Acts 2 · Family Bible Notes
2Pentecost ; this signifies the fiftieth, and was the name of the feast which was celebrated on the fiftieth day from the second day of the Jewish passover.
4Cloven tongues like as of fire ; in the form of tongues divided, and in appearance like fire, which rested upon each of the apostles.
5Filled with the Holy Ghost ; received his miraculous gifts. Speak with other tongues ; in various other languages, which they had not before known. When Christians are united in waiting upon God by prayer and supplication, they may expect in due time to receive abundantly of his blessings; and to be furnished by his Spirit for the various duties to which they are called.
6Dwelling ; sojourning during the feast of Pentecost. Every nation ; a general expression for people of various countries, as mentioned in ver Ac 2:9-11.
7The multitude--were confounded ; astonished, and thrown into great perplexity.
9How hear we ; we Parthians, Medes, and Elamites hear each in his own tongue.
11Proselytes ; Gentiles who had been converted to the Jewish religion.
12The wonderful works of God ; with respect to his Son.
14Opposers of the work of God show the weakness and wickedness of their cause, by the measures which they adopt, and the means they use to support it. When drunkenness shall teach men new languages, opposers of the gospel may be wise; till then they will be, in the sense of the Bible, fools.
15The eleven ; the eleven apostles.
16The third hour ; nine o'clock in the morning, too early for them to be affected with strong drink. This was also the hour of morning worship, and devout Jews were not accustomed to take food or drink till after that time.
17This is that ; a fulfilment of Joe 2:28-32. Peter does not quote the exact words of Joel, but the sense.
18Last days ; in the time of the Messiah; under the gospel dispensation. See visions--dream dreams ; these are mentioned as among the ways in which God reveals his will to men. Mt 2:13.
19Shall prophesy ; proclaim the will of God, and make known future events. Ac 21:9-11.
20I will show wonders ; such as are described, or referred to, in Mt 24:29-42; Lu 21:25-36.
21Sun--turned into darkness ; the sun and moon were emblems of the civil government of the Jews, which should be overthrown and destroyed before that great and notable day, when the Lord should appear for the salvation of his friends and the destruction of his enemies. Compare notes to Matthew, chap Mt 24.1-51.
22Call on the name of the Lord; Ro 10:12-14; 1Co 1:2; 2Ti 2:22 . Prayer to God is as important to every individual as the salvation of his soul.
24Him, being delivered; Mt 24.46; 26:53-56; Lu 22:22; Joh 18:37;19:11 . Men may be very guilty in accomplishing what God has purposed. Ge 50:20; Isa 10:5-7; Ac 4:27,28.
25It was not possible ; that Jesus should continue in the grave, consistently with the fulfilment of God's determination to raise him up, as foretold by David. Ps 16:8-11.
26Him ; the Messiah. I foresaw the Lord ; saw the Lord before my eyes, as an object of continual trust.
27In hope ; in hope of a resurrection, without corruption in the grave.
28Hell ; this word here does not mean, as it often does, the place of endless torment; but the place or state of the dead. Thy Holy One ; Jesus Christ.
29Full of joy ; the joy of the Messiah, in view of his certain resurrection and ascension to heaven.
31Sworn with an oath; 2Sa 7:12-29; Ps 89:3,4,35-37; 132:11; Lu 1:32,33 . Of the fruit of his loins ; of his descendants. To sit on his throne ; rule over the people of God.
32David in the Psalms often spoke of himself in language which applied also to Jesus Christ; the Holy Ghost thus spoke by him, and made known what should take place in future times. Ps 22:1-31; 110:1-7.
34The promise; Joh 14:26; 15:26; 16:7,13-15 . This ; their power to speak in various languages.
35Sit thou on my right hand ; be exalted, and thine enemies all subdued. Ps 110:1; Mt 22:42-46.
37House of Israel ; the Jewish nation. Lord; Joh 17:2; 1Co 8:6; Eph 1:20-23 .
38Heard this ; that they had crucified the Messiah, the Lord of glory. Pricked in their heart ; convicted of sin and deeply distressed. What shall we do? to be saved from the guilt and punishment of sin. When the Holy Ghost accompanies the preaching of the gospel he convinces men of their sins, and leads them to ask, "What must we do to be saved?" And when they are instructed what to do, he inclines them to do it.
39Repent ; hate and forsake sin. Be baptized ; in profession of their faith in Christ, and their consecration to his service. The gift of the Holy Ghost ; the Holy Spirit, to enlighten their minds, purify their hearts, and fit them to know and do the will of God.
40The promise ; the promised influences of the Holy Spirit, and of pardon and salvation through repentance and faith in the Redeemer. Afar off ; distant nations, Gentiles as well as Jews. Shall call; by the preaching of his gospel, and leading them to embrace it.
41Save yourselves ; by forsaking your sins and believing on the Messiah, deliver yourselves from the guilt and ruin of this perverse and wicked generation. Mt 11:16-19; 12:39; 16:4; 23:34-38. It is the duty of men to save themselves from eternal ruin by repenting of their sins, believing on Jesus Christ, and privately and publicly consecrating themselves to his service.
42They that gladly received his word ; they who believed what Peter had said, and were disposed to comply with his directions. Were added ; added to the company of believers.
43Continued steadfastly ; in their attendance upon, reception of, and obedience to the teaching of the apostles; in Christian communion with one another, and united prayer and supplication for blessings on themselves and their fellow-men.
44Fear came ; on account of the great things which God had done and enabled the apostles to do.
45All things common ; so far as their mutual wants required. They did not establish a community of goods by any formal arrangement, but in the fulness of Christian love the rich sold their possessions and goods, that distribution might be made to such as needed aid.
47They, continuing ; unitedly to frequent the temple at the daily hours of prayer, and joyful partaking of bread at each other's houses, with sincere and upright hearts.