What happened in Acts 2?
Introduction. As many of you know, the Book of Acts is the history book of the New Testament. It covers about 32 years of history between roughly 30 A.D. to 62 A.D.. Acts chapter 2 is particularly full of important events occurring roughly 50 days after Jesus' crucifixion and about 10 days after His ascension to heaven in chapter 1.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-13 starts with the apostles being baptized in the Spirit and with power as Jesus had promised (John 16: 13; Acts 1: 5). Due to the noise, a large crowd of people gathered with the apostles miraculously speaking to all the people present in their own language (vss. 4, 7, 8).
The first "gospel" sermon. Starting in verse 14, Peter used this opportunity to preach the "gospel message" to the people, using the keys of the kingdom as Jesus foretold in Matt. 16: 19. Peter noted these miraculous manifestations were fulfillment/indicators of messianic prophecies in Joel 2: 28-32 and Isaiah 2: 2-3 . He powerfully taught that the Jews had crucified their Messiah who triumphantly was resurrected, ascended to heaven, and is now Lord and Christ.
The response. In verse 37, many listeners were convicted of the truth taught by Peter and wanted to know what to do to be forgiven of murdering their Messiah and be saved. In a pivotal passage, Peter told them to repent and be immersed in water (vss. 37-38), exhorting them with "many other words" to be saved (vs. 40). The favorable response of 3000 marked the official beginning of "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" and the inception of the Lord's church (see vss. 21, 37-41, 47).
The resulting assembly (a.k.a. church) continued to learn and worship God while the apostles continued to perform "many wonders and signs (vs. 43). Likely due to converted visitors lingering in Jerusalem long after Pentecost, a financial need arose among the brethren and was met (vss. 44-45). The chapter ends with "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved " (vs. 47 KJV).
As you can see, Acts 2 is pivotally important. We look to the Book of Acts as well as the other books of the New Testament in order to continue the same preaching, the same salvation, and the same Lord's church today. Acts 2 is a foundation chapter in this matter.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-13 starts with the apostles being baptized in the Spirit and with power as Jesus had promised (John 16: 13; Acts 1: 5). Due to the noise, a large crowd of people gathered with the apostles miraculously speaking to all the people present in their own language (vss. 4, 7, 8).
The first "gospel" sermon. Starting in verse 14, Peter used this opportunity to preach the "gospel message" to the people, using the keys of the kingdom as Jesus foretold in Matt. 16: 19. Peter noted these miraculous manifestations were fulfillment/indicators of messianic prophecies in Joel 2: 28-32 and Isaiah 2: 2-3 . He powerfully taught that the Jews had crucified their Messiah who triumphantly was resurrected, ascended to heaven, and is now Lord and Christ.
The response. In verse 37, many listeners were convicted of the truth taught by Peter and wanted to know what to do to be forgiven of murdering their Messiah and be saved. In a pivotal passage, Peter told them to repent and be immersed in water (vss. 37-38), exhorting them with "many other words" to be saved (vs. 40). The favorable response of 3000 marked the official beginning of "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" and the inception of the Lord's church (see vss. 21, 37-41, 47).
The resulting assembly (a.k.a. church) continued to learn and worship God while the apostles continued to perform "many wonders and signs (vs. 43). Likely due to converted visitors lingering in Jerusalem long after Pentecost, a financial need arose among the brethren and was met (vss. 44-45). The chapter ends with "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved " (vs. 47 KJV).
As you can see, Acts 2 is pivotally important. We look to the Book of Acts as well as the other books of the New Testament in order to continue the same preaching, the same salvation, and the same Lord's church today. Acts 2 is a foundation chapter in this matter.