Acts 3:1-11 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Group Questions

North Beach Vineyard Church – Sunday, April 23, 2023

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT)

v. 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the three o’clock time of prayer. v. 2 And this specific man known to be lame from birth was being carried, like every day, to sit at the Temple gate called Beautiful so he could ask for alms from those going into the Temple. v. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he begged to receive alms. v. 4 Peter then, along with John, watched him closely, and said: “Look up at us.” v. 5 That got his attention! He looked forward to what he might receive. v. 6 Peter, instead, said: “I don’t have silver or gold; but this is what I have to give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” v.7 And he gripped him by his right hand, raise him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong. v. 8 Then, leaping up, he stood, then walked around. He went into the Temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. v. 9 And all the people saw him walking around, praising God. v. 10 Even more so, they recognized him. He was the man who sat at the Temple Gate Beautiful to beg alms. They were filled with wonder and amazement over what was coming together for him. v. 11 The man was still clinging to Peter and John and all the people were greatly astonished and ran together to join them at the Solomon’s Porch.

v. 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the three o’clock time of prayer.

Peter and John, and the rest are Jews. They continue to pray in the Temple even while investing most of their time leading the church in homes. They were Jewish followers of Jesus. And Temple had morning, noon, and afternoon prayer times.

Up to the Temple is the common way to say it. The Temple Mount dominated the skyline.

v. 2 And this specific man known to be lame from birth was being carried, like every day, to sit at the Temple gate called Beautiful so he could ask for alms from those going into the Temple.

Some translations have “there was a man.” It’s more like “there was this man.” This is important to us because, though we may be anonymous to the vastness of people, we are significant and our story is woven into the grand redemptive story. This man, it was this man.

Notice Dr. Luke asking the right questions: lame from birth (not from an accident), they propped him up at an important piece of real estate, excellent to receive alms.

This was his life; he held no illusions of walking today. He was collecting what he could for the day’s bread. And here, Peter and  John give him “tomorrow’s bread, today” from the stores of heaven.

This man, is known. Peter and John had seen him multiple times. Jesus had walked by him on the way into the Temple.

v. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he begged to receive alms.

The most natural thing for one who is outcast or marginalized in most of the world is to find a way to beg. We saw this in Europe, South America, Mexico, and I hear in Asia it’s even more prominent. We don’t see much here (the street corner sign carriers, perhaps.)

This man had a pitch, a line he would ask: mercy, have mercy, or something like this. In fact, the verb indicates he “began to ask” as in repeated his pitch. He has a short window to get the attention.

v. 4 Peter then, along with John, watched him closely, and said: “Look up at us.”

When one would beg, eye contact was not the goal. No eye contact is safer. Just money in the cup. Peter and John broke the rule. They established social connection. They valued him and invited him into this moment of miracle. And asked this man to reciprocate. Were the followers looking for faith in this man? Were they looking for God’s timing to be present? In the NT, healing took place because of the faith of the person praying, the person bringing, and the person in need.

v. 5 That got his attention! He looked forward to what he might receive.

With just a look, expectation rose. What kind of gift would he receive?

v. 6 Peter, instead, said: “I don’t have silver or gold; but this is what I have to give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Two things to note here: 1) this miracle is happening on the heels of a great outpouring of generosity, and 2) this miracle is happening “on the way.” Not in the Temple. Not within the established power structure. It happened on the way. This is the pattern for evangelism, for healing, for spotting God’s timing on lives.

Money was no longer the most important thing. The power of God to heal, to save, to care for the hurting, to demonstrate the Kingdom by acts of kindness.

The statement “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” isn’t a formula. It is the acknowledgement that the power to heal and the authority to bring healing comes at the Name.

The word for “rise up” carries the connotation of “get up out of your sleepiness” or “leave the sleep behind.” Peter invites him to stand up on his own and shake off the sleepiness. When he sees he needs the faithful grip of one who knows Jesus is healing him, he reaches down and pulls him up (same word for rise up and raise up here.)

v.7 And he gripped him by his right hand, raise him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong.

