are Afar Off (2:39) - These are Gentiles, who would also share in the blessings of salvation.

They That Gladly Received His Word were Baptized (2:41) - The people had believed, meaning they had faith after receiving the word. In this, they were saved. And so, as an outward demonstration of the inward change, they were water baptized.

Three Thousand (2:41) - A large number indeed!  Luke's specific number suggests records were kept of conversions and baptisms.  Archeological work on the south side of the temple mount has uncovered numerous Jewish Mikvahs, large baptistry-like facilities where Jewish worshipers would immerse themselves in ritual purification before entering the temple.  More than enough existed to facilitate the large number of baptisms in a short amount of time.  

The number three thousand is an important number to see and understand. This is because it fulfills a pattern that is set forth in Scripture in which a theological point is made in Exodus 32. 

At Sinai, which according to Galatians 4 symbolizes the temple in Jerusalem, the law was received, and it was written on tablets of stone. Those tablets were given to Moses but were broken at the base of the mountain because of the people’s turning from the Lord to a false God.

After this, three thousand people died because of their sins. In Acts 2, at the temple in Jerusalem, the word of the Lord was again given, but this time it was written on the tablets of the hearts of the people, as Paul calls the work of the Spirit in 2 Corinthians 3:3. In this, three thousand people were saved because of their faith in Christ Jesus.

The two accounts are given to show the superiority of the fulfilled law in Christ to the giving of the law by Moses. One was written on stone, and it leads to death. The other is written on the heart, and it leads to life. It was a perverse generation who failed to believe, having time and again rejected the Lord in the wilderness, and it was a perverse generation who rejected Christ and sought to seek their own righteousness apart from Him. The lesson we see is that for those three thousand who died at Sinai, they died in sin because of their deeds and their failure to believe. For the three thousand who received Jesus in Jerusalem, they died to sin because of faith in the deeds of Jesus. The contrast is complete.

Morning Message: God Speaks to Seekers

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "God Speaks to Seekers"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As we read the first several verses, we should be amazed at the numbers of people, and the diverse nations that are represented by those present at this first Pentecost after the Resurrection of Jesus. The Apostles had yet to go out on a single evangelistic journey, yet so many were here.

Granted, in the Jewish tradition, many holidays required traveling to Jerusalem and meeting in the Temple with the Sanhedrin, and the priests and leaders of the Temple. Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, and in the Hebrew as Shavuot, was (is) one of those holidays. Passover had come and gone, but the Jews visiting Jerusalem then, had undoubtedly heard of the fantastic stories of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and then soon afterward, being raised from the dead Himself after a brutal and thorough crucifixion (Isaiah 52:13-15). Such a fantastic course of events, but truly devout Jews would search the Scriptures for evidence in the prophecies of old.

Our Pharisee of the Pharisees, Saul now known as the Apostle Paul, tells us in Philippians 2 that Jesus did not pump Himself up to be larger than life, but became instead a servant to all (Philippians 2:7). But people being people, spoke of His deeds of healings and miracles, and their word-of-mouth habits gave Jesus the reputation that He did not seek.

It is this same word-of-mouth that gave the Catholic sites of Fatima (Portugal), Guadalupe (Mexico), and Medjugorje (Bosnia & Herzegovina), and several others, as recognized by Catholic and Episcopal Churches for apparitions of Mary. The faithful attendees of those Churches talk amongst themselves and word spreads like wildfire. (Google “Apparitions of Mary” for a fuller list, but be careful, and discern what you may read of them. The only way to determine whether an apparition is a "lying wonder" or a genuine message from God is to compare the message of the apparition with Scripture. If the teachings that are attached to these apparitions are contrary to the Word of God, the apparitions themselves are then satanic in nature.)

Likewise, among the Jews, incredible stories were passed wide and far. Those diverse citizens stayed for the Feast of Weeks (seven weeks is 49 days, and one day more is the feast.) Visitors heard of Jesus, and gathered with Peter, James, and John to hear more of Jesus’ amazing story of miracles, and new life.

“And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.” - Isaiah 29:18

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 2:1-21 - "God Speaks to Seekers"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus left His disciples with a mission and a promise. For ten more days after Jesus ascended to heaven, the believers prayed together and prepared. Then came the Jewish feast day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is poured out as promised and Scripture tells us that they (believers) were all filled with the Holy Spirit. With the sound of a rushing mighty wind, and with tongues of fire appearing above their heads, those filled with the Holy Spirit begin to speak in other tongues (1-4). Devout Jews visiting from other countries are attracted and amazed as they hear wonderful works of God proclaimed in their own languages (5-13).

