Pentecost—The Holy Spirit is given.
Note first of all. “They were all with one accord in one place.”
The “feast of weeks” or “Pentecost” was held 50 days after the feast of first fruits.
The Holy Spirit came from heaven at Pentecost 50 days after the resurrection of Christ.
The Gospels said that, “John the Baptist would baptize with water, but the Lord would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire” = judgment.
Pentecost is also the baptism of the Spirit. Chapter 1:5.
There is only one baptism.
The only other time baptism is used is in 1 Corinthians 12:13 “By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.”
When the tabernacle was dedicated—the glory of the Lord filled it. Exodus 40:35.
The same happened when the temple was finished. 1 Kings 8:11.
When the Church on earth is inaugurated again the glory of the Lord fills it. Acts 2:2.
Note what the Spirit did
1. He filled the house. Verse 2
2. He came upon each believer. Verse 3
3. He came into each to abide. Verse 4. Quote.
Consider the Holy Spirit as a Teacher.
As to the past: He brings all things to our remembrance. John 14:26
As to the present: He takes the things of Christ and shows them to us. John 16:14-15
As to the future: He will show us things to come. John 16:12
As to the world: He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. John 16:8-11
Consider Joel’s prophecy Chapter 2. Page 931.
See also Matthew 24.
The partial fulfillment of Joel’s prophesy. Page 931.
Read from Verse 16 to 21. See Matthew 24:29. Luke 21:25-29.
Verse 13 These men are full of new wine (drunk).
See Ephesians 5:18. Be filled with the Spirit.
One baptism—many fillings. See John 7.
Peter’s sermon.
Using the keys of the kingdom. See Matthew 16:15-18.
First to the Jews Acts 2 to the Gentiles Acts 10.
Notice the important place the Holy Spirit had in the life of the Lord Jesus.
His conception Matthew 1:18-20.
His baptism Matthew 3:16.
His walk and service Luke 4:1-14.
His resurrection Romans 8:11.
As His witness throughout this age John 15:26; 16:8-11, 13-14.
We, as Christians cannot do anything for the Lord unless we are motivated and controlled by the Spirit.
There are those who would vehemently object to the position we have taken here.
Objection No. 1. See Verse 39.
“Forbid not to speak with tongues.”
Tongues speaking was a valid gift and was valuable at that time, when used for the purpose given, so it would have been wrong to forbid this use.
Objection No. 2. See Verse 5.
“I would that you all spake with tongues.”
This is answered by what we have just said. What could be more valuable as a sign, for communication with fellow men and far edifying, than a gift of tongues.
We learn foreign languages today for this very purpose.
I believe the reason for speaking in a tongue or language in the first place was because there were those present who spake and understood that language.
Isn’t it strange that tongues speaking advocates can leave this country and go to foreign countries and speak in tongues, but it is never the language of the people of that country.
In fact some of those people do not speak the language of the country very well.
Objection No. 3. See Verse 18.
“I speak tongues more than you all.”
No one could deny this. Tongues were still in use when Paul wrote this.
During all his missionary travels he could have profitably employed this gift and possibly did—not for show—but to communicate and edify.
Verse 19 Shows that he did not use either the gift or the ability the way some Christians were using it.
He says under inspiration of the Spirit that he would “rather teach with five words from my understanding than pour out 10,000 words he did not understand.”
That is a ratio of 2,000 to 1.
So in this case the plain Biblical teaching is, that it is better to speak one word and be understood than 2,000 words and not be understood.
This is a shattering blow to tongues advocates today.
Verse 23 Who killed Jesus? See John 19:10-11.
“Being delivered by the determinate counsel of God.”
Verse 24 Note the strong emphasis on the resurrection.
Mentioned twice as often as His death.
Thousands saw His death.
No one saw His resurrection.
No one but His disciples saw Him after His resurrection.
Anyone who believes in the resurrection must believe that Christ is God.
It is also necessary to believe this for salvation Romans 10:9.
The modern theory—a spiritual resurrection.
Verse 33 Where is Jesus now?
See Chapter 1:9-11 Verse 33 “Exalted at the right hand of God.”
See also Chapter 7:55-56. Stephen saw Him.
Verse 36 The exalted Christ
Men crucified Him.
God exalted Him—made Him both Lord and Christ.
“Who moved the stone?”—Frank Morrison.
“Rapture of Saints” Mid—Pre.
Verse 37 Conviction is produced by the Holy Spirit.
They were pricked in their heart—What shall we do?
They realized their guilt—they realized that the Jesus whom they had crucified was God’s beloved Son.
They realized that this Jesus had been raised from the dead, and was now exalted in heaven—What shall we do?
Verse 38 Peter’s answer. Quote.
At first glance it would appear that this verse teaches baptismal regeneration.