This is Dr. Luke again – strength immediately when to the place it was needed, all the bones in the feet and ankles. And, the one who’d never walked, began walking around while others marveled. This man feels the strength in places he’s never felt. And his only response is to jump up at the tug of Peter’s right hand.

v. 8 Then, leaping up, he stood, then walked around. He went into the Temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

The power to heal and strengthen was so present that this man didn’t just stand up, he popped up. Why stop there? He’s up. And he cannot, simply, get enough of this new thing God has given him. He hops and leaps, and praise is on his lips. Here’s a question? Does he acknowledge Jesus the Nazarene as the source of his miracle?

He gave up his real estate and heading to the Temple. Each step was a new test. Each hop, a new hop.

v. 9 And all the people saw him walking around, praising God.

He is causing quite the stir. Anyone acting like this man would attract attention. But they recognized him, and all the more, the scene was focused on what God had done. Just the previous chapter, note that many miracles and signs and wonders were already happening. Just because a miracle touches a life, doesn’t mean the word will spread. But here, everyone at the prayer meeting and beyond heard it. Each time they walked by the spot at the Gate Beautiful, someone could say, that’s where the cripple sat forty years every day.

v. 10 Even moreso, they recognized him. He was the man who sat at the Temple Gate Beautiful to beg alms. They were filled with wonder and amazement over what was coming together for him.

The word could mean what was happening to him; but there is the sense that this was all coming together for a reason. This was the most public miracle thus far (except the obvious pouring out of the Spirit.) It rocked the power structure. Just when they thought they had gotten rid of the troublemaker Jesus, they discover this power in Jesus’ name.

v. 11 The man was still clinging to Peter and John and all the people were greatly astonished and ran together to join them at the Solomon’s Porch.

Remember why they came to the Temple – to pray and when they got to the place for prayer, they realized it was more about the Name and how God had done this miracle for this man.

v. 16 For by faith in the name of Jesus, this man you can inspect and you know has been made strong; His name and the faith given to him has made him complete and whole before  you all.

It’s the Name. Faith given – this is a gift this man received. And he was fully restored.

Small Group Questions:

Acts 3:1-11

1. Have you ever had an experience with, given to, or talked with a beggar?
2. As you read these verses, “normal” things are going on. What are the “normal” things happening in vv. 1-5?
3. Things went beyond “normal” in v. 6-7. What became the catalyst for this change?
4. What do you do when God’s miracle, or His voice, or the timing of His provision shows up in the middle of your normal things?
5. Words like “wonder,” “amazement,” and “astonished” are used here. What about Jesus amazes you? How can we pray tonight for God to do something that amazes?

Acts 2:41-47 Kingdom Community

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions:

(PRT)

Acts 2:41-47

v. 41 Then those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized and around 3000 were added to their number that day. v. 42 What’s more, they faithfully and courageously pursued the apostles’ teachings,  community life, breaking bread together and prayer. v. 43 All this created an immense and reverent awe in each person’s heart as both wondrous miracles and supernatural signs happened through the apostles. vv. 44-45 All who believed were in this together and held everything to be shared by all. They cashed out the property they owned and the resources they had at hand and distributed to each person according to their needs. v. 46 Every day faithfully they move forward together both in the Temple and in their homes breaking bread together; they shared meals with their hearts full of joy and sincerity. v. 47 They praised God and gained the good will from all the people, and all the while, the Lord kept on adding to their number all who were being saved each day.

v. 42 What’s more, they faithfully and courageously pursued the apostles’ teachings,  community life, breaking bread together and prayer.

These freshly baptized Christ-followers needed the teaching that the Apostles had received from Jesus. This would be conveyed in the context of the Story, the account as Luke would call it. How could one talk about Jesus the Savior and Lord without talking about what they had seen and heard?

The “community” is that spiritual fellowship that made up the church and was in “communion” with the Savior and with one another. It’s the sense of partnership together in the message, the communion, and the mission. This word for fellowship or community is a broad as being in unity in the Spirit and as specific as sharing a meal with someone in need. This pervasive “communion” of believers believes the best of others, surrenders rights so others can be seen and heard, stands in unity with both the witness and the mission Jesus handed off, and does life with others in ways that validate the change they experienced to a watching world.

