Acts 2

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

1On the day Pentecost was being fulfilled, # 2:1 Or “came to be fulfilled.” The Greek word means “to fill completely (to be fulfilled).” Pentecost was one of the main feasts of Israel. The name is derived from pentekostos, which means “fiftieth,” since it was held on the fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath. It was also known as the Feast of Harvest. all the disciples were gathered in one place. 2Suddenly they heard the sound of a violent blast of wind # 2:2 The Aramaic can also be translated “like the roar of a groaning spirit.” This mighty wind is for power; the breath of Jesus breathed into his disciples in John 20:22 was for life. rushing into the house # 2:2 Or “It filled the house.” Tradition says they were gathered in an upper room; however, it is more likely that it was the House of the Lord (the temple), where they all gathered to celebrate Pentecost. See also Luke 24:53. from out of the heavenly realm. The roar of the wind was so overpowering it was all anyone could bear! 3Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. # 2:3 This was the pillar of fire that led Israel from bondage into the promised land. The same pillar of fire manifested here to initiate a new beginning from dead religious structures into the powerful life of the Spirit. Each believer received an overpowering flame of fire, signified by the shaft of light that engulfed them. It was as though each one received his own personal pillar of fire that would empower him and lead him throughout his life. This was the promise Jesus gave to his disciples of “the one like me” (John 14:26), who would be sent by the Father and never leave them. Today every believer is indwelt by the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9). This was the birthday of the church of Jesus Christ. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed # 2:3 Or “rested over them.” each one of them. 4They were all filled and equipped # 2:4 There are two Greek words used here for “filled.” In v. 2, it is pleroo, which means “filled inwardly.” In v. 4 it is pletho, which means “filled outwardly” or “furnished and equipped.” This was the anointing of the Spirit for ministry. Every believer needs the filling of the Spirit both inwardly for life and outwardly for ministry. with the Holy Spirit and were inspired # 2:4 The Greek word apotheggomai literally means “to ring out” (like a bell). It can also mean “carried along” or “inspired.” to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!

5Now, at that time there were Jewish worshipers # 2:5 Or “devout Jewish men.” who had emigrated from many different lands to live in Jerusalem. 6When the people # 2:6 The Greek word andres implies respect, such as “ladies and gentlemen.” of the city heard the roaring sound, crowds came running to where it was coming from, stunned over what was happening, because each one could hear the disciples speaking in his or her own language. 7Bewildered, they said to one another, “Aren’t these all Galileans? # 2:7 It is likely they knew they were Galileans by their Aramaic dialect common in Galilee. 8So how is it that we hear them speaking in our own languages? 9We are northeastern Iranians, # 2:9 Or “Parthians.” northwestern Iranians, # 2:9 Or “Medes.” Elamites, # 2:9 This area is now Khuzestan and the Ilam Province, including a small part of southern Iraq. and those from Mesopotamia, # 2:9 The Aramaic is Beth-Nahrin, which means “land of the rivers.” This would include Iraq, parts of Syria, southeastern Turkey, and southwestern Iran. The Assyrians also consider themselves to be natives of Beth-Nahrin (Mesopotamia). Judea, east central Turkey, # 2:9 Or “Cappadocia.” the coastal areas of the Black Sea, # 2:9 Or “Pontus,” which is northeastern Turkey. Pontus means “sea.” Asia, # 2:9 Or “Orientals.” 10north central Turkey, # 2:10 Or “Phrygia.” southern Turkey, Egypt, Libyans who are neighbors of Cyrene, visitors from all over the Roman Empire, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs. 11Yet we hear them speaking of God’s mighty wonders in our own dialects!” # 2:11 This is the universal remedy of the curse of Babel, where human beings were divided by languages (Gen. 11:9). Now, in Christ, the language of the Spirit unifies us all in him. 12They all stood there, dumbfounded and astonished, saying to one another, “What is this phenomenon?” # 2:12 As translated from the Aramaic.

13But others poked fun at them and said, “They’re just drunk on new wine.”

Peter’s Pentecost Sermon

14Peter stood up with the eleven apostles # 2:14 All of the twelve standing there would prove that they were not drunk. They stood before this massive crowd, possibly in the courts of the temple. There were three thousand converted and baptized that day, so the crowd was possibly much larger than that. and shouted # 2:14 See footnote for v. 4. Peter was speaking under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The tongues being spoken, along with the sound of the wind, drew the crowd. Peter would have spoken to them in the common language of Aramaic. Even with the Galilean and Judean dialects, nearly all of the Jewish people present would understand his words. to the crowd. “Listen carefully, my fellow Jews # 2:14 Or “you Jewish men.” This is also used in Acts 2:22; 3:12; 5:35; 13:16; 21:28. and residents of Jerusalem. You need to clearly understand what’s happening here. 15These people are not drunk like you think they are, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. # 2:15 Or “the third hour,” the time for Jewish morning prayer. 16This is the fulfillment of what was prophesied through the prophet Joel, for God says: # 2:16 See Joel 2:28–32.

