Acts 2:1-13

Passage

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.

5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages.” 12 They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re full of new wine!”

Study Questions

Acts 2:1-13

• Verse 1 notes that “they were all together in one place.” Recall Jesus’ command to them in 1:4 – “He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise.” In light of the fact that most of the disciples were from different towns in Galilee, what is the is the significance of Jesus’ command? Consider the importance of the fact that they were gathered “together in one place” as the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out. What is the significance of this?

  Their obedience to Jesus’ command allowed them to partake in the empowering of the Holy Spirit. The timing also shows the perfect nature of God’s plan in that they were all gathered in one place during that time. Translation from KJV of v.1 says:

  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

  Although HCSB translation may suggest that the timing may have been coincidental, the same Greek word used in the verse appears in other verses which suggest the impeccable and perfect timing of God. The people in the room were affected by the Holy Spirit and felt His power among them because of their obedience.

Acts 2:5-13

• Consider this picture of “devout men from every nation under heaven” (v.5) listening to the disciples declaring “magnificent acts of God” (v.11) in their own languages. What does this dissolving of communication barriers signify regarding the mission of the newly Spirit-filled believers?

  This shows God’s will in spreading the Gospel to all the nations. When Jesus started his ministry, He was a Jew so naturally, His followers were Jews. With the Holy Spirit causing the few to speak in different languages, this showed that the Gospel was meant to be carried out further than just Jerusalem. This supports what Jesus prophesied before He went up to Heaven:

  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

  This also shows we need to wait and ask the Holy Spirit to shape our language when we try to have a conversation about the Gospel to the unbelievers. The Spirit needs to give us wisdom so that we can have a fulfilling conversation and for the Spirit to work through us to touch other people’s hearts.

• What words describe the various responses to the listeners to this event? Note its parallels to the range of people’s responses to the preaching of the gospel today.

  Verses 12 and 13 describes the reactions from onlookers that were astonished by the event in front of them:

  And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

  We immediately see others discrediting the power of the Holy Spirit because it does not fit their explanation of miracles. Some even suggest that the empowered people were drunk. Like those of today, we sometimes hear that the miracles performed by Jesus were false due to the improbability of it happening. Regarding the resurrection, some accredit this to hallucinogens that could have been ingested by the witnesses.

Acts 2:1-13

• Are there some ways this passage challenges me, resonates with parts of my own story, or identifies where I am today?

  This passage shows God’s sovereignty over the world and His perfect timing. He also empowers us with His Spirit to use our speech to reach those who are lost. Although our actions are important, with the Holy Spirit, words alone can convict and change the hearts of the lost.

  While the disciples and others were waiting on the Lord, they received and answer to their prayers. They were patient and had faith to depend on Him as well as wait on Him. I also need to be more patient with God’s timing and rely on Him rather than on myself.

Free Thought

Jesus, thank you so much for dying on the cross for my sins. I deserve the Father’s judgment yet with your obedience to the point of death, I received grace to have the judgment pass over me. You are the Lamb that I do not deserve. Help me to be more patient and learn to listen to you so that I can be an obedient servant. Amen.