The breaking of bread became an early way of saying “the Lord’s Supper.” This was the celebration around which, along with baptizing new Jesus-followers every day, the community of the redeemed gathered. The practice followed what Jesus showed them, have a meal (break bread) and celebrate his gift (break bread). It would not be wrong for a small group of believers to enjoy a meal together and “break bread” in communion to celebrate God’s gift in Jesus. Echoes of the first church experience would resonate in this practice.

Prayer, the committed act of praying. Acts 3 has them praying in the Temple at the time of “prayers” and Acts 4 in spontaneous prayer in the homes. Too many practices are taken as “either/or” – habitual and spontaneous is the practice of the Christian.

v. 43 All this created an immense and reverent awe in each person’s heart as both wondrous miracles and supernatural signs happened through the apostles.

The word means “fear” or reverent awe and it’s modified with a “mega” word. The new Jesus-followers walked around in amazed awe that they would be called, redeemed and filled with the Spirit of the Holy God.

The word for “created” and the word for “happened” is the root word for coming as it active results – awe kept coming as miracles kept coming.

vv. 44-45 All who believed were in this together and held everything to be shared by all. They cashed out the property they owned and the resources they had at hand and distributed to each person according to their needs.

The resulting actions of this awe is to hold onto possessions lightly. In fact, those who had property committed it to this rapidly growing movement. And people who had come into Jerusalem took what possessions and resources they brought and liquidated these to help those who needed help. Like the women of resource who walked with Jesus, the Father used the people of resources to sustain such an outpouring of salvations. Just sustaining a revival can be costly; imagine that expanding it is moreso.

Some Christian movements have taken this as the norm and called for communes where everyone stayed together and surrendered property rights. But this is really the only example in the NT and was a necessity at the prompting of the Spirit of God for generosity. The church grew so much that people held their stuff with very loose grips.

v. 46 Every day faithfully they move forward together both in the Temple and in their homes breaking bread together; they shared meals with their hearts full of joy and sincerity.

Remember that the first Christians were also faithful Jews and the Temple courts were a natural place to teach, to meet new believers, and to practice the disciplines of the Jewish walk. But as a natural result of meals, fellowship, community, etc., the believers were drawn to homes to do life, to talk about the Account and learn from the Apostles. Word, I imagine, would get out: “Peter is coming by tonight” or “have you ever heard Andrew’s stories about Jesus?”

There was a sense of steady advancement of Kingdom evidence that propelled them forward.

They were filled inside with joy. Sincerity is also the word for simplicity. The word comes from another that means “free from rocks” – in other words, simply and smoothly. If there was anything about the life of the new believer in this first church, it was simplicity. Do life, pray for each other, share in the Lord’s Supper, worship in the Temple courts, tell the story.

The worship in the Temple didn’t include the Lord’s Supper and this could be done anywhere there were two or more.

Archaeological evidence shows that early church members’ homes had “worship” rooms that facilitated more people gathered to hear the truth and practice the disciplines of the faith (Lord’s Supper, Prayer, fellowship activity, teaching/reading letters from the  first disciples).

v. 47 They praised God and gained the good will from all the people, and all the while, the Lord kept on adding to their number all who were being saved each day.

The community of common people were quite favorable toward these Jesus-followers. It was the religious leaders who couldn’t stand them. They received “grace, favor” from the throngs. They looked on them kindly and with a sense of respect and awe.

Small Group Study Questions:

Acts 2:41-47 Part One (Next week, we will study what made these new Christians strong.)

1. How do you handle crowded places? Are you energized by crowds or do they scare you?
2. If you gave out invitations to a party and 3000 people showed up, how would you make sure they were taken care of and made to feel welcome?
3. What was the source of awe and amazement in the lives of these Jesus-followers in v. 42?
4. Share about a miracle you have seen (not just heard about, but been present when it happened)? How did it make you feel about your faith?
5. Share about a time you’ve been able to be recklessly generous to someone in need? Or, if you can, about a time when you were on the receiving end of reckless generosity?
6. What need can we help meet tonight? How can we ask the Father to work in your life tonight?

