Acts 2: Beginnings of The New Testament Church

Read Acts Chapter 2

Introduction: Acts 2 shows us the events that took place during the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, giving them the ability to speak in different languages. This miraculous event led to the birth of the church and the spread of the gospel to all nations. The following outline of Acts 2 will take us through the events of that day and the impact it had on the early believers and the world; this Bible event is still having an impact on our world in year 2024.

I. The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13)
The disciples were all together in one place when the Holy Spirit came upon them like a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire. They began to speak in different languages, and the crowd that had gathered was amazed. Some accused them of being drunk, but Peter stood up and explained that this was the fulfillment of the prophecy in  Joel 2:28-32, these verses tell of God pouring out His Spirit on all people, and their sons and daughters shall prophesy, and the old men shall dream dreams, and the young men shall see visions; referring to the day of Pentecost.  Another verse that relates to this occurrence is in John 14:26, where Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit.

II. Peter’s Sermon (Acts 2:14-36)
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke to the crowd and explained that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was the Messiah and had risen from the dead. He quoted from the Psalms  (Psalm 16:8-11), and the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 41:3) to prove that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The crowd was convicted after hearing these words, and asked what they should do. The Old Testament prophecy of David in Psalm 16:8-11 tells of Jesus’ resurrection, Peter quotes these verses to show that Jesus’ resurrection was prophesied. Isaiah 53, a chapter in the Old Testament, tells of the suffering servant who would die for the sins of the people, most definitely referring to the future coming of Jesus Christ.

III. The Response of the Crowd (Acts 2:37-41)
The people were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles what they should do. Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. About three thousand people were baptized that day and added to the church. They were fulfilling the mission Jesus gave to them in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul mentions baptism in Romans 6:3-4, he says of baptism, that it is symbol of being united with Christ in his death and resurrection.

IV. The Fellowship of the Believers (Acts 2:42-47)
The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions and helped those in need, they were like minded and in one accord as the Bible tells us in Philippians 2:2-4. They met together in the temple and in their homes, praising God and enjoying the favor of the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved, it is the Lord who adds to the church, we seem to have forgotten that in our generation. David in Psalm 133:1, speaks to us of the unity and blessing of believers dwelling together in harmony. Christianity should produce a community or group of people who desire a oneness, not only with God but with each other as well. And in Hebrews 10:24-25, the Bible encourages believers to meet together and encourage one another, especially as we see the Day of the Lord approaching.

Conclusion: The events of Acts chapter 2 was a turning point in history, showing the beginnings of the New Testament church. The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to preach the gospel with boldness and to perform signs and wonders. The message of Jesus’ death and resurrection spread rapidly, and the church grew extremely fast. The believers lived in unity and shared all they had with one another. This chapter challenges us to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and to boldly share the gospel, after all, it is the marching orders that Jesus left to His followers