Peter realizes that the promise of Acts 1:8 is being fulfilled. Standing with the rest of the apostles, Peter seizes the opportunity to begin fulfilling his mission. He explains that what has happened is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-32), who foretold that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days (14-21).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Day of Pentecost (2:1) - "Pentecost" means "fiftieth" and refers to the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 34:22, 23) or Harvest (Leviticus 23:16), which was celebrated fifty days after Passover in May/June (Leviticus 23:15-22).  It was one of three annual feasts for which the nation was to come to Jerusalem.  At Pentecost, an offering of first fruits was made (Leviticus 23:14-19).  The Holy spirit came on this day as the firstfruits of the believer's inheritance (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:11, 14). Those gathered into the church then were also the firstfruits of the full harvest of all believers to come after.

In One Place (2:1) - The Upper Room mentioned in 1:13.

A Sound . . . as . . . Mighty Wind (2:2) - Luke's simile described God's action of sending the Holy Spirit.  Wind is frequently used in Scripture as a picture of the Spirit (cf. Ezekiel 37:9, 10; John 3:8).

Tongues, as of Fire (2:3) - The word “tongues” is glossa. It signifies a tongue, a language, or even a nation which is distinguished by its language. Even before getting to the next verse, the idea is clear. A language is being presented “as of fire.” Just as the sound, like wind, was symbolic, these were not literal flames of fire but supernatural indicators, like fire, that God had sent the Holy Spirit upon each believer.  In Scripture, fire often denoted the divine presence (cf. Exodus 3:2-6). God's use of a fire-like appearance here parallels what He did with the dove when Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16).

All (2:4) - The apostles and the 120 disciples.

Filled with the Holy Spirit (2:4) - In contrast to the baptism with the Spirit, which is the one-time act by which God places believers into His body, the filling is a repeated reality of Spirit-controlled behavior that God commands believers to maintain.  In other words, a person who is born-again, already filled with the Spirit can receive a fresh filling for a specific task.  It not a "baptism" but a "filling." Peter and many others in Acts 2 were filled with the Spirit again and so spoke boldly the Word of God.  The fullness of the spirit affects all areas of life, not just speaking boldly (cf. Ephesians 5:19-33).

Speak with Other Tongues (2:4) - "Tongues" meaning "languages."  These are known languages, not ecstatic utterances, it does not mean gibberish, nor is it something acquired over time or improved through use. It is an immediate infusion of a new language into the person who is so filled. This is evidenced in the coming verses. These languages, given to the believers as a sign to the people, came “as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Here Luke uses a word, apophtheggomai, found for the first of three times. It is seen only in Acts. It refers to a clear and plain enunciation, a declaration, and a speaking forth. The words spoken by these people were clearly conveyed, perfectly understood, and had precise meaning. The word is used again in Acts 26:25 and then explains it for his hearer – These languages given by the Spirit were a sign of judgment to unbelieving Israel.  They also showed that from then on God's people would come from all nations and marked the transition from Israel to the church.  Tongues-speaking occurs only twice more in Acts (10:46; 19:6).

Jews, Devout Men (2:5) - Hebrew males who made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  They were expected to celebrate Pentecost in Jerusalem, as part of observing the Jewish religious calendar.

This Sound (2:6) - The noise like gusty wind (v. 2), not the sound of the various languages.

Speak in His Own Language (2:6) - As the believers were speaking, each pilgrim in the crowd recognized the language or dialect from his own country.

Galileans (2:7) - In habitants of the mostly rural area of northern Israel around the Sea of Galilee.  Galilean Jews spoke with a distinct regional accent and were considered to be unsophisticated and uneducated by the southern Judean Jews.  When Galileans were seen to be speaking so many different languages, the Judean Jews were astonished.

Parthians (2:9) - They lived in what is modern Iran.

Medes (2:9) - In Daniel's time, they ruled with the Persians, but had settle in Parthia.

Elamites (2:9) - They were from the southwestern part of the Parthian Empire.