Acts 2:34-41 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Acts 2:34-41

(PRT)

vv. 34-35 For David did not rise again into the heavens, but he himself says: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand at the place of authority and honor, even while I put your enemies under your feet like a footstool.’ v. 36 Therefore, all Israel, you can know with all confidence that God has made this same Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. v. 37 And grasping all of this, the crowds were pierced to the heart and called out to Peter and the rest of the Apostles: “Brothers, what do we have to do?” vv. 38-39 Peter then urged them: “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for your sins’ forgiveness, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For this promise is to you, to your children, and to everyone who is far away, as many as our Lord and God will call.” v. 40 And he warned them with many more words and encouraged them: “Choose to be saved from this warped and deceitful generation!” v. 41  Then those who accepted his words were baptized and around 3000 were added to their number that day.

Study Notes:

vv. 34-35 For David did not rise again into the heavens, but he himself says: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand at the place of authority and honor, even while I put your enemies under your feet like a footstool.’

David didn’t ascend, or rise, into the heavens. In other words, he was buried just like all people.

This refers back to the other Psalm reference and the resurrection. If David, the King most revered, didn’t rise untainted by corruption, who will fulfil this prophecy? Look for the one who rises to the heavens without decay. That would be Jesus.

The main point Peter makes from this verse is that David, though a great King and revered, was not Lord. Rather, the Lord is in the place of authority and honor.

The enemies are those hostile to the Lord’s plans, the adversarial ones in opposition to His will.

He doesn’t take the place of authority and honor after all the hostiles are taken down; He is there now as the Kingdom of God comes in fulness.

During these days, if a conquering king was present, the enemies (or at least the opposing ruler) would kneel and the conqueror would set his foot on the necks of the vanquished. This signified total defeat and allegiance in servitude.

Jesus the King is conquering those at odds with him by His love and grace; and those hostile who never turn are being set in their places. The Kingdom is casting down the works of the enemy.

v. 36 Therefore, all Israel, you can know with all confidence that God has made this same Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Messiah.

Jesus the miracle worker has now sent the Promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit (Joel), He has conquered death (David’s Psalm) and He sits in the place of authority and honor in the heavens (David’s Psalm). Based on this Biblical account from the OT, the knowledge they have of Jesus walking among them, and the present Holy Spirit, it can only mean one thing: Jesus is Lord and Messiah. And the Father has made this so!

The word for all confidence means a certainty. The word for “can know” is one that means with head and heart.

The Greek phrase means to slip or trip. You can know without a slip or trip that God has done this.

He calls on all Jews to know this since they are the recipients of the prophecies, they can know with confidence that Jesus is Lord and Messiah.

Juxtapose this cold-hearted response to the Messiah with Luke 19:41 when Jesus looks over Jerusalem and weeps for them.

v. 37 And grasping all of this, the crowds were pierced to the heart and called out to Peter and the rest of the Apostles: “Brothers, what do we have to do?”

The verb means “what, in light of all you’ve said and all we have done to Jesus, must we do?” God’s Spirit brings conviction to the heart for repentance and redemption. This is what happens when the Good News is shared with confident passion to people who get it. They get right with God.

The hearers were moved to remorse at their actions and ignorance. Now they knew. And we know that the Holy Spirit is active in making this known.

vv. 38-39 Peter then urged them: “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for your sins’ forgiveness, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For this promise is to you, to your children, and to everyone who is far away, as many as our Lord and God will call.”

If you are uncertain what the crowd meant by “what do we do” Peter makes it clear: acknowledge you are culpable, you’ve failed God and turn from a life that does so. Announce it to the world through baptism, but not like John’s – in the Name. You’ll get the Holy Spirit, you’ll be forgiven, and the promise will be realized in Him.

Peter is speaking to “everyone” and at the same time “each one.” This is a people movement of all, one at a time, who repent, goes to the waters, receives the Spirit.

I can’t see that there is a progression of the order of actions here, since at the end, he asserts that the promise is to whoever God calls. From this, I see acknowledging Jesus as both Lord and Messiah, repentance, and a public declaration all fully together as our response to the Good News;  the Father’s response is forgiveness, relationship with the Father, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Luke has Jesus instructing the disciples to bear witness and call people to repentance so they can be forgiven (Luke 24). Matthew’s account of the Great Commission includes baptism (Mt. 28:19). Even in Peter’s first sermon, the nations are include – “all who are far off”.

