The book of Acts has so much to say not only about our past but also about today and how followers of Jesus are called to live. This book also speaks to those who don't yet know Jesus as Savior, those on the fence, seekers, doubters and those questioning or interested.

Chapter 2

Acts 2:1-2 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a soundalike the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting."

This chapter starts out with the Jewish Festival of Shavuot or Pentecost. And the disciples and others gathered in a house. There would have been 10's of thousands of people gathered in the streets of Jerusalem and at the Temple for this festival.

Acts 2:3-4 "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them." Rushing wind! Tongues of fire!

Acts 2:5ff The group has moved into the streets and Jews from every nation who had come to Jerusalem for the festival, heard the sound of the wind and gathered in bewilderment because each one heard their own language being spoken by those with the tongues of fire. The crowds were amazed to hear the disciples with the tongues of fire declaring the wonders of God in their own languages.

In verse 13 we hear the disciples being made fun of as they speak in tongues. Some people saying they are drunk. But in the following verses Peter speaks to the crowd.

Then and Now

Holy Spirit is Predicted by Joel (Acts 16-21)

Then: Peter speaks the prophetic words from God given to Joel "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Peter ends with "and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." They were witnessing what was predicted/prophesied hundreds of years earlier. This book (often referred to as The Acts of the Holy Spirit) shows us the remarkable ways God was moving.
Now: Pentecost ushered in a new era in human history. In our day God's spirit is still moving. The gospel of Jesus is spreading around the world like never before. It is everywhere. God continues to move and pour out His spirit and change people's lives.

The Risen Christ is Proven by God (Acts 2:22-24)

Then: Jesus' miracles and teachings were seen and witnessed. Jesus was crucified on a cross but God raised Him from the dead. They had living proof.
Now: No human life has ever made so powerful an impact than did the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has changed the world. And we have the recorded history of those who did witness Jesus works, death and resurrection.

Messiah was Predicted by David (Acts 2:25-31)

Then: Peter quotes David who believed that there was One who would come and not see decay and would be One who would save. Peter continues by saying this One David talked about was none other than Jesus Christ.
Now: God continues to be at work today and the things that Jesus spoke of that would come and those things He predicted are being fulfilled today.

Jesus Ascended and was Exalted by God (Acts 2:32-35)

Then: Peter tells them how God raised Jesus from the grave and has poured out the Holy Spirit and that they were witnesses to that. Peter tells them that Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship!
Now: this is true for us today. Jesus is risen! He continues to pour out His Holy Spirit! Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship!

Accountability because You crucified Him (Acts 2:36-37)

Then: Peter gets personal, telling them that "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." And "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" The message of Jesus demands a response. We are collectively guilty of crucifying Jesus. We all have sinned.
Now: The message of Jesus still demands a response. It is our sin that put Jesus on the cross. And still today, when people hear and internalize the message of Jesus Christ it changes them.

Forgiveness brings New Life in Christ (Acts 2:38-41)

Then: Peter called them to repentance and baptism
Now: have you heeded the call to come to faith in Jesus. This is still the desire of God, that we come to Him through faith in Jesus, that we repent, are baptized and give our lives to Him.

Pastor closes with a look at the recently discovered Pool of Siloam and its archeological impact on what the Bible says.

This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:

Acts chapter 2 (if you want to read ahead, read chapter 3 as well)

Join the conversation around this teaching. Download our Awake Us Now APP, then join the conversation.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com