Mesopotamia (2:9) - This means "between the rivers" (the Tigris and Euphrates).  Many Jews still lived there, descendants of those who were in captivity and who never return to Palestine.

Judea (2:9) - All the region once controlled by David and Solomon, including Syria.

Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia (2:9, 10) - All were districts in Asia Minor, in what is now Turkey

Egypt (2:10) - Many Jews lived there, especially in the city of Alexandria.  The nation then covered the same general area a modern Egypt.

Libya Adjoining Cyrene (2:10) - These districts were west of Egypt, along the North African coast.

Rome (2:10) - The capital of the Roman Empire had a sizeable Jewish population, dating from the second century B.C.

Proselytes (2:10) - Gentile converts to Judaism.  Jews in Rome were especially active in seeking such converts.

Cretans (2:11) - Residents of the island of Crete, off the southern coast of Greece.

Arabs (2:11) - Jews who south of Damascus, among the Nabatean Arabs.

Wonderful Works of God (2:11) - The Christians were quoting from the Old Testament what God had done for His people (cf. Exodus 15:11; Psalms 40:5; 77:11; 96:3; 107:21).  Such praises were often heard in Jerusalem during festival times.

New Wine (2:13) - Highly inebriating. The disciples were just accused of being full of new wine. In other words, they were thought to be drunk and were simply talking in gibberish.

Stood With the Eleven (2:14) - The verb is aorist and indicates they stood first (“having stood”) and then Peter began to speak for all of them. This is probably to counter what was just said about them being drunk. When all stood, it shows that they are all clearly sober rather than swaying or falling down. As a side note, these words also are a confirmation that the selection of Matthias was fully accepted by the Lord, he being counted among the eleven. With this, it next says that Peter “raised his voice.”

The Third Hour (2:15) - The third hour is 9am in the morning. The synoptic gospels present the timing of the day in this fashion.

Last Days (2:17) - The phrase refers to the present era of redemptive history, i.e., from the First Coming of Christ (Hebrews 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 John 2:18) to His return.

All Flesh (2:17) - The term “all flesh” does not mean “every person on the earth.” It means “all believers regardless of age, sex, status, and so on.”

Visions ... Dreams (2:17) - Dreams (Genesis 20:3); Daniel 7:1) and visions (Genesis 15:1; Revelation 9:17) were some of God's most memorable means of revelation since they were pictorial in nature.  While they were not limited to believers (e.g., Abimelech, Genesis 20:3 and Pharaoh, Genesis 41:1-8), they were primarily reserved for prophets and apostles (Numbers 12:6).  While frequent in the Old Testament, they were rare in the New Testament.  In Acts, most of God's visions were associated with either Peter (chapters 10, 11) or Paul (chapters 9; 18; cf. 2 Corinthians 12:1).  Most frequently they were used to reveal apocalyptic imagery (cf. Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, Revelation).  They were not considered normal occurrences in biblical times, nor should they be so now. The time will come, however, when God will use visions and dreams during the Tribulation period as predicted by Joel 2:28-32.

Prophesy (2:18) - The proclamation of God's truth will be pervasive in the millennial kingdom.

Wonders . . . Signs (2:19) - "Wonders" is the amazement people experience when witnessing supernatural works (miracles).  "Signs" point to the power of God behind miracles.  Marvels have no value unless they point to God and His truth.  Such works were often done by the Holy Spirit through the apostles (5:12-16) and their associates (6:8) to authenticate them as the messengers of God's truth (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:3, 4).

Blood . . . Fire . . . Vapor of Smoke (2:19) - These phenomena are all connected with events surrounding Christ's Second Coming and signal the establishment of the earthly kingdom: Blood (Revelation 6:8; 8:7, 8; 9:15; 14:20; 16:3).  Fire (Revelation 8:5, 7, 8, 10); and Smoke (Revelation 9:2, 3, 17, 18; 18:9, 18).

Sun . . .Darkness . . . Moon into Blood (2:20) - See Revelation 6:12 - Accompanying the earthquake will be numerous volcanic eruptions; and large amounts of ash and debris will be blown into the earth's atmosphere, blackening the sun and giving the moon a blood-red hue (cf. Zechariah 14:6, 7).

Day of the Lord (2:20) - This Day of the Lord will come with the return of Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 19:11-15).

Whoever Calls (2:21) - Up to that hour of judgment and wrath, any who turn to Christ as Lord and Savior will be saved.