17‘This is what I will do in the last days # 2:17 The New Testament term “the last days” began at Pentecost and extends until the return of Christ. We have technically been in “the last days” for over two thousand years. —I will pour out # 2:17 Or “gush forth,” or “run greedily.” The Aramaic can be translated “I will be splashing my Spirit-Wind over all flesh” (humanity). my Spirit on everybody and cause your sons and daughters to prophesy, and your young men will see visions, # 2:17 Or “divinely appointed appearances.” The Greek word for “visions,” horasis, can also mean “our eyes opened to have divine encounters and see into the spiritual realm.” These are not daydreams but visions of the heavenly realm. (See Strong’s Concordance, Gr. 3700 and 3706.) and your old men will experience dreams from God. # 2:17 This verse can be translated from the Aramaic as “Your grandparents shall see visions and your priests shall dream dreams.” 18The Holy Spirit will come upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. 19I will reveal startling signs and wonders in the sky above and mighty miracles on the earth below. Blood and fire and pillars of clouds # 2:19 Or “columns [plumes] of smoke.” The Aramaic can be translated “the sweet smell of burning incense.” will appear. 20For the sun will be turned dark # 2:20 This could be a figure of speech similar to “Lights out on the old order.” The Aramaic is “The sun will be in mourning.” Perhaps this prophecy was fulfilled when Christ was crucified. and the moon blood-red before that great and awesome appearance of the day of the Lord. 21But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord # 2:21 The Aramaic can be translated “Whoever calls on the name of Jesus as the Messiah will receive life.” will be saved.’ ”

22Peter continued, “People of Israel, listen to the facts. # 2:22 Peter wisely begins his sermon with a recounting of Jewish history, keeping the main point of his sermon until the end. A great transformation had taken place in Peter, who had denied Christ three times only six weeks ago. Now he preaches with power and authority. This is the difference the Holy Spirit makes in the life of a believer. Jesus, the Victorious, # 2:22 Or “Jesus the Nazarene” (the Branch). The Aramaic word used here also implies the title of an heir of a powerful family, or one who is victorious (“Jesus, the Victorious”). was a man on a divine mission # 2:22 The Aramaic is “the man from God,” which may be an idiomatic saying for “the man born of God.” whose authority was clearly proven. For you know how God performed many powerful miracles, signs, and wonders through him. 23This Man’s destiny was prearranged, for God knew that Jesus would be handed over to you to be crucified and that you would execute him on a cross by the hands of lawless men. Yet it was all part of his predetermined plan. 24God destroyed the cords of death # 2:24 As translated from the Aramaic, which can also be translated “God destroyed death’s destruction.” The Greek is “God freed him from the travails of death.” The Greek word translated “travails” is commonly used for the labor pains of childbirth. and raised him up, because it was impossible for death’s power to hold him prisoner. 25This is the very thing David prophesied about him: # 2:25 See Ps. 16:8–11.

‘I continually see the Lord # 2:25 The Hebrew-Aramaic word is Yahweh. in front of me.

He’s at my right hand, and I am never shaken. # 2:25 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “so that I will not be shaken.”

26No wonder my heart is glad and my glory celebrates! # 2:26 As translated from the Aramaic.

My mouth is filled with his praises,

and I have hope that my body will live # 2:26 The Greek word for “live” (kataskenosei) is always used for “pitch a tent.” Or “My body will pitch its tent in hope (expectation).” The Aramaic is “Even my body he will restore to hope.”

27because you will not leave my soul among the dead, # 2:27 The Aramaic is “Sheol”; the Greek is “Hades.” Both refer to the realm of death.

nor will you allow your sacred one to experience decay.

28For you have revealed to me the pathways to life,

and seeing your face fills me with euphoria!’ # 2:28 This Greek word (euphrosune) occurs only here and in Acts 14:17. It is the spirit of joy, an ecstasy that comes from God. The Aramaic is “You will fill me, O Sweetness, with your presence.”

29“My fellow Jews, I can tell you there is no doubt that our noted patriarch has both died and been buried in his tomb, which remains to this day. So you can see that he was not referring to himself with those words. 30But as a prophet, he knew God’s faithful promise, made with God’s unbreakable oath, that one of his descendants would take his throne. # 2:30 See Ps. 132:11; Luke 1:32. 31So when peering into the future, David prophesied # 2:31 The Aramaic can be translated “David rose up after seeing a vision and he saw.” of the Messiah’s resurrection. And God revealed to him that the Messiah would not be abandoned to the realm of death, nor would his body experience decay.

