History · Chapter 2 of 28

Acts 2

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit falls with wind and fire, and the disciples speak in many languages, astonishing an international crowd. Peter explains it as the fulfillment of Joel and preaches Jesus, crucified and raised, now made Lord and Christ. Cut to the heart, the listeners ask what to do, and Peter calls them to repent and be baptized. Three thousand believe and the church begins its shared life.

What happens in Acts 2

When Pentecost comes, the believers are together and suddenly a sound like rushing wind fills the house; tongues like fire rest on each, and they are filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in other languages. Jews from every nation hear their own tongues and are amazed, though some mock. Peter stands with the eleven and explains this is what Joel prophesied, the pouring out of God's Spirit in the last days. He proclaims Jesus of Nazareth, attested by miracles, delivered up and crucified yet raised by God, whom death could not hold.

Citing David, he argues the resurrection was foretold, and declares that God has made this crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ. Pierced to the heart, the crowd asks what they should do. Peter answers: repent and be baptized in Jesus' name for forgiveness, and receive the Spirit. About three thousand are added, and they devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.

Acts 2 in context

Pentecost was a Jewish harvest feast drawing pilgrims from across the empire, which explains the crowd of many languages. This is the promised baptism of the Spirit Jesus spoke of in chapter one, launching the church's mission.

Peter, so recently a denier, now preaches boldly, grounding the gospel in the Hebrew Scriptures his hearers revered, from Joel's prophecy to David's psalms, all pointing to the risen Christ.

Main themes of Acts 2

Acts 2 (KJV)

1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Verses to carry from Acts 2

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”Acts 2:21

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”Acts 2:38

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”Acts 2:42

Reflection

Pentecost shows that God does not leave us to serve on empty. The same Peter who once denied Jesus now preaches him without fear, changed by the Spirit given to ordinary people. If your faith feels timid or dry, this chapter promises a gift, not a demand.

The invitation still stands: repent, be washed, and receive the Spirit poured out on all who call.

A prayer from Acts 2