Israel In Acts – Eternity

View The Video. Read The Text. Acts 3. The Promised Messiah, 33 A.D.

I. Introduction. Concurrently, I am writing a series of articles on Israel, and how God’s chosen people fit into the timelines of the books of Acts and Revelation. In this Acts 3 article, we will see the Apostle Peter sharing the message of Christ to Jews, in a very direct manner, with the purpose of drawing them to saving faith in Christ, as a nation, and as individual Jews. In this article, as we follow the preaching of Peter, we will also delve into the Kingdom Age of the Millennial reign of Christ. We will follow the contextual timeline of Israel from 1004 B.C., when Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem was completed, to the preaching of the Apostles to the Jews in Jerusalem in 33 A.D. We will continue to the yet future fulfillment of 2 Chr 2:14, at the end of the Tribulation, and on to the Godly reconstruction of the Millennial Temple in the Kingdom Age of the Millennium that will take place in Jerusalem.

A. Series Title: Israel In The Book Of Acts.

B. Video Title: What Does Acts Chapter 3 Mean?

C. Article Title: Acts 3, The Promised Messiah, 33 A.D.

D. Article Focus: “Repent,” metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose (about Christ).

E. Key Verse: Deu 14:2, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

II. Text. Acts 3:1-26 (33 A.D.).

A. Healing the Lame Beggar (Vs 1-10).

1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 2 And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4 But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!” 5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” 7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

B. Peter’s Second Sermon (Vs 11-26).

11 While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. 12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. 16 And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

17 “And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. 18 But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you. 23 And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. 25 It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.”

III. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

IV. Sources of Information can be found in the following link: https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources/

V. Comments.

A. 3:1. “the hour of prayer.” This is the ninth hour, 3:00 p.m. The Jews had 3 daily times of prayer (Ps. 55:17); the other two were 9:00 a.m. (third hour) and 12:00 noon (sixth hour). The Apostles, and other Jews whom had come to saving faith in Christ, continued in daily Temple worship, but also met as believers in Christ in their homes (Acts 2:46). We will learn more about how Temples became a place of sharing the message of Christ (e.g., Ac 17:10-12).

B. 3:2. “the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful.” A large and ornate gate inside the temple mount on the eastern side, separating the Court of the Gentiles from the Court of the Women. “alms.” A charitable donation of money.

C. 3:3. “into the temple.” Beggars considered the temple the best site to operate because the daily crowds of Jews came to impress God with their pious good works, including offerings at the temple treasury (the Jews in this context appear to not have come to saving faith in Christ.).

D. 3:6. The apostles heal not by their own power but “in the name of Jesus,” through the authority Jesus gave them. Acts reports the continuing work of Jesus through His church.

E. 3:7. Luke, a physician by profession, described what took place. Instantly strength was given to the portions of the body that needed it. Blood supply was increased to the muscle. The brain sent signals to the nerve endings of the ankles and feet. The hardened fluid between the joints was softened, and the atrophied muscles and ligaments regained flexibility. The feet suddenly could bear the man’s weight.

F. 3:8. “jumped” comes from the same root as the verb used in the Greek version of Isa 35:6, where “the lame” will “leap like a deer” at the restoration of creation.

G. 3:9. “praising God” is a major theme throughout the books of Luke and Acts. Those two books were penned by Luke, through the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit.

H. 3:10. The people had seen the beggar day after day, maybe year after year. His healing was not a staged event. When the beggar stood and walked, the only reasonable explanation was that God had healed him.

I. 3:11. “the portico of Solomon.” A porch surrounding the temple’s Court of the Gentiles. This was also where Jesus had taught about the Good Shepherd (John 10:23).

J. 3:12. Peter addressed the situation and used it as an opportunity to preach. His message included an explanation (vs 12-16), and an exhortation (vs 17-26).

J. 3:13. “his servant Jesus.” A reminder of the suffering servant prophesied in Isa 52:13—53:12 (Mt 12:18; Ac 4:27,30). “disowned him.” Voted against Jesus, spurned him, denied him and refused to acknowledge Him as the true Messiah. “Pilate,” when he had decided to let him go (Jn 19:12).

K. 3:14. “the Holy One.” Ps 16:10; Luke 4:34; John 6:69. “the Righteous One.” 1 Jn 2:1. “murderer.” Barabbas (Mt 27:16–21; Mk 15:11; Lk 23:18; Jn 18:40).

L. 3:15. “You put to death.” “God raised.” “We are witnesses.” A recurring theme in the speeches of Acts (see 2:23–24; 4:10; 5:30–32; 10:39–41; 13:28–29; cf. 1Co 15:1–4). “Prince of life.” See Jn 6:27, 50–51,63; 10:10; Php 1:21; 1 Jn 5:12.

M. 3:16. “on the basis of faith,” i.e., through the apostles’ faith, or possibly the lame man’s faith.

N. 3:17. “you acted in ignorance.” They did not know that Jesus was the true Messiah (Lk 23:34). Nevertheless, God will be generous in his mercy if they only repent and turn to him in faith (“Repent,” metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose (about Christ).

O. 3:18. “foretold through all the prophets.” Echoes that which Jesus had said (Lk 24:26–27). The suffering was prophesied (compare Isa 53:7–8 with Ac 8:32–33; Ps 2:1–2 with Ac 4:25–26; Ps 22:1 with Mt 27:46; see also Lk 24:44; 1 Pet 1:11).

P. 3:19. The word translated “refreshing” refers to restoration of strength and nourishment. Strength is restored when hope is restored. Peter challenged the people to repent and be converted, to change their thinking about Jesus as their Messiah and to serve Him. (“Repent,” metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose (about Christ).

Q. 3:20. If Israel as a whole would repent, a second more remote goal, the coming of the Kingdom. Such “metanoeó” will occur at the end of the Tribulation when Israel calls on Christ, in faith, to save them (Zech 12:10).

R. 3:21. The times of refreshing at the second coming of Christ would be fulfilled. The sending of the Christ, that is Messiah, meant the coming of the Kingdom. The Old Testament told of these days. The Old Testament prophets did not predict the church; to them it was a mystery (Rom 16:25; Eph 3:1-6).

S. 3:22. Quoted from Deu 18:15. Moses was revered by the Jews as their first and greatest prophet, and the Jews viewed the prophet “like him” to refer to the Messiah.

T. 3:23. Quoted from Deu 18:19. Also see Lev 23:29. Peter’s audience was in the precarious position of losing covenant blessings by rejecting the Messiah.

U. 3:24. “prophets, from Samuel.” Samuel was called a prophet in the OT (1 Sam 3:20). Although he did not directly prophesy about Christ, he did anoint David as king and speak of his kingdom (1 Sam. 13:14; 15:28; 16:13; 28:17), and the promises David received were and will be fulfilled in Christ (2 Sam. 7:10–16).

