AND WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST - The word “Pentecost” is a Greek word signifying the 50th part of a thing, or the 50th in order. Among the Jews it was a applied to one of their three great feasts which began on the 50th day after the Passover. This feast was reckoned from the 16th day of the month Ab... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SUDDENLY - It burst upon them at once. Though they were waiting for the descent of the Spirit, yet it is not probable that they expected it in this manner. As this was an important event, and one on which the welfare of the church depended, it was proper that the gift of the Holy Spirit should t... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THERE APPEARED UNTO THEM - There were seen by them, or they saw. The fire was first seen by them in the room before it rested in the form of tongues on the heads of the disciples. Perhaps the fire appeared at first as scintillations or coruscations, until it became fixed on their heads. TONGUES... [ Continue Reading ]
WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST - Were entirely under his sacred influence and power. See the notes on Luke 1:41, Luke 1:67. To be filled with anything is a phrase denoting that all the faculties are pervaded by it, engaged in it, or under its influence, Acts 3:10, “Were filled with wonder and a... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE WERE DWELLING AT JERUSALEM - The word rendered “dwelling” - κατοικοῦντες katoikountes - properly means to have a fixed and permanent habitation, in distinction from another word - παροικοῦντες paroikeountes - which means to have a temporary and transient residence in a place. But it is not a... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN THIS WAS NOISED ABROAD - When the rumor of this remarkable transaction was spread, as it naturally would be. WERE CONFOUNDED - συνεχύθη sunechuthē̄. The word used here means literally “to pour together,” hence, “to confound, confuse.” It is used: (a)Of an assembly or multitude thrown into c... [ Continue Reading ]
GALILEANS - Inhabitants of Galilee. It was remarkable that they should speak in this manner, because: * They were ignorant, rude, and uncivilized, John 1:46. Hence, the term Galilean was used as an expression of the deepest reproach and contempt, Mark 14:70; John 7:52. * Their dialect was prover... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREIN WE WERE BORN - That is, as we say, in our native language; what is spoken where we were born.... [ Continue Reading ]
PARTHIANS ... - To show the surprising extent and power of this miracle, Luke enumerates the different nations that were represented then at Jerusalem. In this way the number of languages which the apostles spoke, and the extent of the miracle, can be ascertained. The enumeration of these nations be... [ Continue Reading ]
PHRYGIA, AND PAMPHYLIA - These were also two provinces of Asia Minor. Phrygia was surrounded by Galatia, Cappadocia, and Pisidia. Pamphylia was on the Mediterranean, and was bounded north by Pisidia. The language of all these places was doubtless the Greek, more or less pure. IN EGYPT - This was th... [ Continue Reading ]
CRETES - Crete, now called Candia, is an island in the Mediterranean, about 200 miles in length and 50 in breadth, about 500 miles southwest of Constantinople, and about the same distance west of Syria or Palestine. The climate is mild and delightful, the sky unclouded and serene. By some this islan... [ Continue Reading ]
WERE IN DOUBT - This expression, διηπόρουν diēporoun, denotes “a state of hesitancy or anxiety about an event.” It is applied to those who are traveling, and are ignorant of the way, or who hesitate about the road. They were all astonished at this; they did not know how to understand it or explain... [ Continue Reading ]
OTHERS, MOCKING, SAID - The word rendered “mocking” means “to cavil, to deride.” It occurs in the New Testament in only one other place: Acts 17:32, “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked.” This was an effect that was not confined to the day of Pentecost. There has seldom... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT PETER - This was in accordance with the natural temperament of Peter. He was bold, forward, ardent; and he rose now to defend the apostles of Jesus Christ, and Christ himself, from an injurious charge. Not daunted by ridicule or opposition, he felt that now was the time for preaching the gospel... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THESE ARE NOT DRUNKEN ... - The word these here includes Peter himself, as well as the others. The charge doubtless extended to all. THE THIRD HOUR OF THE DAY - The Jews divided their day into twelve equal parts, reckoning from sunrise to sunset. Of course the hours were longer in summer than i... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS IS THAT - This is the fulfillment of that, or this was predicted. This was the second part of Peter’s argument, to show that this was in accordance with the predictions in their own Scriptures. BY THE PROPHET JOEL - Joel 2:28. This is not quoted literally, either from the Hebrew or the Septuag... [ Continue Reading ]