All Israel, you know the prophecies and you can connect it all together; but to all the world, the invitation is this: turn away from a life without God to the Savior Jesus, show the world your new allegiance, and be filled with the Spirit of God.

v. 40 And he warned them with many more words and encouraged them: “Choose to be saved from this warped and deceitful generation!”

The word could mean teachings and instead of warn, declare or speak. Warn fits what come right before and right after this word.  What kind of age, season, nation or generation are they in? One that is warped in thinking and perverse in action. This generation was not thinking or talking straight and their actions were deviant and corrupt. What is our response to such? Find the place of safety and be delivered to a secure place.

“Save yourself by being saved” is the intensity; in other words, You have before you how to be saved, choose to be saved.

The age they lived in was heading toward destruction and Jesus stands in the gap.

v. 41  Then those who accepted his words were baptized and around 3000 were added to their number that day.

We always say 3000, but this affirms that they didn’t get an exact count. More or less. It was 3000-ish. Not worth the quibbling, but they had more on their minds than click off the people counter. There were now 3120 (or 3500, if you go by the 500 on the hillside); and they needed to be disciples in the ways of Jesus.

While many say numbers don’t matter – it’s the quality, not the quantity –  Acts shows a different perspective. Both are important. Here is the quantitative; vv. 42-47 is the qualitative. And in the signs and wonders of the Pentecost outpouring and Joel’s passage, we have the corroborative. Numbers, character, and evidence all point to the Gospel’s power.

Were they all baptized that day? There were pools and water features around the city so it could be possible. Not all of the 3000 stayed after the Pentecost feast; but they left saved and  baptized to live for Christ in their home town under the leadership of God’ Promised Spirit.

Small Group Questions:

Acts 2:34-41

1. Who gives best directions in your family? Or how are you at giving directions?
2. If you were in the crowd when Peter said v. 36 how you have felt? How does this verse apply to you since you were in Jerusalem calling for Jesus’ crucifixion.
3. Of the three questions – Who’s in Charge of my life? Where did I go wrong? How do I get back on track? – which is most relevant to your life today? Why?
4. How can we pray for you tonight?

Acts 2:25-33 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT)

vv. 25-27 Even David said this about him: “I see the Lord before me continually; because he is always right beside me, I will not be shaken. Because of this, I celebrate and rejoice inside and out and I will always live in hope. For you will not leave my soul helpless in the grave or let your holy one experience decay and decomposition.” V. 28 “For you have shown me the way of full life; you fill me to overflowing with joy in your Presence.” V. 29 People, let me speak very freely with you about this. You know that David, our founding ancestor, died and was buried. His burial monument is here and  you can see it even today. V. 30 Since he was a prophet, he understood that God promised on his word that he would set one of his descendants on His throne.” V. 31 He saw this coming and talked about the resurrection of the Messiah, that he would neither be left helpless and alone in the grave nor would his body experience decay. V. 32 This same Jesus is the one whom God has raised from the dead! We all saw this! V. 33 By God’s strong hand, Jesus is lifted up to the place of honor and received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father. Now He is pouring out what you are both seeing and hearing today.

vv. 25-27 Even David said this about him: “I see the Lord before me continually; because he is always right beside me, I will not be shaken. Because of this, I celebrate and rejoice inside and out and I will always live in hope. For you will not leave my soul helpless in the grave or let your holy one experience decay and decomposition.”

Psalm 16. This was and is even now moreso a Messianic psalm. Live on hope means to set up the tent but also that the foundation of the tent site is hope. Live on hope, not a sustenance but as foundation.

I will rejoice with my heart and celebrate with my tongue.

v. 28 “For you have shown me the way of full life; you fill me to overflowing with joy in your Presence.”

The path toward real life, as opposed to the death that held him for three days. Psalm 16. It could be “the joy of your Presence.”

v. 29 People, let me speak very freely with you about this. You know that David, our founding ancestor, died and was buried. His burial monument is here and  you can see it even today.

Not to be macabre, but Peter is making it clear. This King David that has been such a central part of Jewish history is still in the tomb. People stop by and visit and remember David at this grave memorial. But this Jesus left this grave. You can’t visit his body somewhere. He is risen.

v. 30 Since he was a prophet, he understood that God promised on his word that he would set one of his descendants on His throne.”