V. 3:25. “in your seed.” Quoted from Gen 22:18; 26:4. Jesus Christ was the ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant and its blessings (Gal 3:16), which are still available to the Jews.

W. 3:26. Jesus, God’s Servant (vs 13; 4:27, 30), was sent…first to you, that is, to the Jews. This chronological pattern was followed throughout the Gospels and Acts (Mt 10:5; Ac 13:46; Rom 1:16). The reason for this is that the establishing of the Kingdom depended, and still depends on, Israel’s response (Mt 23:37-39; Rom 11:26).

VI. Times Of Refreshing. (Acts 3:19-21). 19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.

A. Acts 3:19–21. “times of Refreshing.” The Kingdom Age Of The Millennium. “Times” means epoch, era, or season. Two descriptions are given to the coming era of the millennial kingdom. This is clear because they bracket the reference to Jesus Christ being sent from God to bring those times. Peter points to Christ’s earthly reign (see Acts 1:7; Rom. 11:26). The period will be marked by all kinds of blessings and renewal (Is 11:6–10; 35:1–10; Ez 34:26; 44:3; Joel 2:26; Mt 19:28; Rev. 19:1–10). It is not the church that brings in the Kingdom Age; it is Christ.

B. Lev 23:33-43. Feast Of Tabernacles. This festival commemorated God’s deliverance, protection, and provision during the wilderness wanderings of the Exodus (Ex. 23:16; Num. 29:12–38; Deut. 16:13–15). It is also known as the Feast of Booths (Deu 16:13) and Feast of Ingathering (Ex 23:16). The people lived in booths or huts made from limbs (Neh 8:14–18), remembering their wilderness experience. It also celebrated the autumn harvest and will be celebrated in the Millennium (Zech. 14:16).

C. Deu 2:7. During the time of Israel’s forty years of wandering in the wilderness, “God tabernacled with the Jews.”

D. 2 Chr 7:14 (in context). The fulfillment of this promise of God to Israel is found in Zech 12:10. Solomon finished the Temple in Jerusalem, the ark was taken in, and the Glory of the LORD filled the Temple (2 Chr 5:1-14). Solomon preached a sermon to the Jews about the Temple (6:1-11), and offered a prayer of dedication about the Temple (6:12-42). Fire came down from Heaven and consumed a burnt offering; the Glory of the LORD filled the Temple; the Jews worshipped God (7:1-3); sacrifices were offered (7:4-7); a feast of dedication followed for seven days (7:8-10); God’s promise and warning to Solomon followed (7:11-14); ” Then the Lord appeared to Solomon at night and said to him,” (7:12); If “My people” (7:13-14), who are called by “My name” (My people, Israel, Deu 14:2), “humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chr 7:14: the people are Israel; the land is Israel; neither Gentiles, nor the church meet the qualifications of “people and land.”).

E. 2 Chr 7:14 relates to Israel, and will be fulfilled in the last of the Tribulation when Jews call on Christ (in faith) to save them from utter destruction (Zech 12:10).

F. 2 Chr 36:19 tells of the destruction of Solomon’s Temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.

F. Ezek 37:26 (574 B.C.) tells of God’s promise to Ezekiel for His Millennial Temple (aka Ezekiel’s Temple).

G. Ezek 40:5 (574 B.C.) tells of God’s vision to Ezekiel of God’s Millennial Temple.

H. Ezek 10:1-18 (594 B.C.) tells of Ezekiel’s vision of the Glory of God departing Solomon’s Temple.

I. Ezek 43:4 (574 B.C.) tells of Ezekiel’s vision of the Glory of God entering the Millennial Temple.

J. The Glory of God did not fill Zerubbabel’s temple (Ezra 6:11-15, 515 B.C., the rebuilt Solomon’s Temple). Neither will the Glory of God fill the Tribulation Temple (Rev 11:1).

K. Zech 14:16-19. During the Kingdom Age of the Millennium, God will, again, “tabernacle with the Jews.”
This very important passage reveals that some Gentiles will go into the millennial kingdom alive along with the redeemed Jews. A converted remnant from those heathen nations will make annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem to worship the LORD and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles during the Millennium. Commemorating the time when God “tabernacled” with Israel in the wilderness, the feast represented the last of the 3 major pilgrimage festivals (Lev. 23:34–36), marked the final harvest of the year’s crops, and provided a time of rejoicing. In the Millennium, it will celebrate Messiah’s presence again dwelling among His people and the joyful restoration of Israel, including the ingathering of the nations. Those who refuse to go will experience drought and plague. Tragically, as the thousand years go on, there will be many people from all over the world who will reject Christ as Savior and King, joining in a final war against Him, only to be destroyed and cast into hell forever (cf. Rev. 20:7–15).

L. Rev 20:4. The duration of the Kingdom Age of the Millennial reign of Christ is one thousand years.

VII. Summary. The Apostle Peter was very direct with his witness of Christ to his fellow Jews. Scripture shows that the best way to witness to Jews, Gentiles, Muslims, etc., is to tell them about “Christ, and Him crucified,” just as was the example of Peter (Acts 2:36; 1 Cor 2:2). No religion can claim that their leader gave his life for them. Judaism and Christianity are not religions. See my Page, “About Equipping For Eternity Website,” on my “Equipping For Eternity Website,” for a discussion on “religions.”

VIII. Video Details. What Does Acts Chapter 3 Mean?

A. Jewish Voice. Jonathan shares inspirational insights about the promised Messiah as they take a closer look at Jesus in the light of biblical prophecy.

B. Jonathan Bernis, President and CEO of Jewish Voice Ministries International

C. https://www.jewishvoice.org/about/jonathan-bernis

IX. Please follow this site.

View The Video. Read The Text. Acts 2:42. Which Teaching? Which Gospel?

Acts 2:38, “Repent,” metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose (about Christ).

Series Title. Israel In The Book Of Acts.

Video Title. Day of Pentecost.

Article Title. Acts 2:42. Which Teaching? Which Gospel?

I. Introduction. When I consider the opening video of this article, the thought that is brought to my mind is, “consider God.”

II. Consider the following verses that are foundational to the considerations of this article.

A. Acts 1:-8-9.8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” 9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

B. Acts 2:42. “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

III. Let us consider the gospel message that the Apostles learned from Christ. The meaning of Gospel is “good news.” In the following verses, we will see that the “gospel of the Kingdom” relates to Israel. Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven have the same meaning.

