Acts 2:1-47

Acts 2

We have here the history of the first Christian revival. Let us trace it through, and mark at once its origin and its characteristics.

I. It was ushered in by prayer. Like true children of God, these first disciples waited and prayed, asking evermore, that they might receive the Holy Ghost according to His word. And herein they rebuke us dreadfully, for in our petitions we far too largely neglect the Holy Ghost.

II. The revival began in the Church in the quickening and enlightening of those who were already disciples. To have the world converted, we must have the Church purified and ennobled, through the enjoyment of a rich effusion of the Holy Ghost.

III. The revival was characterised by the preaching of the truth. Peter's discourse was (1) Biblical, (2) experimental, (3) pointed and courageous.

IV. This revival was characterised by many conversions.

W. M. Taylor, Peter the Apostle,p. 170.

References: Acts 2 Parker, City Temple,1871, p. 333.Acts 3:1. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. iii., p. 457; Homilist,3rd series, vol. iii., p. 247.