IT SHALL COME TO PASS - It shall happen, or shall occur. IN THE LAST DAYS - Hebrew, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, after these things, or afterward. The expression the last days, however, occurs frequently in the Old Testament: Genesis 49:1, Jacob called his sons, that he might tell them what should h... [ Continue Reading ]
AND ON MY SERVANTS - The Hebrew text in Joel is “upon the servants.” The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, however, render it “on my servants.” In Joel, the prophet would seem to be enumerating the different conditions and ranks of society. The influences of the Spirit would be confined to no class;... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL SHOW WONDERS - Literally, “I will give signs” - δώσω τέρατα dōsō terata. The word in the Hebrew, מופתים mowpatiym, means properly “prodigies; wonderful occurrences; miracles performed by God or his messengers,” Exodus 4:21; Exodus 7:3, Exodus 7:9; Exodus 11:9; Deuteronomy 4:34, etc. It is... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS - See the notes on Matthew 24:29. The same images used here with reference to the sun and moon are used also there: They occur not infrequently, Mark 13:24; 2 Peter 3:7. The shining of the sun is an emblem of prosperity; the withdrawing, the eclipse, or the sett... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL - In the midst of these wonders and dangers, whosoever should call on the Lord should be delivered (Joel). The name of the Lord is the same as the Lord himself. It is a Hebraism, signifying to call on the Lord, Psalms 79:6; Zechariah 13:9. SHALL BE SAVED - In Hebrew, shall be de... [ Continue Reading ]
YE MEN OF ISRAEL - Descendants of Israel or Jacob, that is, Jews. Peter proceeds now to the third part of his argument, to show that Jesus Christ had been raised up; that the scene which had occurred was in accordance with his promise, was proof of his resurrection, and of his exaltation to be the M... [ Continue Reading ]
HIM, BEING DELIVERED - ἔκδοτον ekdoton. This word, delivered, is used commonly of those who are surrendered or delivered into the hands of enemies or adversaries. It means that Jesus was surrendered, or given up to his enemies by those who should have been his protectors. Thus, he was delivered to... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOM GOD HATH RAISED UP - This was the main point, in this part of his argument, which Peter wished to establish. He could not but admit that the Messiah had been in an ignominious manner put to death. But he now shows them that God had also raised him up; had thus given his attestation to his doctr... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR DANIEL SPEAKETH ... - This doctrine that the Messiah must rise from the dead Peter proceeds to prove by a quotation from the Old Testament. This passage is taken from Psalms 16:8. It is made from the Greek version of the Septuagint, with only one slight and unimportant change. Nor is there any m... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE - Peter ascribes these expressions to the Messiah. The reason why he would exult or rejoice was, that he would be preserved amidst the sorrows that were coming on him, and could look forward to the triumph that awaited him. Thus, Paul says Hebrews 12:2 that “Jesus ...“for the joy that was... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU WILT NOT LEAVE MY SOUL - The word “soul,” with us, means “the thinking, the immortal part of man,” and is applied to it whether existing in connection with the body or separate from it. The Hebrew word translated “soul” here, נפשׁ nephesh, however, may mean “spirit, mind, life,” and may denote... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST MADE KNOWN ... - The Hebrew is, “Thou wilt make known to me,” etc. In relation to the Messiah, it means, Thou wilt restore me to life. THE WAYS OF LIFE - This properly means the path to life; as we say, the road to preferment or honor; the path to happiness; the highway to ruin, etc. See... [ Continue Reading ]
MEN AND BRETHREN - This passage of the Psalms Peter now proves could not relate to David, but must have reference to the Messiah. He begins his argument in a respectful manner, addressing them as his brethren, though they had just charged him and the others with intoxication. Christians should use t... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE - As David was dead and buried, it was clear that he could not have referred to himself in this remarkable declaration. It followed that he must have had reference to some other one. BEING A PROPHET - One who foretold future events. That David was inspired is clear, 2 Samuel 23:2. Many of... [ Continue Reading ]