A. Let’s consider the Kingdom, as it relates to “of God” and “of Heaven.” First of all, the Kingdom will be “on earth,” and will be empowered by God, whom is in Heaven (Matt 6:10). Secondly, the Kingdom will be ruled by Christ, and relates to national Israel (Lk 1:32-33).

B. The Kingdom is the result of a promise between God and Israel, and is described in the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. The Kingdom is not a frame of mind, or a thought process. The Kingdom is not in place at this time, but will come into being at the time that Christ returns to earth from Heaven at the end of the Tribulation (Mt 24:29-31, Rev 19:11-21, when Christ (King of Kings, Rev 19:16) sets up His 1,000 year reign, where He physically reigns upon the earth (Isa 2:3-4).

1. The Abrahamic Covenant is described as being a land, a people, and a blessing (Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 17:7-8). Gentiles who bless Jews will also be recipients of God’s blessings for Jews (Gen 12:3). The land will extend from the Nile River in Egypt, to the Euphrates River in Iraq, and will be approximately ten times the size of current Israel.

2. The Davidic Covenant describes a Godly government that will rule over the “Kingdom Of God”(2 Sam 7:8-16).

3. Some of the conditions of the Kingdom are discussed in the prophecies of the Jewish prophet, Isaiah, whose prophecy came from God, to Isaiah, to Israel (Isa 1:1-3). Conditions that Isaiah prophesied, which relate to the time of the Kingdom are stated in the following verses: Isa 2:1-4; 4:1-6; 9:6-7; 11:6-9; 25:6-8; 26:1-21; 32:1-20; 35:1-10; 42:1-6; 43:1-7; 49:1-12; 52:13-53:12 (53:5 is a promise of God’s spiritual healing of disobedient Israel also see Ps 103:12); 56:1-8; 60:1-22; 62:1-12; 66:18-25.

4. When Christ was on earth, He taught the details of the “good news” of the Kingdom. Notice that the gospel of the Kingdom was taught to Jews. The Kingdom was said to be “near,” but not here(per Andy Woods). Had Israel accepted Christ as being the choice of God for the Kingdom (Deu 17:15), all of the promises of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants would have immediately been fulfilled. Also, all of the conditions of the Kingdom, that Isaiah and over Jewish prophets had spoken to Israel, would have come to fruition.

a. Matthew 3:1-2. 1 Now in those days John the Baptist *came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

b. Matthew 4:17. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

c. Matthew 10:5-7. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

d. Mark 1:14-15. 14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

e. Luke 8:1. 1 Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him,

f. Luke 10:8-9. 8 Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ (vs 1, Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.)

5. In addition to the teachings of Christ about the Kingdom, He also spoke to the Jews about the Law, which involved Jews treating others according to God’s will for their lives. Consider the teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, per Ryrie Study Bible.

6. The Sermon On The Mount (Matthew). Consider the Law.

a. The Picture of Kingdom Life (Mt 5:1-16).

b. The Precepts for Kingdom Life (Mt 5:17-48). The law of Moses (Mt 5:17-20). The law of reconciliation (Mt 5:23-26). The law of Adultery (Mt 5:27-30). The law of divorce (Mt 5:31-32). The law of oaths (Mt 5:33-37). The law of nonresistance (Mt 5:38-42). The law of love (Mt 5:43-48).

(1) Mt 5:40. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.

(2) Mt 5:41. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

(3) Mt 5:42. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

c. The Practice of Kingdom Life (Mt 6:1-7:12). In relation to almsgiving (Mt 6:1-4). In relation to prayer (Mt 6:5-15). In relation to fasting (Mt 6:16-18). In relation to money (6:19-24). In relation to anxiety (Mt 6:25-34). In relation to Judging [I say again, “in relation to judging” (Mt 7:1-5)]. In relation to prudence (Mt 7:6). In relation to prayer (Mt 7:7-11). In relation to others (Mt 7:12).

d. The Proof of Kingdom Life (Mt 7:13-29).

7. The Sermon On The Mount. Luke 6:20-49. Consider the Law. Notice that as we finish considering the Sermon on the Mount, that we are not bound by the Sermon on the Mount, or by the Law. Lk 18:22 was stated outside of the Sermon on the Mount.

a. Lk 6:30. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.

b. Lk 6:38. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

c. Lk 18:18-23. It is at this time in the teaching of Christ about the Kingdom and the Law that the opportunity arises to discuss personal salvation.

(1) Lk 18:18 A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
(2) Lk 18:20 (Jesus said) “You know the commandments……”
(3) Lk 18:21 (the ruler said) “I have kept all these from my youth.”
(4) Lk 18:22 (Jesus said) “One thing that you still lack, sell all that you have and follow Me.”
(5) Lk 18:23 (The man) “was very sad, for he was extremely rich.”

d. RSB note: Lk 18:22. Apparently the man had kept the laws of vs 20, but Jesus saw his attachment to material things. Rather than admit this, the man turned his back on Christ’s help.

e. BKC note: Lk 18:21-22. The reasoning of Jesus was clear: (1) one must keep the law perfectly in order to inherit eternal life (cf. James 2:10). (2) Only God was good — truly righteous. (3) Therefore, nobody can obtain eternal life by following the Law (cf. Rom 3:20; Gal 2:21, 3:21). (4) The only course of action left to an individual is to follow Jesus in order to obtain eternal life.

f. BKC note: Mt 19:16-22. The young man affirmed he had kept all these things, but he still sensed a lack (Mt 19:20, “The young man *said to Him, All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?”). Whether he had truly kept these commands, only God knows. The young man believed he had, and yet he knew something was missing in his life. Nothing more was written about this young man; probably, he never left all and followed Christ. He loved his money more than God, and thus he violated even the first commandment (Ex 20:3).

g. It is important to remember that in the midst of the teaching of Christ for national Israel to accept Him as Messiah for them to enter the Kingdom [Mt 3:2,”repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Luke 13:3. “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”], Christ also taught that only born again, believing Jews, would be able to enter the Kingdom, which is personal salvation [Jn 3:3, “Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he can not see the kingdom of God.” Jn 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”].

h. Mt 3:2, “Repent.” (metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose…about Christ).

8. The Applicability Of The Law.

a. Lev 23:1-2. “Speak to the sons of Israel”.

a. Ps 147:19. “He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel.”

IV. Let Us Consider Salvation. For National Israel. For Individuals.

A. It is important to know that all verses are “for us,” but not all verses apply “to us” (per Andy Woods).

1. Consider two verses that discuss salvation.

a. Luke 13:3. “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

b. John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

c. Both of the above verses relate to salvation, but they are “miles apart” in application. Lk 13:3 relates to the national salvation of Israel. John 3:16 relates to personal salvation, of everybody, even Jews.

