Friday, May 30 – Acts 2, 3 – Additional Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, chapters 4 and 6

1. What lessons can we learn, both individually and as a church, from the disciples in the upper room?

2. How is the unity lost at Babel restored at Pentecost? (Genesis 11 and Acts 2:11)

3. If the Holy Spirit transformed Peter into a powerful preacher, what can He do through us despite our limitations?

4. How can we capture the spirit of brotherhood and selflessness exhibited by the early believers?

5. What can we learn from the healed paralytic at the temple gate?

Luke begins Acts 2 by describing not merely the acts of the apostles but, as has been rightly said, the acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles and the church.

According to the prophecy of Joel and other prophets, fifty days after the Passover and the death of Jesus, the Paschal Lamb, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled, the early rain.

What stands out positively is the attitude the disciples took after saying farewell to Jesus: “they were all with one accord in one place.” We can sometimes be together yet not in one accord. If they had not been united in heart and spirit, the Spirit would not have descended upon them with power.

“When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity.” (AA 38)

Many Jews from the diaspora came to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover and Pentecost. We can identify about fifteen nationalities listed in verses 9–11. The miracle of speaking in tongues occurred, and everyone heard the apostles speaking in their own languages. When the Jews heard them speaking in different tongues, they mocked and accused them of being drunk. Then Peter stood up and delivered his first great sermon. The Holy Spirit transformed Peter into a powerful and eloquent speaker. His argument was irrefutable because it was rooted in the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets.

In verses 36–42, we see the initial fruits of Peter and the other apostles’ testimony. When those present asked what they should do, Peter made a direct appeal for them to repent and be baptized so they could receive forgiveness for their sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The result was a remarkable harvest of 3,000 people. The wave of wonders continued, and the apostles performed numerous signs and miracles. The dedication and enthusiasm of the believers kept growing. The Holy Spirit continued to bless them, and “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (v. 47)

Luke continues in chapter 3 without pausing to describe how the Holy Spirit worked through Peter and John. Still filled with joy and passion, these apostles went to the temple at the hour of prayer (3 p.m.) to pray.

Sister White helps us understand that God does not act arbitrarily. When He wishes to reach a soul, He supplies the means to do so:

“A short time after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and immediately after a season of earnest prayer, Peter and John, going up to the temple to worship, saw at the gate Beautiful a cripple, forty years of age, whose life, from his birth, had been one of pain and infirmity.” (AA 57)

We can imagine that his hopes were shattered. This led some pious individuals to assist him, and they routinely brought him to the temple gate to beg for alms. When Peter and John arrived, they looked at him with compassion, and Peter said, “Look at us.” So he paid them his full attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have…”

“Peter’s words convinced the man that he was about to receive nothing; his expression changed. But Peter added, ‘What I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’”

When the onlookers witnessed this great miracle, they were amazed that the disciples could perform signs like Jesus. I would have loved to be there! Seeing the crowd’s astonishment, Peter humbly urged them not to view them as if they possessed any power. He then delivered his second sermon, attributing all glory and power to Jesus, who had healed the former cripple. Again, he called upon them to accept Jesus as the Messiah and to repent of their sins.

“Thus the disciples preached the resurrection of Christ. Many among those who listened were waiting for this testimony, and when they heard it they believed. It brought to their minds the words that Christ had spoken, and they took their stand in the ranks of those who accepted the gospel. The seed that the Saviour had sown sprang up and bore fruit.” (AA 60)

Blessings to all, and may you have a very joyful day.