32“Can’t you see it? God has resurrected Jesus, and we all have seen him! # 2:32 Or “of whom we are witnesses,” which implies that they all had seen the resurrected Jesus.

33“Then God exalted him to his right hand upon the throne of highest honor. And the Father gave him the authority to send the promised Holy Spirit, which is being poured out # 2:33 The Aramaic is “splashed out the gift of the Holy Spirit.” upon us today. This is what you’re seeing and hearing!

34“David wasn’t the one who ascended into heaven, but the one who prophesied:

‘Yahweh # 2:34 As translated from the Aramaic. said to my Lord,

I honor you by enthroning you beside me, # 2:34 Or “at my right hand.”

35until I make your enemies

a footstool beneath your feet.’ # 2:35 See Ps. 110:1, which is the most frequently quoted Old Testament verse found in the New Testament. This shows there is a continuing work of defeating Christ’s enemies as his kingdom increases on earth as it is in heaven.

36“Now everyone in Israel # 2:36 Or “all the house of Israel.” can know for certain # 2:36 Or “inescapably,” for no one can escape the claims of Christ. that Jesus, whom you crucified, is the one God has made # 2:36 The Aramaic is “Lord Yahweh made him [from birth] to be both Elohim and Messiah.” The Greek verb used for “made” can also mean “brought forth.” This is a clear statement of both Jesus’ humanity (God brought him forth by human birth) and his deity. both Lord # 2:36 Y’shua (Jesus) is now Lord of a new creation company, a new heaven, and a new earth—he is Lord of all. The Greek word kurios is not necessarily a divine title. The Aramaic text uses a clear title of Jesus’ deity. and the Messiah.”

The Crowd Responds to Peter’s Words

37When they heard this they were crushed and realized what they had done to Jesus. # 2:37 This Greek verb indicates the deepest sorrow and emotional agitation. It is taken from a root word that means “mortally wounded” and is found only here in all the New Testament. Deeply moved, they said to Peter and the other apostles, “What do we need to do, brothers?” # 2:37 The Aramaic contains an idiomatic figure of speech, “What do we need to do to be your brothers?”

38Peter replied, “Repent and return to God, # 2:38 The Greek word translated “repent” means both “to change the mind and direction of your life” and “to turn back to God.” and each one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Anointed One, # 2:38 Peter was likely saying these words from the steps of the temple. Below him were dozens of mikveh (immersion pools used for ceremonial cleanings of Jewish worshipers). Peter was pointing them to the cleansing that comes through the name and authority of Jesus Christ. The Aramaic is startling: “Be immersed in the name of Lord Yahweh Y’shua.” Peter is clearly saying that Lord Yahweh and Jesus are one and the same. to have your sins removed. Then you may take hold of the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For God’s promise of the Holy Spirit is for you # 2:39 The Aramaic can be translated “This outpouring is for you.” and your families, for those yet to be born # 2:39 Or “for those who are far away (gentiles).” and for everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

40Peter preached to them and warned them with these words: “Be rescued from the wayward and perverse culture of this world!” # 2:40 Or “Be free from and preserved from this crooked people!”

41Those who believed the word that day numbered three thousand. They were all baptized and added to the church. # 2:41 Although the word church is not in the text, it is implied. They were converted by the message of Peter and brought into the fellowship of the believers.

The Community of Believers

42Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings # 2:42 The Greek word didache means “skilled instruction and training.” of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, # 2:42 Or “They became partners.” sharing communion # 2:42 Or “breaking of bread.” This was more than sharing meals, but participating together in observing the Lord’s Table. The Aramaic, which can be translated “the Eucharist” or “holy communion,” makes it even more explicit. and coming together regularly for prayer. # 2:42 Or “[all kinds of] prayers.” 43A deep sense of holy awe # 2:43 Or “Fear [of God] came upon every person.” swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. # 2:43 The Aramaic adds, “in Jerusalem,” which is missing in the Greek. 44All the believers were in fellowship as one body, # 2:44 Or “added into one body.” and they shared with one another whatever they had. 45Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. 46Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. 47They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life. # 2:47 As translated from the Aramaic. The Aramaic word for “church” is the joining of “meet” and “come.” This word is an invitation to enter into fellowship with Christ and his people. The Greek word for “church” is ekklesia, which is “called-out ones.” (See the second footnote on Matt. 16:18.)

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Acts 2: TPT

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Acts 2

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a noise came from heaven. It sounded like a strong wind blowing. This noise filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. 4They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this.

5There were some godly Jews in Jerusalem at this time. They were from every country in the world. 6A large crowd came together because they heard the noise. They were surprised because, as the apostles were speaking, everyone heard in their own language.