2. We will discuss the determining factors of each of the above two verses (Lk 13:3 and John 3:16).

B. Salvation For National Israel.

1. The synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke tell of Israel’s national salvation. Christ not only gave the Jews a refresher on the Kingdom, He also spoke to them on the Law. Christ was qualified to speak on the Law because He was totally compliant with the requirements of the Law (Heb 4:15); yet, He fulfilled the law (Mt 5:17).

a. Heb 4:15. “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”

b. Mt 5:17. “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

2. The law was given only to Israel. Consider Ps 147:19. “He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel.”

3. The offer of the Kingdom to Israel was set aside after Christ was rejected by the Jews, and will not be offered again until the time of the Tribulation (Mt 23:37-39; Zech 12:10).

C. Salvation For Individuals.

1. The Gospel of John (the good news of John’s gospel) shows Christ’s teaching on personal salvation, of Jews and Gentiles. Consider: Jn 1:7, 9, 11-13, 29. 3:3, 6-8, 15-18. 6:40, 10:27-30. 14:1-6, 16-20. 16:7-15. 17:3, 21-26. 20:31. John 3:3 states that in order for anyone to be allowed into the Kingdom, they must be born again. The new birth is also stated by the Apostle Paul, in 2 Cor 5:17, and in Ezekiel 36:24-29. The time of the Kingdom, which will take place on earth after the Tribulation, and will not have anyone entering it without having been born again (John 3:3; Mt 24:40-41…which is not the rapture; and Mt 25:34). Old Testament saints will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation, and will enter the Kingdom (Dan 12:1-3). Church age saints will be raptured and resurrected, and will return to earth with Christ from Heaven to enter the Kingdom (Rev 19:11-21). Deceased Tribulation saints (those who accept Christ during the Tribulation) will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation and will enter the Kingdom (Rev 20:4). Living Tribulation saints (those who accept Christ during the Tribulation) will enter the Kingdom in their living bodies (Mt 24:40-41; Mt 25:34). The Kingdom will last for a millennium (1,000 years, Rev 20:4). Following the millennium, all whom have been born again will enter into the eternal state of the new Heaven, new Earth and new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-2).

2. Included in the synoptic gospels, Christ also taught about His death, burial and resurrection, per Mt 16:21: “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day (notice, “third day”).”

D. The Teaching Of The Gospels.

1. The Gospel of the Kingdom was taught until the day that Christ ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:1-7).

2. The Gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ began being taught by the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-36), as is shown in 1 Cor 15:1-8), will be taught until Christ sets foot on earth at the end of the Tribulation (NAC).

a. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. 1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

b. The key message of the New Testament is “Christ and Him crucified:” Acts 2:36, 1 Cor 2:2).

3. The Gospel of the Kingdom will not be taught again until the time of the Tribulation (Mt 24:14), when it will be preached “as a testimony to all the nations.” In the mean time, it is incumbent upon believers in Christ to teach the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor 15:1-8). Therefore, the teaching of the Apostles would find its foundational backing on “Christ and Him crucified,” and not on the Law or the Kingdom. However, Scripture will show that the Apostles made references to the Law and the Kingdom, when the time was appropriate to draw unsaved Jews to saving faith in Christ.

E. The Teaching Of The Apostles.

1. Acts 2:46 tells that the earliest Christians, who were also Jews, continued in temple worship. They also met in their homes as born again believers in Christ: “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,”

2. The Apostles would continue keeping the feasts (Acts 20:6): “We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days”(Ex 12:17). While at the Feasts, the Apostles would explain the fulfilment of Christ in each of the festivals, as follows:

a. Passover (Ex 12:1-14; Mt 26:17-20) – The Death Of Christ (1 Cor 5:7).
b. Unleavened Bread (Ex 12:15-20) – The Sinlessness Of Christ (1 Cor 5:8).
c. First Fruits (Lev 23:9-14; Num 28:26) – The Resurrection Of Christ (1 Cor 15:23).
d. Pentecost (Deu 16:9-12; Acts 2:1) – The Outpouring Of The Spirit Of Christ (Acts 1:5, 2:4).
e. Trumpets (Num 29:1-6) – Israel’s Regathering By Christ (Mt 24:31).
f. Atonement (Lev 23:26-32; Heb 9:7) – The Substitutionary Sacrifice By Christ (Rom 11:26).
g. Booths/Tabernacles/Sukkot/Ingathering (Neh 8:13-18; Jn 7:2) – The Rest And Reunion With Christ (Zech 14:16-19).

V. Video Details. Day of Pentecost. ewlady. Excerpt from the movie “Acts of the Apostles.”

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Israel In Acts, Chapters 1 And 2, A Jewish Context, 33 A.D.

Video Title: Holy Spirit Comes

Article Title: Israel In Acts, Chapters 1 And 2, A Jewish Context, 33 A.D.

Introduction:

In this study of the Book of Acts, we have been focusing on the presence of Jews in Jerusalem. We have seen the activities that led up to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Jews while they were In Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. Some Jews had already come to saving faith in Christ, “but many more had not.” The significance of Pentecost is that it was a day that ensured that numerous nationalities of Jews would be directed by the Law to be present in Jerusalem, on that day (Ex 23:14-17). Notice that in the video, the prayer is “Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven” (Matt 6:10). These disciples of Christ are still praying for the Kingdom, which was promised to Israel, to come to earth “now.” They are not praying to be taken up to Heaven, which is not a teaching of the promise of Kingdom life. The Kingdom will be on earth (Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 17:8). The disciples have not been given the teaching of Heaven in great detail, other than in John 14:2-6. In time, they will come to understand the Resurrection and Rapture of the church in 1 Cor 15:50-54 and 1 Thes 4:13-18, as well as many other doctrinal teachings that are mysteries to them.

Looking Back:

Acts 1:1-26

We have seen that for a period of 40 days, after the resurrection of Christ, that He spoke about the Kingdom of God, not only to the disciples of Christ (Acts 1:3), but also to more than 1500 brethren (Jews, 1 Cor 15:6; Mt 25:40) “at one time.” (The gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is stated in 1 Cor 15:1-8; the Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached during the Tribulation by the 144,000 Jews (Mt 24:14, Rev 7:3.)