1. This is impossible in the light of such verses as John 1:12, 3:16, 3:36, 6:47; Acts 16:31; and Romans 10:9.
2. The thief on the cross was assured of salvation apart from baptism. Luke 23:43.
3. The Savior is stated not to have baptized anyone, a strange omission if baptism is essential to salvation.
4. Paul was thankful that he baptized only a few of the Corinthians—a strange cause for thankfulness if baptism has saving merits 1 Corinthians 1:14-16.
Only Jews were ever told to be baptized for the remission of sins.
The nation of Israel had crucified the Lord of Glory.
They had cried out “His blood be upon us and on our children.” Matthew 27:25.
The guilt of Messiah’s death was claimed by the nation of Israel.
As Peter spoke, some of these Jews came to realize their mistake.
They repented at this time and acknowledged their sin to God.
By accepting Christ as Savior they were saved and received forgiveness of sins.
By baptism they desecrated themselves from the nation that crucified Him and identified themselves with Him.
The order for us today is found in Acts 10:44-48: (1) Faith, (2) Reception of the Holy Spirit, and (3) Water baptism.
Verse 39
1. Peter reminds them in this verse, that the promise of the Spirit is for them and for their children.
2. It is also to them that are afar off (the Gentiles) ever as many as God would call.
Verse 40 Not all of Peter’s message is recorded here.
The gist of the message was that his ??? should separate themselves from the generation who had rejected and crucified their Messiah and Savior, by being baptized.
Verse 41 Immediately there was a tremendous response.
3,000 people surged forward for baptism.
Note the Holy Spirit’s ministry—Peter spoke the words—the Spirit did the work.
Verse 42 The proof of reality is in continuance.
1. They continued steadfastly in the “apostles’ teaching.”
2. In Fellowship—they desired to be with those of like precious faith.
3. The breaking of bread.
This expression is used in the N.T. to refer both to the Lord’s supper and to eating a common meal.
Here it means the Lord’s supper. (See also Verse 46)
The early disciples broke bread every Lord’s day Acts 20.
(4) Prayer’s.
The early church was completely dependent on the Lord for all its activities.
Verse 43 Great fear came upon every soul.
Reverential awe.
The power and work of the Holy Spirit was so evident that their hearts were hushed and subdued.
Astonishment filled their hearts as they saw the apostles performing many miracles.
Verses 44-47 These verses tell us that their love for each other was so great that they did not look on their possessions as their own. The shared them with each other.
They were a happy people. Gladness Verse 46. Praising God Verse 47.
Favor with the people—temporary.
Many were added to the church.
The opening of a new dispensation… The Church Age… The dispensation of the Spirit. God-Christ-Spirit. The Deity of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit.
Each of the Gospels declare that John the Baptist baptized with water. They also declared that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
The Lord refers to this in Acts 1:5. John truly baptized with water, but “ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
This shows that the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is spoken of as the “Baptism of the Spirit.”
“Pentecost” was the advent of the Spirit to abide in the world in the Church. (See Sheet No 3).
Prior to Pentecost, His appearances were infrequent and temporary. David-Gideon-Bezalel. John 14:16.
When He came permanently into the world He baptized those gathered in the Upper Room into the Body of Christ. The unity of the Spirit Eph 4:3. One body. 1 Corinthians 12:13. (No 1).
There is only one baptism of the Spirit spoken of in the Scripture. Ephesians 4:5. One baptism (See Sheet No 2)… but many fillings. Believers were incorporated into the church…into Christ. Indwelt and filled with the Spirit…Endowed with power.
Not once in Scripture, after Pentecost, is the term baptising of the Spirit found. Despite this evidence there are some who speak freely of the baptism of the Spirit, and an accompanying power to speak in tongues.
There is an interesting point of comparison there, with some great events in the O.T. When the Tabernacle was dedicated…the glory of the Lord filled it. Ex 40:35.
When the Temple was set apart…the glory of the Lord filled it. 1 Kings 8:11.
When the Church was formed at Pentecost as God’s spiritual house…and molded into a living organism…the glory of the Lord filled it.
God, the Holy Spirit, under the simile of a mighty rushing wind, filled all the house.
The Holy Spirit did three things at this time.
1. He filled the house. V2. He “filled the house where they were sitting.”
2. He came “upon” each believer. V3. He “sat upon each of them.”
3. He came “into” each believer to abide permanently. V4. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. See Acts 4:31
He came into each belier to furnish power for Christian life and testimony.
He filled each believer to furnish power for Christian life and testimony.
He filled each believer with Himself, for He has a threefold ministry—for-in-and through the believer. Note: Some of the other works of the Spirit. He seals each one for security. Eph. 4:30. The earnest or foretaste of eternal blessings, for satisfaction. Phil 3:10. Eph 1. Finally, He anoints for service. The greatest unused power in the world.” The energy of the spirit. Where is it?
The Holy Spirit’s coming into the world was accompanied by three things.
1. He came as a mighty rushing wind. Speaks of fullness and power.
2. He came as tongues of fire.
3. His coming was manifested in tongues, i.e., the speaking of (living) known languages. To separate = set apart.
He made Himself… Felt… Seen (in the fire)… and Heard (in the languages).