7They were all amazed at this. They did not understand how the apostles could do this. They said, “Look! These men we hear speaking are all from Galilee.#2:7 from Galilee The people thought men from Galilee could speak only their own language. 8But we hear them in our own languages. How is this possible? We are from all these different places: 9Parthia, Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the areas of Libya near the city of Cyrene, Rome, 11Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others have changed their religion to worship God like Jews. We are from these different countries, but we can hear these men in our own languages! We can all understand the great things they are saying about God.”

12The people were all amazed and confused. They asked each other, “What is happening?” 13But others were laughing at the apostles, saying they were drunk from too much wine.

Peter Speaks to the People

14Then Peter stood up with the other eleven apostles. He spoke loudly so that all the people could hear. He said, “My Jewish brothers and all of you who live in Jerusalem, listen to me. I will tell you something you need to know. Listen carefully. 15These men are not drunk as you think; it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. 16But Joel the prophet wrote about what you see happening here today. This is what he wrote:

17‘God says: In the last days

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy.

Your young men will see visions.

Your old men will have special dreams.

18In those days I will pour out my Spirit

on my servants, men and women,

and they will prophesy.

19I will work wonders in the sky above.

I will cause miraculous signs on the earth below.

There will be blood, fire, and thick smoke.

20The sun will be changed into darkness,

and the moon will be as red as blood.

Then the great and glorious day of the Lord will come.

21And everyone who trusts in the Lord#2:21 who trusts in the Lord Literally, “who calls on the name of the Lord,” meaning to show faith in him by worshiping him or praying to him for help. will be saved.’ Joel 2:28-32

22“My fellow Israelites, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you. He proved it by the miracles, wonders, and miraculous signs he did through Jesus. You all saw these things, so you know this is true. 23Jesus was handed over to you, and you killed him. With the help of evil men, you nailed him to a cross. But God knew all this would happen. It was his plan—a plan he made long ago. 24Jesus suffered the pain of death, but God made him free. He raised him from death. There was no way for death to hold him. 25David said this about him:

‘I saw the Lord before me always;

he is at my right side to keep me safe.

26So my heart is happy,

and the words I speak are words of joy.

Yes, even my body will live with hope,

27because you will not leave me in the place of death.#2:27 place of death Literally, “Hades.” Also in verse 31.

You will not let the body of your Holy One rot in the grave.

28You taught me how to live.

You will come close to me and give me great joy.’ Psalm 16:8-11

29“My brothers, I can tell you for sure about David, our great ancestor. He died, was buried, and his tomb is still here with us today. 30He was a prophet and knew something that God had said. God had promised David that someone from his own family would sit on David’s throne as king.#2:30 God had promised … as king See 2 Sam. 7:12, 13 and Ps. 132:11. 31David knew this before it happened. That is why he said this about that future king:

‘He was not left in the place of death.

His body did not rot in the grave.’

David was talking about the Messiah rising from death. 32So Jesus is the one God raised from death. We are all witnesses of this. We saw him. 33Jesus was lifted up to heaven. Now he is with God, at God’s right side. The Father has given the Holy Spirit to him, as he promised. So Jesus has now poured out that Spirit. This is what you see and hear. 34David was not the one who was lifted up to heaven. David himself said,

‘The Lord God said to my Lord:

Sit at my right side,

35until I put your enemies under your power.#2:35 until I put … power Literally, “until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ Psalm 110:1

36“So, all the people of Israel should know this for certain: God has made Jesus to be Lord and Messiah. He is the man you nailed to the cross!”

37When the people heard this, they felt very, very sorry. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

38Peter said to them, “Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Then God will forgive your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39This promise is for you. It is also for your children and for the people who are far away. It is for everyone the Lord our God calls to himself.”

40Peter warned them with many other words; he begged them, “Save yourselves from the evil of the people who live now!” 41Then those who accepted what Peter said were baptized. On that day about 3000 people were added to the group of believers.

The Believers Share

42The believers spent their time listening to the teaching of the apostles. They shared everything with each other. They ate#2:42 ate Literally, “broke bread.” This may mean a meal or the Lord’s Supper, the special meal Jesus told his followers to eat to remember him. Also in verse 46. See Lk. 22:14-20. together and prayed together. 43Many wonders and miraculous signs were happening through the apostles, and everyone felt great respect for God. 44All the believers stayed together and shared everything. 45They sold their land and the things they owned. Then they divided the money and gave it to those who needed it. 46The believers shared a common purpose, and every day they spent much of their time together in the Temple area. They also ate together in their homes. They were happy to share their food and ate with joyful hearts. 47The believers praised God and were respected by all the people. More and more people were being saved every day, and the Lord was adding them to their group.

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