Prior to the ascension of Christ to Heaven (Acts 1:9), He told the disciples to “stay” in Jerusalem for what “The Father had promised” (Acts 1:4). We saw that the disciples were still waiting for the the restoring of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6. The Abrahamic Covenant: Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 17:8: “land, people, and blessings.” The Davidic Covenant: 2 Sam 7:8-16: A Godly government; taught by Christ and His disciples to Jews (Matt 4:17; 10:7; Lk 10:9, 11), and not to Samaritans or Gentiles (Mt 10:5-6). The Kingdom and Second Coming of Christ “to earth,” relate to Israel. Christ did not teach about the rapture of the Church to Jews, because the Rapture of the Church was a “mystery” (1 Cor 15:51) to the Jews at the time of Christ, and would not be revealed until 59 A.D. (1 Cor 15:50-54), and relates to those of us who are living during the Church age (saved Jews and saved Gentiles). The Rapture does not relate to those who are left behind from the Rapture and come to saving faith in Christ during the Tribulation (when the Church will not be present). The term, “mystery,” relates to something that had not been previously revealed by God.

We also saw where angels told the disciples” (Acts 1:11), that just as Christ was lifted up to Heaven, He would return to earth in the same manner (Matt 24:29:31; Zech 14:1-5; Rev 19:11-21). This return of Christ to earth, will result with Christ returning “to the earth, standing on the earth, at the place from where He ascended, on the Mount of Olives (Zech 14:4). In the Rapture of the Church, Christ will return in the air (not touching the earth), and will catch up His born again believers from earth, and take them with Him to Heaven (John 14:2-6; 1 Thes 4:16-17; 1 Cor 15:50-54).

We saw where the disciples returned to Jerusalem (a Sabbath Day’s journey…Acts 1:12, Mt 24:20), which is the distance that Rabbis allowed Jews to travel on the Sabbath, i.e., 2,000 cubits, appx 1/2 mile/1 km (Ex 16:29; Num 35:5, RSB). We saw where the disciples entered Jerusalem, and went up to the upper room, where they, and women (appx 120 people), devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 1:13-15). The upper room may have been the house of Mary (Acts 12:12), or the location of the last Passover meal, that Christ had with His disciples (Mk 14:12-15; Lk 22:11-12; MSB). The upper room may have also been on the top of a largge house (NAC). The Passover meal of Matt 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, John 13:1-5, was not Christian communion. Passover meals would continue to be observed annually, and continues to be observed by Jews each year, even to the year in which we find our place.

Acts 2:1-36

We saw in Acts 2:1 that the Day of Pentecost occurred 50 days after the resurrection of Christ (RSB), a total of 10 days from the day of the ascension of Christ (RSB). Many Christians observe “Ascension Sunday” (the Sunday after the ascension of Christ),” and “Pentecost Sunday” (the Sunday when the Holy Spirit fell on Jerusalem). On the Day of Pentecost, those in the upper room, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, spoke the message of “the mighty deeds of God” (Act 2:11). The miracle of Pentecost is that 120 Jews in the upper room (Acts 1:15), spoke in the languages (tongues) of the Jews, who were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:6); it was like a United Nations translation of a speaker into the languages of all of the international people who are present. “The Day of Pentecost,” the fourth of the annual feasts of the Jews (after Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits; it came 50 days after First Fruits, a type of resurrection of Christ… 1 Cor 15:23). Pentecost was the Greek name for the Jewish Feast of Weeks, so called because it fell seven (a week of) weeks after First Fruits. It celebrated the wheat harvest (Ex 23:16). This Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 marked the beginning of the Church (Matt 16:18). Possibly at Acts 2:3, the group left the house and went to the Temple (RSB). In Acts 2:14-36, the Apostle Peter preached the first message of Christ to Jews, in the Dispensation of The Church (SRN). The conclusion of Peter’s sermon is stated in Acts 2:36: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”

It was truly an act of God for the 120 Disciples in the upper room, and the Apostle Peter to preach the message of Christ (Acts 2:14-36), so that all of the assembled Jews in Jerusalem could understand the message in their own languages (Acts 2:8), with a total of 3,000 unbelieving Jews coming to saving faith in Christ on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41).

It is important to understand that the events of the Day of Pentecost relate to Jews. Gentiles are not the focus of the message of Christ, at this time. Read the following, by Howard Culbertson http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/personal

In its infancy, the Early Church was almost 100% Jewish. That should not surprise us. Those whom God inspired to write the books of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) had all been Jews. The promised Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, was Jewish. Though the 3,000 people converted on the Day of Pentecost were “from every nation under Heaven,” (Acts 2) they were obviously not Gentile pagans since they were all in Jerusalem to celebrate a distinctly Jewish festival. http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/gentile.htm

Looking Ahead: Acts 2:37-47. The Results Of Peter’s Pentecost Sermon.

2:37, Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”

Note: 2:37. “cut to the heart.” The Gr. word for “cut” means “pierce” or “stab,” and thus denotes something sudden and unexpected. In grief, remorse, and intense spiritual conviction, Peter’s listeners were stunned by his indictment that they had killed their Messiah.

2:38, Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Based on Acts 2:8, tongues as are prominent in many of today’s churches, are not words that are unintelligible, and in the context of Acts 2, do not need interpretation by others.

Note: 2:38a. “Repent.” To change one’s mind; specifically, here, about Jesus of Nazareth, and to acknowledge Him as Lord (=God) and Christ (=Messiah). Such repentance brings about salvation. (RSB)

Note (Mine) 2:38b. “be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins.” Matt 3:2, “Repent”, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The word to Jews was to repent “change their minds about Christ.” The offer of the Kingdom, not Heaven, was being offered to Israel, (metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose; same as in Acts 2:38). Matt 3:6, “and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.” These Jews were being baptized in response to their belief in Christ as Messiah, as the King that God has chosen for Israel (Deu 17:15). In response to the Pharisees and Saducees, who were going to John for baptism, John said in Matt 3:8, “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;” their “metanoeó” was not genuine. The Jews who were serious in their metanoeó had the result of John 3:3: ‘Jesus answered and said to him,’ “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The new-birth is promised to those in the Church Age as a condition for Heaven (2 Cor 5:17), “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Note (Mine) 2:38c. “the gift of the Holy Spirit.” We may ask, “what is the gift of the Holy Spirit?” (This verse relates to Jews at Pentecost, in 33 A.D.). The following verses tell of a chronological listing of the giving of Spiritual gifts, that are provided by God to those whom have been born again, to be taught by God’s Holy Spirit, who will teach the world through His born again believers in Christ.

(33 A.D.) John 14:16,17,26, (16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.). 16:8, And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.

The following verses of Spiritual gifts relate to those in the churches that are composed of Jews and Gentiles. These gifts are given by God to those whom He may choose. In the Book of Acts, there is no such detailed spiritual gifting.

(59 A.D.) 1 Cor 12:1, “Now concerning spiritual gifts,” 12:4, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.

(60 A.D.) Rom 12:6, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us”

(64 A.D.) Eph 4:8, “He gave gifts to men.”

