Can you analyze Acts Chapter 2?
Introduction. Acts 2 is of great importance, being one of the most important chapters in the Bible. Much expectation and many prophecies looked to Acts 2 for fulfillment. It captures the actual beginning of pristine Christianity. It begins with the guidance of the apostles into all truth by means of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1: 8-2: 1-13). It presents the gospel message with Jesus as the arisen and reigning Savior and king (2: 22 ff.). Act 2 offers salvation based on belief in those facts, repentance of sin, and water immersion to have the "remission of sins" (2: 14-47). It also marks the the beginning of the church (2: 47, KJV).
The preparation and the preacher. Preparation had been made for the events of Acts 2 for at least 800 years. The gospel for all nations was to be preached in Jerusalem (Isa. 2: 2-3, Acts 2: 14 ff.). The church (kingdom) was to be established, and the new covenant was to be brought in (Dan. 2: 44, Matt. 3: 1-2, Mk. 9: 1; Jere. 31: 31-34). All the apostles spoke, but Peter was the "main" speaker, with the keys of the kingdom (Acts 2: 14, Matt. 16: 18-19). He charged them with the murder of Jesus and offered pardoned (vs. 23).
The message and results. Luke records Peter's sermon in 26 verses (vss. 14-40). The sermon was relevant, serious, defensive, authoritative, challenging, exclusive, enjoined responsibility, and stated that forgiveness was contingent on repentance and baptism (vss. 14-38). Out of all the great number assembled, about three thousand "...gladly received his word and were baptized..." (vs. 41).
Conclusion. If our "religion" did not begin in Acts 2, it is not pristine Christianity. The church, the gospel, and salvation today must be the same as was introduced in Acts chapter two.
The preparation and the preacher. Preparation had been made for the events of Acts 2 for at least 800 years. The gospel for all nations was to be preached in Jerusalem (Isa. 2: 2-3, Acts 2: 14 ff.). The church (kingdom) was to be established, and the new covenant was to be brought in (Dan. 2: 44, Matt. 3: 1-2, Mk. 9: 1; Jere. 31: 31-34). All the apostles spoke, but Peter was the "main" speaker, with the keys of the kingdom (Acts 2: 14, Matt. 16: 18-19). He charged them with the murder of Jesus and offered pardoned (vs. 23).
The message and results. Luke records Peter's sermon in 26 verses (vss. 14-40). The sermon was relevant, serious, defensive, authoritative, challenging, exclusive, enjoined responsibility, and stated that forgiveness was contingent on repentance and baptism (vss. 14-38). Out of all the great number assembled, about three thousand "...gladly received his word and were baptized..." (vs. 41).
Conclusion. If our "religion" did not begin in Acts 2, it is not pristine Christianity. The church, the gospel, and salvation today must be the same as was introduced in Acts chapter two.