Acts 2 Commentary
Recognizing the importance of the “pouring of the Holy Spirit”, recorded in this chapter, some sections of the Body of Christ call themselves Pentecostals. Others are called Baptists probably for the same reason, save for the inclusion of the water baptism in addition to the baptism by fire. Repentance is at the base of the water baptism while fruitfulness and power underline the baptism by fire – with the Holy Spirit.
This inaugural event may not have a repeat button. It falls in the same category as the Calvary events. They define a phase in creation for all time.
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20 verse 22.
And wind it was!
Think of creation and what the Word did. The heap of soil became a living being after the LORD breathed into it. At this moment, these believers are truly born of the Spirit. The pillar of fire may signify the presence of the El-Shaddai God as it was in the wilderness.
These are heavy events that we can only be chewed by the enlightened, albeit an impossible task, even for them. Creation in progress!
And we have these languages. Yes, languages. Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!
The confusion of rebellion at Shinar comes to an end. At the Tower of Babel, God confused the human language. Now the LORD makes the many languages seamlessly understandable. There is a lot more going on in the background. Consequently, “All the believers were together and had everything in common”. Verse 44. The scattering at Babel comes to an end. Humanity no longer wants to make a name for themselves, instead, they praise the LORD together!
Peter addresses the crowd. The strange events are in keeping with the Holy script. Joel has the details. “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”
It is called prophecy when the Holy Spirit speaks through you. Consequently, Peter calls the patriarch David a prophet. Jesus is David’s descendant who sits on his father’s throne. Yet at the same time, Jesus is David’s Lord who sits at God’s right hand. The disciples can look back and see how prophecy converges on Jesus. He is both the LORD (David’s Lord) and Messiah (David’s son). Verse 36.
Then Peter urges the people to repent and be baptized – both baptisms: water and fire. Water baptism comes first as it symbolizes the cleansing of the heart that comes as God forgives our sins. Fire baptism comes as the fire (Spirit) settles on the repentant soul. It is one package, one gift box with repentance as the first item.
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