(64 A.D.) Heb 2:4, “gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”

(33 A.D.) Mark 16:16. There are two different accounts of the Resurrection of Christ. vs 1-8 are consistent with the Resurrection and great commission accounts of Matt 28, Luke 24, Acts 1, and John 20. Vs 9-20 show a different cast of women who are present at the tomb. vs 1 shows two women; vs 9 shows one woman. Vs 16, “he who has believed and been baptized;” John 3:16, Rom 10:9 state that belief in Christ is necessary for salvation, and not any inclusion of baptism in attaining salvation. Vs 17, (believers will) cast out demons, speak with new tongues, vs 18 pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Note that in vs 17, “speak with new tongues,” is not consistent with the other accounts of the resurrection. Consider the following comments from the MacArthur Study Bible.

16:9–20 The external evidence strongly suggests these verses were not originally part of Mark’s gospel. While the majority of Gr. manuscripts contain these verses, the earliest and most reliable do not. A shorter ending also existed, but it is not included in the text. Further, some that include the passage note that it was missing from older Gr. manuscripts, while others have scribal marks indicating the passage was considered spurious. The fourth-century church fathers Eusebius and Jerome noted that almost all Gr. manuscripts available to them lacked vv. 9–20. The internal evidence from this passage also weighs heavily against Mark’s authorship. The transition between vv. 8 and 9 is abrupt and awkward. The Gr. particle translated “now” that begins v. 9 implies continuity with the preceding narrative. What follows, however, does not continue the story of the women referred to in v. 8,

The NASB, NKJV, ESV, and NIV agree with the MacArthur Study Bible comments on vs 9-20.

Acts 2:42, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Note (Mine). They=early Church). These were Jews who were in Jerusalem for the annual Feast of Pentecost (Ac 2:6-11; Lev 23:15-22).

Note (Mine). Breaking of bread does not indicate Christian communion, especially at such at early date in the spiritual growth of Jewish believers in Christ. When we consider the events of Pentecost, we notice that on the day prior, all of these Jews were unbelievers. On the day of Pentecost, they became believers in Christ. The theme of the NT is “Christ and Him crucified,” (Acts 2:36, 33 A.D., 1 Cor 2:2, 59 A.D.). The term, “breaking of bread,” was used in Luke 24:30, where the meaning was that of a meal, and can not relate to Christian communion. These Jews had no preconceived ideas of, such as, “First Baptist Church Of Jerusalem.” That which they knew dealt with “Christ, and Him crucified.”

Acts 2:46, “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,”

Note (Mine). These were Pentecost Day Jews; they met as believers in homes having meals= breaking bread (see Lk 24:30-35, which was not Christian Communion). This was too soon for “formal Church functions.” 3,000 Jews accepted Christ on the Day of Pentecost (Ac 2:41), but continued going to the temple, as did other Jews who came to saving faith in Christ; follow the Acts timeline. One of my Jewish Messianic believers in Christ discussed the aspect of these Jews continuing their attendance at the Temple. He said that Jews would not bring embarrassment on their elders by immediately dismissing themselves form Temple worship. As we continue with this study of Acts, as we key on the Jewish element of the early church, we will see born again Jews continuing in Temple worship.

Acts 2:47, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Note (Mine). The Holy Spirit led: (1) 120 “believing Jews” to speak in the languages of Pentecost Day “unbelieving Jews” in Jerusalem (Ac 2:8); and (2) Peter to “preach Christ” (Ac 2:14-36); (3) leading 3,000 unbelieving Jews to belief in Christ on that day (Ac 2:41). Those whom had been baptized were believers prior to their baptism (Ac 2:37-38). They repented (metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose) of their unbelief in Christ.

This article is part of a timeline study of the Book of Acts, keying on Israel. Please remember that the context of the early Church is that of Jews, who remained Jews, but grew in their belief and understanding of, “Christ and Him crucified.” Editing details are shown, as follows:

Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

Comment Providers. Unless otherwise indicated, BKC=The Bible Knowledge Commentary. DHC=David Hocking Commentary; HC=Holman Commentary; JDP=J. Dwight Pentecost; MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; MBC=Moody Bible Commentary; NAC=New American Commentary; NIV=NIV Study Bible; NKJV= New King James Study Bible; RLT=Robert L. Thomas Commentary; RC=Ryrie Commentary; RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; SRN=Scofield Reference Notes; WRC= Walvoord Commentary; AMW=Andrew M. Woods. Credentials for individual commentators can be found on my “About Sources” page.

Video Details.

Video Title: Holy Spirit Comes.

PEACE WAY CHRISTIAN CENTER

In NBC’s A.D. The Bible Continues portrays the Holy Spirit coming down to the Disciples of Jesus Christ.

Show. A.D.: The Bible Continues : The Spirit Arrives

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Israel In Acts, 2:1-36, Pentecost, 33 A.D.

Video Title: Day Of Pentecost.

Article Title: Israel In Acts, 2:1-36, Pentecost, 33 A.D.

Introduction:

It has been fifty days since Passover. Notice in the video the prayer in the upper room (Acts 1:13) being from Matt 6:10, “Thy kingdom come.” Jews were still waiting for the Kingdom, not Heaven (Acts 1:3, 6), and were praying for “the Kingdom to come.” Notice that the words of those Jews were being spoken in the languages of the Jews who were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:6), and that those in the upper room were men and women, totaling 120 Jewish believers in Christ (Acts 1:13-15). See foot of page for comment providers.

Deuteronomy 16:9-12

9 “You shall count seven weeks for yourself; you shall begin to count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. 10 Then you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with a tribute of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give just as the Lord your God blesses you; 11 and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter and your male and female servants and the Levite who is in your town, and the stranger and the orphan and the widow who are in your midst, in the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His name. 12 You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall be careful to observe these statutes.

Note: 16:10–12 the Feast of Weeks. Seven weeks later this second feast was celebrated. It was also called the “Feast of Harvest” (Ex. 23:16) or the “day of firstfruits” (Lev. 23:9–22; Num. 28:26–31) and later came to be known as “Pentecost” (Acts 2:1). With the grain harvest completed, this one-day festival was a time of rejoicing. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 50 days after the death of Christ at the Passover, was on Pentecost and gives special meaning to that day for Christians (cf. Joel 2:28–32; Acts 2:14–18). (MSB)

Acts 2:1-36. A Jewish Feast. Jews in town from many countries, hearing the truth Of Christ in their own languages. (Notes: MSB, unless otherwise noted).

Acts 2:1-4

The Day of Pentecost.