The child is the fruit of his loins.  Someone from the line of his seed. David perceived this promise given with surety (like an oath or vow) to him by God. His throne would see his child, or his son.

v. 31 He saw this coming and talked about the resurrection of the Messiah, that he would neither be left helpless and alone in the grave nor would his body experience decay.

He foresaw and announced the Messiah’s resurrection. Christ would not be abandoned and the corruption and decomposition that comes with death would not touch him.

v. 32 This same Jesus is the one whom God has raised from the dead! We all saw this!

Peter is making a clear parallel of David the King of Israel and Jesus King of Kings. David died and his body decomposed; Jesus never saw decomposition touch him. It’s all because God the Father raised God the Son from the grave. We are the witnesses. We saw Him alive. The word for witness is the same as martyr, ironic in that nearly all who stood with Peter would be martyred for their witness. The word can also mean: to go on record. These followers of Jesus had a record – they saw Jesus alive.

V. 33 By God’s strong hand, Jesus is lifted up to the place of honor and received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father. Now He is pouring out what you are both seeing and hearing today.

The right hand of God. Jesus is exalted. The parallel of Jesus being lifted up from the dead and lifted up above all people for honor is clear. He received it without measure; he is pouring it out without measure. This is the invitation of the Good News: you no longer have to be separated from the Father in death. His invitation to you is to trust who He is and that what He has done can remove the death sentence of sin from  your life. Because He died on the Cross, you can be forgiven. Because He conquered death, you can enjoy eternity with Him in heaven. Because He ascended to the Father after his resurrection, you can know the power of the Holy Spirit living inside you.

Acts 2:13-25 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions

Acts 2:13-28

(PRT)

v. 13 Others, though, mocked in derision: “They are drunk on new, sweet wine!” v. 14 Then Peter stepped up along with the Eleven and in a loud voice spoke to the people above the clamor: “Judeans and those living in Jerusalem, you know well all that has happened here. So, listen to what I’m saying!” v. 15 “For these people are not drunk as you assume! Really! It’s only nine in the morning!” vv. 16-17 “But this is what the prophet Joel has declared: ‘God says that this is what it will be like in the last days – I will pour out my Spirit on all people, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.’ v. 18 ‘Yes, in those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on my bondservants, men and women, and they will prophesy.’  vv. 19-20 ‘In the last days, I will show you miraculous signs when you look up in the heavens and supernatural wonders on the earth below. Blood – Fire – Billows of smoke! The sun of the day will become dark as night and the moon will turn blood-red! All this before that great and glorious day the Lord arrives!’ v. 21 ‘Here’s how it will be: when anyone calls on the Lord’s name, they will be saved.’” v. 22 People of Israel, pay attention to what I say next: You know personally that this man, this Jesus the Nazarene was approved by God through powerful works, miraculous signs, and supernatural wonders that God did by him right where you live. v. 23 By God’s firm and deliberate plan and knowledge he was handed over by unbridled lawless power; he was violently taken away and you crucified him. v. 24 This same man, God raised up and destroyed the agonizing chains of death, as if those chains could really hold him in the grave. vv. 25-27 Even David said this about him: “I envisioned the Lord before me continually; because he is always right beside me, I will not be shaken. Because of this, my heart celebrates and tongue rejoices and I will always live in hope. For you will not leave my soul helpless in the grave or let your holy one experience decay and decomposition.” v. 28 “For you have shown me the way of full life; you have filled me to overflowing with joy in your Presence.”

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

v. 13 Others, though, mocked in derision: “They are drunk on new, sweet wine!”

This is the new wine, sweet and powerful. But, as Peter says, 9 am is too early for a wine-drenched street party. Some in the throng were chalking this experience and this declaring in different languages to tanked-up celebrants.

v. 14 Then Peter stepped up along with the Eleven and in a loud voice spoke to the people above the clamor: “Judeans and those living in Jerusalem, you know well all that has happened here. So, listen to what I’m saying!”

He is addressing those who live here among the larger throng because they live here and saw who Jesus is and what He does right in their back yard. He is calling on their affirmative testimony to show the crowd in the presence of many witnesses, Jesus is the Messiah.

The word for “saying to you” is the same as “gift” that they were given just before. His intent is to give them a gift in this proclamation just like the Father gave them the gift.

v. 15 “For these people are not drunk as you assume! Really! It’s only nine in the morning!”