HE, SEEING THIS BEFORE ... - By the spirit of prophecy. From this it appears that David had distinct views of the great doctrines pertaining to the Messiah. SPAKE ... - See Psalms 16:1. THAT HIS SOUL ... - See the notes on Acts 2:27.... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS JESUS - Peter, having shown that it was predicted that the Messiah would rise, now affirms that such a resurrection occurred in the case of Jesus. If it was a matter of prophecy, all objection to the truth of the doctrine was taken away, and the only question was whether there was evidence that... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE, BEING BY THE RIGHT HAND - The right hand among the Hebrews was often used to denote “power”; and the expression here means, not that he was exalted to the right hand of God. but by his power. He was raised from the dead by his power, and borne to heaven, triumphant over all his enemies. T... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR DAVID IS NOT ASCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS - That is, David has not risen from the dead and ascended to heaven. This further shows that Psalms 16:1 could not refer to David, but must refer to the Messiah. Great as they esteemed David, and much as they were accustomed to apply these expressions of th... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE LET ALL ... - “Convinced by the prophecies, by our testimony, and by the remarkable scenes exhibited on the day of Pentecost, let all be convinced that the true Messiah has come and has been exalted to heaven.” HOUSE OF ISRAEL - The word “house” often means “family”: “let all the family o... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW WHEN THEY HEARD THIS - When they heard this declaration of Peter, and this proof that Jesus was the Messiah. There was no fanaticism in his discourse; it was cool, close, pungent reasoning. He proved to them the truth of what he was saying, and thus prepared the way for this effect. THEY WERE P... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN PETER SAID UNTO THEM - Peter had been the chief speaker, though others had also addressed them. He now, in the name of all, directed the multitude what to do. REPENT - See the notes on Matthew 3:2. Repentance implies sorrow for sin as committed against God, along with a purpose to forsake it. I... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE PROMISE - That is, the promise respecting the particular thing of which he was speaking - the influences of the Holy Spirit. This promise he had adduced in the beginning of his discourse Acts 2:17, and he now applies it to them. As the Spirit was promised to descend on Jews and their sons an... [ Continue Reading ]
MANY OTHER WORDS - This discourse, though one of the longest in the New Testament, is but an outline. It contains, however, the substance of the plan of salvation, and is admirably arranged to attain its object. TESTIFY - Bear witness to. He bore witness to the promises of Christianity; to the trut... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY THAT GLADLY RECEIVED - The word rendered “gladly” means “freely, cheerfully, joyfully.” It implies that they did it without compulsion, and with joy. Religion is not compulsion. They who become Christians do it cheerfully; they do it rejoicing in the privilege of becoming reconciled to God thro... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THEY CONTINUED STEDFASTLY - They persevered in, or they adhered to. This is the inspired record of the result. That any of these apostatized is nowhere recorded, and is not to be presumed. Though they had been suddenly converted; though they were suddenly admitted to the church; though they were... [ Continue Reading ]
AND FEAR CAME - That is, there was great reverence or awe. The multitude had just before derided them Acts 2:13; but so striking and manifest was the power of God on this occasion, that it silenced all clamors, and produced a general veneration and awe. The effect of a great work of God’s grace is c... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THAT BELIEVED - That is, that believed that Jesus was the Messiah; for that was the distinguishing point by which they were known from others. WERE TOGETHER - Were united; were joined in the same thing. It does not mean that they lived in the same house, but they were united in the same communi... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SOLD - That is, they sold as much as was necessary in order to procure the means of providing for the needs of each other. POSSESSIONS - Property, particularly real estate. This word, κτήματα ktēmata, refers properly to their fixed property, as lands, houses, vineyards, etc. The word rendered... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH ONE ACCORD - Compare Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1. IN THE TEMPLE - This was the public place of worship; and the disciples were not disposed to leave the place where their fathers had so long worshipped God. This does not mean that they were constantly in the temple, but only at the customary hours of... [ Continue Reading ]
PRAISING GOD - See Luke 24:53. AND HAVING FAVOUR - See Luke 2:52. WITH ALL THE PEOPLE - That is, with the great mass of the people; with the people generally. It does not mean that all the people had become reconciled to Christianity; but their humble, serious, and devoted lives won the favor of t... [ Continue Reading ]