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Note: 2:1. “Day of Pentecost.” “Pentecost” means “fiftieth” and refers to the Feast of Weeks (Ex. 34:22, 23) or Harvest (Lev. 23:16), which was celebrated 50 days after Passover in May/June (Lev. 23:15–22). It was one of 3 annual feasts for which the nation was to come to Jerusalem (see note on Ex. 23:14–19). At Pentecost, an offering of firstfruits was made (Lev. 23:20). The Holy Spirit came on this day as the firstfruits of the believer’s inheritance (cf. 2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:11, 14). Those gathered into the church then were also the firstfruits of the full harvest of all believers to come after. “in one place.” The upper room mentioned in 1:13.

Note: 2:2. “a sound . . . as . . . mighty wind.” Luke’s simile described God’s action of sending the Holy Spirit. Wind is frequently used in Scripture as a picture of the Spirit (cf. Ezek. 37:9, 10; John 3:8).

Note: 2:3. The disciples could not comprehend the significance of the Spirit’s arrival without the Lord sovereignly illustrating what was occurring with a visible phenomenon. “tongues, as of fire.” Just as the sound, like wind, was symbolic, these were not literal flames of fire but supernatural indicators, like fire, that God had sent the Holy Spirit upon each believer. In Scripture, fire often denoted the divine presence (cf. Ex. 3:2–6). God’s use of a fire-like appearance here parallels what He did with the dove when Jesus was baptized (Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16).

Note: 2:4. “all.” The apostles and the 120. Cf. Joel 2:28–32. “filled with the Holy Spirit.” In contrast to the baptism with the Spirit, which is the one-time act by which God places believers into His body (see notes on 1 Cor. 12:13), the filling is a repeated reality of Spirit-controlled behavior that God commands believers to maintain (see notes on Eph. 5:18). Peter and many others in Acts 2 were filled with the Spirit again (e.g., 4:8, 31; 6:5; 7:55) and so spoke boldly the Word of God. The fullness of the Spirit affects all areas of life, not just speaking boldly (cf. Eph. 5:19–33). “with other tongues.” Known languages (See Acts 2:6, 11 notes).

Acts 2:5-13. The Crowd’s Response. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A5-13&version=NASB

Note: 2:5. Jews, devout men. Hebrew males who made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. They were expected to celebrate Pentecost (see note on v. 1) in Jerusalem, as part of observing the Jewish religious calendar. See note on Ex. 23:14–19.

Note: 2:6. “this sound.” The noise like gusty wind (v. 2), not the sound of the various languages. “speak in his own language.” As the believers were speaking, each pilgrim in the crowd recognized the language or dialect from his own country.

Note: 2:7. “Galileans.” Inhabitants of the mostly rural area of northern Israel around the Sea of Galilee. Galilean Jews spoke with a distinct regional accent and were considered to be unsophisticated and uneducated by the southern Judean Jews. When Galileans were seen to be speaking so many different languages, the Judean Jews were astonished.

Note: 2:9–11 The listing of specific countries and ethnic groups proves again that these utterances were known human languages.

Note: 2:9. “Parthians.” They lived in what is modern Iran. “Medes.” In Daniel’s time, they ruled with the Persians, but had settled in Parthia. “Elamites.” They were from the southwestern part of the Parthian Empire. “Mesopotamia.” This means “between the rivers” (the Tigris and Euphrates). Many Jews still lived there, descendants of those who were in captivity and who never returned to the land of Israel (cf. 2 Chr. 36:22, 23). “Judea.” All the region once controlled by David and Solomon, including Syria.

Note: 2:9, 10. “Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia.” All were districts in Asia Minor, in what is now Turkey.

Note: 2:10. “Egypt.” Many Jews lived there, especially in the city of Alexandria. The nation then covered the same general area as modern Egypt. “Libya adjoining Cyrene.” These districts were W of Egypt, along the North African coast. “Rome.” The capital of the Empire had a sizeable Jewish population, dating from the second century B.C. proselytes. “Gentile converts to Judaism.” Jews in Rome were especially active in seeking such converts.

Note: 2:11. “Cretans.” Residents of the island of Crete, off the southern coast of Greece. “Arabs.” Jews who lived S of Damascus, among the Nabatean Arabs (cf. Gal. 1:17). “we hear them speaking.” See note on v. 6. wonderful works of God. The Christians were quoting from the OT what God had done for His people (cf. Ex. 15:11; Pss. 40:5; 77:11; 96:3; 107:21). Such praises were often heard in Jerusalem during festival times.

Note: 2:13 new wine. A drink that could have made one drunk.

Acts 2:14-36. Peter’s Sermon. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A14-36&version=NASB

Note: 2:14–40. After the Holy Spirit’s arrival, the first major event of church history was Peter’s sermon, which led to 3,000 conversions and established the church (vv. 41–47) (My note. These were Jews who came to saving faith in Christ. See 2:36’s Jewish context.)

Note (Mine): Consider the audience of Peter. Acts 2:14: they are Jews. Acts 2:16-21: the message is related to Jewish prophecy. Acts 2:22-24: they are Jews. Acts 2:25-35: the message is related to Jewish prophecy.

Note: 2:22–36. Here is the main body of Peter’s sermon, in which he presented and defended Jesus Christ as Israel’s Messiah.

Note (Mine): Verse 36 is key: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Note: 2:36. Peter summarizes his sermon with a powerful statement of certainty: the OT prophecies of resurrection and exaltation provide evidence that overwhelmingly points to the crucified Jesus as the Messiah. “both Lord and Christ.” Jesus is God as well as anointed Messiah (cf. Rom. 1:4; 10:9; 1 Cor. 12:3; Phil. 2:9, 11).

Note (Mine): The message on Pentecost was spoken by a Jew (The Apostle Peter), “to Jews,” who were in Jerusalem for one of three required Jewish feasts (Ex 23:14-17, Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Tabernacles). The message was about a Jew, “Christ,” whom had been crucified after Jews in Jerusalem, whom had not come to faith in Christ as Messiah cried, “Crucify Him,” (Matt 27:22). It is important to understand that whenever a verse has the words, “the Jews,” it is important to understand whether “the Jews” relates to believing Jews or, whether it relates to unbelieving Jews. Have “the Jews accepted Christ” as Messiah, or have “the Jews not accepted Christ” as Messiah?

Note: 23:14–19 Requiring all males to be present for 3 specified feasts at a central sanctuary would have had a socially and religiously uniting effect on the nation. The men must trust the Lord to protect their landholdings while on pilgrimage to the tabernacle (cf. 34:23, 24). All 3 feasts were joyful occasions, being a commemoration of the Exodus (the Feast of Unleavened Bread), an expression of gratitude to God for all the grain He had provided (the Feast of Harvest), and a thanksgiving for the final harvest (the Feast of Ingathering). Alternative names appear in the biblical record for the second and third feasts: the Feast of Weeks (34:22) or Firstfruits (34:22; Acts 2:1), and the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths (Lev. 23:33–36). For additional discussions, see, Lev. 23:1–24:9; Num. 28, 29; Deut. 16. (Pentecost, Harvest, and Weeks are the same feast).