See notes above. And Peter in a reasoned short rebuttal shuts down the scoffers.

vv. 16-17 “But this is what the prophet Joel has declared: ‘God says that this is what it will be like in the last days – I will pour out my Spirit on all people, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.’

Note how Peter’s mind has a greater grasp of the Movement and how the prophets (like Joel) declare the Good News of the Kingdom. This passage fits the day when God’s people celebrate His goodness for today and worship Him for what He will do in the future. It’s an annual focus with a last days meaning.

Pour out alludes to the rain from heaven that pours out on all.  This passage asserts that God will pour His Spirit out on all people.

God has acted throughout history up till this moment through the work of His Spirit among His people. Now, He acts through the work of His Spirit within His people

v. 18 ‘Yes, in those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on my bondservants, men and women, and they will prophesy.’

Here, Luke uses a double word that means something like “and even more.” If you think God is generous with His gifts with your sons and daughters and you who are young and you who are older, He will be generous to the lowest among you, the bondservants, the slaves. At least, this is how it can be interpreted. Later, in Paul’s theology, a bondservant could be anyone who swore allegiance to follow Jesus. Here, this wasn’t a common image to use, and Peter’s intent is to communicate at their level.

vv. 19-20 ‘In the last days, I will show you miraculous signs when you look up in the heavens and supernatural wonders on the earth below. Blood – Fire – Billows of smoke! The sun of the day will become dark as night and the moon will turn blood-red! All this before that great and glorious day the Lord arrives!’

Joel says “great and terrible day of the Lord.” Terrible as in fearful. Blood, fire, billowing smoke, the sun covered over with darkness, all these images suggest the conflicts of the last days. This separates these verses, though. How are these miraculous signs and supernatural wonders?

v. 21 ‘Here’s how it will be: when anyone calls on the Lord’s name, they will be saved.’”

Mark 4:35-36 “Look the fields are white and ready to harvest.” The first-fruits are here in this passage and this is the invitation to say yes to Jesus. And he explains what Jesus requires in this yes in the coming verses.

v. 22 People of Israel, pay attention to what I say next: You know personally that this man, this Jesus the Nazarene was approved by God through powerful works, miraculous signs, and supernatural wonders that God did by him right where you live.

Peter appeals to what they already know. Jesus is approved by the Father. He has the mark of the Father throughout his ministry.

v. 23 By God’s firm and deliberate plan and knowledge he was handed over by unbridled lawless power; he was violently taken away and you crucified him.

This could also be he was handed up violently by lawless men or men of power who disregarded the law of Moses. The unbridled lawless power was the collusion of a greedy servant (Judas) who was influenced by Satan with a bunch of Pharisees with the money and influence to make it happen.

v. 24 This same man, God raised up and destroyed the agonizing chains of death, as if those chains could really hold him in the grave.

The word agony applies more often to the laboring mother as she is in agony. The work for destroy applies to cords and shackles that bind and are loosened or destroyed.

vv. 25-27 Even David said this about him: “I envisioned the Lord before me continually; because he is always right beside me, I will not be shaken. Because of this, my heart celebrates and tongue rejoices and I will always live in hope. For you will not leave my soul helpless in the grave or let your holy one experience decay and decomposition.”

Psalm 16. This was and is even now moreso a Messianic psalm. Live on hope means to set up the tent but also that the foundation of the tent site is hope. Live on hope, not a sustenance but as foundation.

v. 28 “For you have shown me the way of full life; you have filled me to overflowing with joy in your Presence.”

The path toward real life, as opposed to the death that held him for three days.

Small Group Questions:

Acts 2:13-28

1. What word describes how you feel about speaking in front of people? Have you ever been nudged by God’s Spirit to speak up in front of others? What happened?
2. In these verses, Peter reminds everyone of what they have seen. What does he say they have seen in relation to Jesus?
3. Have you ever “seen” evidence of God’s working visibly? What happened and how did it impact you?
4. Peter uses a passage from the prophet Joel. Read these verses again out loud. Where in these different kinds of people on whom the Spirit is poured out are you?
5. How important is v. 21 to the rest of this passage?
6. How can we pray for you today?