02: Coming of the Holy Spirit: The Beginning of the Church (Acts 2)

When the promised Holy Spirit came upon them with visible and noticeable signs, they proclaimed the mighty works of God to people from many nations in their own languages. While everyone was amazed, Peter stood up and explained that this was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. According to the prophecy, God would provide salvation through the name of the Lord. This Lord is Jesus Christ.

👉 Read Acts 2:1–47

Q1. The Holy Spirit came upon them in visible and noticeable ways (vv. 2–4), and the people were astonished by what they saw and heard (vv. 6–13). Peter then explained what had happened. Find the expressions that describe the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

• A sound like a mighty rushing wind

• Divided tongues as of fire

• Speaking in other tongues

As the Holy Spirit came upon them, they began to speak in other tongues. They were amazed to hear God's mighty works proclaimed in their own languages. They were Jews and converts from 15 regions and peoples. However, others ridiculed them, saying, “They are filled with new wine.”

We can compare this event with the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Many people witnessed the amazing fulfillment of God's work of salvation, but some failed to recognize it and even ridiculed it. At Babel, language divided people; at Pentecost, God enabled people of different languages to hear His mighty works.

Q2. Peter explained that speaking in tongues was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Summarize the prophecy in three parts (vv. 17–18, 19–20, 21).

• 17–18: In the last days, God will pour out His Spirit on ALL flesh.

• 19–20: God will show WONDERS in the heavens and signs on the earth before the DAY of the LORD comes.

• 21: Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be SAVED.

The Day of the Lord in v. 20 refers to the final day of judgment and salvation. Before that day comes, the Lord will perform wonders to warn people of the coming judgment and provide the way of salvation. Without understanding the coming judgment, the message of salvation may seem superficial. 

Q3. Peter explains that Joel’s prophecy about wonders was also fulfilled (vv. 22–24). In Joel’s prophecy, the one who performs the wonders is “I” (God). In Peter’s explanation, who is the agent of these actions? (Hint: Find the repeated subject.)

God.

In vv. 22–24, Peter deliberately emphasizes that God is the one acting: God performed mighty works, wonders, and signs through Jesus; God delivered Him up according to His plan; and God raised Him from the dead. Through these actions, God has fulfilled His promises.

Q4. Regarding the third part of Joel’s prophecy: salvation through the name of the Lord (v. 21), Peter explains its fulfillment in vv. 24–36. This is a relatively long passage. Jesus' resurrection fulfilled David’s prophecy (vv. 25–28), and His exaltation fulfilled another prophecy of David (vv. 34–35). The pouring out of the (　　　　　　) shows that Jesus has been exalted to the (　　　　　) hand of God. Thus, Peter concludes that, through His resurrection and exaltation, God has made Him both (　　　　　) and (　　　　　), this Jesus whom you (　　　　　) (v. 36).

The pouring out of the (Holy Spirit) shows that Jesus has been exalted to the (right) hand of God. Thus, Peter concludes that, through His resurrection and exaltation, God has made Him both (Lord) and (Christ), this Jesus whom you (crucified) (v. 36).

His resurrection confirms that He is the Christ, and His exaltation to God's right hand confirms His lordship.

Q5. Peter explains that David’s prophecy was not about David himself but about Christ. This is because (　　　　　) died and remained in the tomb, but (　　　　　) has risen. Furthermore, because God had sworn an (　　　　　) to place one of David's descendants on his throne and to give him everlasting kingdom, David foresaw the (　　　　　) of the Christ.

Peter explains that David’s prophecy was not about David himself but about Christ. This is because (David) died and remained in the tomb, but (Christ) has risen. Furthermore, because God had sworn an (oath) to place one of David's descendants on his throne and to give him everlasting kingdom, David foresaw the (resurrection) of the Christ.

Q6. “(　　　　　) and be baptized every one of you in the (　　　　　　　　　) for the (　　　　　) of your sins, and you will receive the (　　　　　) of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your (　　　　　) and for all who are (　　　　　) off, everyone whom (　　　　　　　　　) calls to himself.”

“(Repent) and be baptized every one of you in the (name of Jesus Christ) for the (forgiveness) of your sins, and you will receive the (gift) of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your (children) and for all who are (far) off, everyone whom (the Lord our God) calls to himself.”

Based on Joel’s prophecy: “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Peter confirms that God provides salvation to EVERYONE who calls upon the name of Jesus Christ.

The Beginning of the Church (Acts 2:42–47)

Verses 42–47 describe how the early church began and grew.

As the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer, many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (vv. 42–43).

They shared their possessions and provided for those in need (vv. 44–45).

As they gathered together day by day, broke bread, praised God, and enjoyed favor with the people, the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (vv. 46–47).

This is revival.