Study #2 Acts 2:12-47
Recap
In our previous study, we examined and discussed the two introductions in the book of Acts - Luke’s greeting and thesis of the book, as well as the ascension and the beginning of the Pentecost story. Most importantly, we were reminded that this is not merely a biography of the early church, but a gospel account of how Jesus and the Spirit are still at work in and through history.
Introduction
This week, we will pick up right where we left off, and continue reading about the birth of the church on that Pentecost Sunday. Our reading and discussion will centre on Peter’s response to the crowd - the first Gospel sermon ever preached, as well as Luke’s description of the community life in the earliest church.
Through these two stories, we will gain insight into the church's mission - how it spreads, and how it is lived out in community.
A note on Pentecost
One last note before that will help us better understand our reading. As we saw last week, this story takes place on the Day of Pentecost. Before Pentecost was a Christian occasion, it was a very significant Jewish Liturgical Festival.
Pentecost (Fiftieth or the Feast of Weeks) is the celebration of the end of the seven weeks after Passover. Pentecost occurred 7 weeks (49 days) and 1 Day after Passover, and was an agricultural festival in which several gifts and sacrifices were offered to God as a way to give thanks for his liberation from Egypt. Historically, it also became the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments at Sinai.
These two details give us a picture of the significance of this day. 49 days+1 would call to mind the year of Jubilee, which is 49 years +1 at that time, all debts were to be forgiven. Pentecost was a mini Jubilee each year, a reminder of how God forgives us and liberates us from our debts. While the giving of the law reminds us of the covenant God made with his people. These two things are important to remember, as Luke and Peter both make subtle references to these ideas through this story.
With that in mind, let’s now jump into the story.
(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it out by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)
Three Quick Questions:
Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?
Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
Are there any other stories or passages in the bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?
Questions for Diving Deeper
The beginning of our passage comes as a response to the previous one. After tongues of fire descended upon the disciples’ heads, they began speaking in the many languages of everyone present. The crowd was confused and accused the disciples of being drunk. But Peter stood up and said they were not drunk. He connected these strange events to Joel’s prophecy and, in verse 33, declared that Jesus himself had poured out the Spirit.
Why do you think this explanation was powerful for the crowd then, and how might it be powerful for us today?After connecting these events to Joel’s prophecy, Peter went on to recount how God was at work in and through Jesus (verses 22–24). This is the first recorded interpretation of what happened on the cross. Take some time to note the key actions that occurred and why Peter thought these were important.
What does this teach us about the gospel?Verse 37 gives us the reaction of the crowd: “They were cut to the heart.”
Why do you think they were cut to the heart?Why do you think this is not the response of some people when they hear the gospel proclaimed?
After being cut to the heart, the crowd asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded, “Repent and be baptized.”
Why do you think this was the call to action Peter gave?After telling us that many came to faith, Luke pauses with a brief interlude about how these earliest Christians lived (verses 42–47)
What are the key features of this earliest community?
Do you think everything they did applies to us?Wrap-up question:
What do these two stories reveal about the mission of the church? Is there anything that applies to our lives today?
Benediction:
Go out into the world, and labour to bring forth new life.
Dream dreams, pursue visions and speak of God’s goodness
in the words of those who would hear.
And may the God who breathed life into creation be your delight.
May Christ Jesus give hope to your dreaming,
and may the Holy Spirit, your advocate and supporter,
set your hearts ablaze with a passion for peace.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, Amen.