This article is part of a timeline study of the Book of Acts. Editing details are shown, as follows:

Comment Providers. BKC=The Bible Knowledge Commentary. DHC=David Hocking Commentary; HC=Holman Commentary; MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; MBC=Moody Bible Commentary; NAC=New American Commentary; NIV=NIV Study Bible; NKJV= New King James Study Bible; RLT=Robert L. Thomas Commentary; RC=Ryrie Commentary; RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; SRN=Scofield Reference Notes; WRC= Walvoord Commentary. Credentials for individual commentators can be found on my “About Sources” page.

Video Details. Day of Pentecost HD. Gise Ríos.

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Israel In Acts, 1:1-11, 33 A.D., Notes

Article Title: Israel In Acts, 1:1-11, 33 A.D., Notes

Introduction.

What is the Kingdom?

Consider a time in the history of our created earth that there was no challenge to the rulership of God over His creation. That time was in Genesis before the fall of Adam and Eve (Gen Chapters one and two). Adam and Eve were appointed to rule over God’s creation (Gen 1:26), with Adam being given the overall charge. When Adam and Eve fell in Genesis Chapter 3, the appointment of Adam and Eve to be administrators of God’s creation was taken away. Consider the following, more in depth discussion of Dr. Andrew M. Woods, which come from his book, “The Coming Kingdom, pages 6-8. Credentials for Dr. Woods can be found in my Equipping Site page, “About Sources.” Everyone should have a copy of “The Coming Kingdom.”

[The biblical story of the kingdom begins as early as the Garden of Eden. Here God placed Adam and Eve in a position of Authority over God’s creation. (See Gen 1:26-28).

The technical term for this hierarchy, where God rules over a man who, in turn, governs creation on God’s behalf, is “the office of Theocratic Administrator.” This term simply refers to someone who governs for God. In other words, God ruled the world, indirectly through the first Adam.

However, Satan soon took the form of a serpent with the specific goal of perverting and reversing this divinely ordained hierarchy. Instead of governing the physical world for God, Adam and Eve were influenced by creation (the serpent) to rebel against God (Gen 3). Such rebellion represented a top to bottom reversal of God’s original intention of the office of Theocratic Administrator. Adam, who was supposed to be the spiritual leader of his marriage, blamed Eve for the sin. Similarly, Eve, who was supposed to be governing the animal kingdom for God, blamed the serpent for this rebellion (Gen 3:11-13). Satan’s success in inciting the rebellion against Adam and Eve removed the office of Theocratic Administrator from the earth, as Satan at that point became the ruler of the world (Luke 4:5-8; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1 John 5:19). What then is the story line of the Bible? It is how this office is restored through the messianic kingdom. Just as God the Father originally intended to indirectly govern the physical world through the first Adam, He will one day govern the world through the Last Adam, or God the Son.

The restoration of the physical kingdom, or office of Theocratic Administrator as the dominant theme of the Bible, has been recognized by numerous theologians, such as the late Drs. Charles Ryrie and Harold Hoehner, both of Dallas Theological Seminary.]

Consider a key scripture passage that relates to the Kingdom, as follows:

Luke 17:20-21 (NASB) “20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

What is the Kingdom? The kingdom is not heaven, but is the result of a covenant between God and Israel. The kingdom will exist on earth for 1,000 years (Rev 20:4), and is also known as the “millennium.” During the kingdom age Gentiles will also be present, and will be blessed too (Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 17:7-8; 2 Sam 7:8-16; Isa 2:1-4; 11:6-9; 56:3-8; 65:25; Mt 3:1-2; 4:17; 10:5-7; Lk 10:1, 11).

The Kingdom is a place, a people. and a blessing, per Gen 12:1-3, and can not be placed within us. But, we can be placed within the Kingdom, which will happen for those whom have been born again. (See Ezekiel 36:24-29, John 3:3, and 2 Cor 5:17). Please read the scripture particulars that are placed in the above paragraph. The correct translation of Luke 17:20-21 is important to understand, “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (NASB), and not “within you,” (KJV). The meaning is that the kingdom is near, but not here. If first century Israel had accepted Christ as Messiah, the Kingdom would have been present, with all of the blessings that are contained in scripture, as are stated above.

Ezekiel 36:24-29 was a prophecy to Jews of the new birth, and the blessings that will accompany those whom will be born again and reside in the Kingdom (587 B.C., NASB).

24 For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28 You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God. 29 Moreover, I will save you from all your uncleanness; and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will not bring a famine on you.

John 3:3 was a statement that Christ spoke to Jews, about the necessity of the new birth, when He was teaching them about the Kingdom (30 A.D., NASB).

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 was a statement that the Apostle Paul made to Christians about the benefit of being born again (60 A.D., NASB).

17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Consider Matthew 3:2, “repent” (27 A.D., NASB), which is the same “repent” as is stated in Acts 2:38 (33 A.D.)

2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Repent, “metanoeite,” 3340: means to change one’s mind or purpose,” about Christ, which is the same as in Acts 2:38, “repent.”

Consider a sermon that was preached by Dr. Andy Woods, in relation to the Kingdom, as follows:

[Youtube video,” The Coming Kingdom 08. The Kingdom Offered – Matthew 3:2; beginning at 45.00 minutes. ”

These are notes that were taken from the sermon of Dr. Woods.

The kingdom is the unchallenged rulership of God that has drawn near to man in the Person of Christ.

“The kingdom of heaven,” because of it source, originates in heaven; it comes from heaven; it is talking about the origin of the kingdom.

The words, kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God, are interchangeable. The rule of heaven, drawing near to earth, comes in the person of Christ.

The kingdom is not some mystical reign of Christ in the heart.

The Kingdom is “at hand” (Matt 3:2), does not mean “here,” but “near,” and was spoken only to national Israel (Matt 10:5-7).]

Acts 1:1-11. Verses and Notes.

Acts 1:3. “To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

Note. Ryrie Study Bible note.. “Forty days.” The only reference to the length of Christ’s ministry on earth between His resurrection and His ascension.

Acts 1:6. “So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”

Ryrie note: The Messianic, Davidic, millennial kingdom on this earth. The time of its coming is unrevealed (Matt 24:36, 42.)

Acts 1:11. “.They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

My Note: See Zechariah 14:1-5, 9. Matthew 24:29-31. Revelation 19:11-21. The elect of Mt 24:31 relates to Israel (Deu 14:2).

Translation Considerations. . “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

Video details. JESUS, (English), Jesus Gives Great Commission and Ascends to Heaven. Jesus Film.

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