Acts 2 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Acts 2 meaning explained in AI Summary

Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost, empowering the disciples to speak in different languages.
Birth of the Church: Peter preaches a powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost, attracting a multitude of converts.
Early Church Life: The early church is established, marked by fellowship, prayer, and sharing.

Chapter 2 of Acts marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church: the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost.

of the key events:

1. The Holy Spirit Descends: Fifty days after Jesus' resurrection, the disciples are gathered together when the Holy Spirit descends upon them like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. (Verses 1-4)

2. Speaking in Tongues: The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other languages, astonishing the crowd gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Pentecost. (Verses 5-13)

3. Peter's Sermon: Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, addresses the bewildered crowd. He explains that this event fulfills the prophecy of Joel, where God pours out His Spirit on all flesh. He preaches about Jesus, his crucifixion, and resurrection, declaring him to be both Lord and Christ. (Verses 14-36)

4. The People's Response: Cut to the heart by Peter's words, the people ask what they should do. Peter calls them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. (Verses 37-41)

5. The Birth of the Church: About 3,000 people are baptized that day, marking the birth of the Christian church. The new believers devote themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. (Verses 42-47)

Key Themes:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The events of Pentecost fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Empowerment for Witness: The Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to preach the gospel boldly and effectively.
The Universality of the Gospel: The gift of the Holy Spirit is available to all people, regardless of language or background.
The Importance of Community: The new believers are united in fellowship, sharing, and prayer.

Acts Chapter 2 is a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's transformative power and the importance of the church in spreading the gospel message.

Acts 2 bible study ai commentary

The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks a pivotal moment in redemptive history. This event, prophesied in the Old Testament and promised by Jesus, empowers the disciples to become bold witnesses. Peter's inaugural sermon interprets this spiritual outpouring through the lens of Scripture, proclaiming Jesus as the resurrected Lord and Messiah. The chapter concludes with the birth of the Church, as thousands repent and are baptized, forming a new covenant community characterized by radical fellowship, devotion, and evangelistic growth.

Acts 2 Context

The events occur during the Jewish festival of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage feasts. Celebrated fifty days after Passover, it commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai and the presentation of the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. Jews from across the Roman Empire (the Diaspora) were gathered in Jerusalem, creating a diverse, multilingual audience. This setting is crucial, as the "New Covenant" of the Spirit is given on the same festival that celebrated the "Old Covenant" of the Law, signifying a fulfillment and transformation. The outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh is a polemic against the exclusive nature of some Jewish sects, establishing a universal basis for God's new community.

Acts 2:1

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

In-depth-analysis

Day of Pentecost: The Greek pentekostos means "fiftieth," marking 50 days since Passover. In the Old Testament, it's the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), celebrating the harvest's firstfruits (Lev 23:15-16). The believers' gathering represents a new spiritual "firstfruits" (Rom 8:23, Jas 1:18).
Theological Parallel: Just as the Law was given at Sinai amidst fire and thunder (Exo 19), the Spirit is now given to write the law on human hearts (Jer 31:33, 2 Cor 3:3), creating a new covenant people on the same festival.
All Together: Refers to the approximately 120 believers mentioned in Acts 1:15, including the apostles and other disciples, united in prayer and expectation.

Bible references

Leviticus 23:15-16: 'You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath... Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the LORD.' (The Old Testament basis for the festival)
Deuteronomy 16:16: 'Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD... at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths.' (Mandated pilgrimage feast, explaining the crowd)

Cross references

Exo 19:1 (Israel at Sinai), Acts 1:14 (being together in prayer), Eph 4:3 (unity of the Spirit).

Acts 2:2

And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

In-depth-analysis

Sound like... wind: The Greek word for spirit (pneuma) also means "wind" or "breath." This audible sign makes the invisible arrival of the Spirit perceptible. The sound is not wind itself but like wind, indicating a supernatural event.
Mighty rushing wind: This signifies divine power and creative force. The imagery connects to the Spirit's role in creation and re-creation.
From heaven: Emphasizes the divine origin of this experience. It is not manufactured by humans but is a sovereign act of God.

Bible references

Ezekiel 37:9: 'Prophesy to the breath... and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.' (The Spirit as life-giving breath)
John 3:8: 'The wind blows where it wishes... So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.' (Jesus connecting the Spirit's work to wind)

Cross references

Gen 1:2 (Spirit moving over water), 1 Ki 19:11 (God not in the wind, but a sign of His presence), Job 37:9-10 (wind and breath of God), Joh 20:22 (Jesus breathing on disciples).

Acts 2:3

And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

In-depth-analysis

Tongues as of fire: Fire is a frequent OT symbol of God's presence, purity, and judgment (theophany). Here, it is not a consuming fire but a resting presence, signifying divine empowering and consecration.
Divided... and rested on each one: This is a key detail. Unlike at Sinai where God's presence was on one mountain, the Spirit's presence is now distributed individually to every believer. This signifies the democratization of God's presence under the New Covenant—there are no spiritual elites.

Bible references

Exodus 3:2: 'the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.' (Theophany in fire)
Matthew 3:11: 'he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.' (John the Baptist's prophecy fulfilled)
Exodus 19:18: 'Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.' (Corporate theophany, now individualized)

Cross references

Isa 6:6-7 (fiery coal touching lips), Jer 23:29 (God's word as fire), Lk 3:16 (prophecy of baptism with fire), Heb 12:29 (God is a consuming fire).

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

In-depth-analysis

Filled with the Holy Spirit: This is the core event. It is an experiential empowering for service and witness, fulfilling the promise of Jesus (Acts 1:8).
Other tongues (heterais glossais): "Tongues" (glossa) can mean the physical organ or a language. Here, "other" signifies languages foreign to the speaker. The context in the following verses (2:6, 8, 11) confirms these were known human languages.
Spirit gave them utterance (apophthengesthai): This Greek word implies inspired, elevated, or prophetic speech, not babbling. It is used for solemn, authoritative declarations.

Bible references

Acts 1:8: 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses...' (The purpose of being filled with the Spirit)
Joel 2:28: 'And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh...' (The prophecy being fulfilled)
1 Corinthians 12:10: 'to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.' (Tongues as a spiritual gift, distinct in function from Acts 2)

Cross references

Acts 4:31 (filled again for boldness), Acts 10:44-46 (Gentiles receive Spirit and speak in tongues), Eph 5:18 (command to be continually filled), Isa 28:11 (tongues as a sign).

Acts 2:5-8

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?"

In-depth-analysis

Devout men from every nation: Highlights the perfect timing of the event. Pentecost brought God-fearing Diaspora Jews to Jerusalem, creating a target audience to carry the Gospel back across the known world.
Bewildered... amazed and astonished: The miracle was not in the speaking (glossolalia) but in the hearing. Each person heard the Gospel in their native tongue (dialektos).
Galileans: Galileans were generally perceived by Judeans as uneducated, rural people with a distinct, often mocked, accent. That such people could spontaneously speak numerous sophisticated foreign languages was incomprehensible, ruling out any natural explanation.

Polemics

The nature of the "tongues" here is specifically xenolalia (known foreign languages), demonstrated by the list of nations that follows. This event is a miraculous reversal of the curse of Babel (Gen 11), where languages were confused to scatter people. At Pentecost, language barriers are overcome by the Spirit to unite people in Christ. The miracle serves as a sign to validate the message and its messengers.

Bible references

Genesis 11:7: 'Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.' (The curse of Babel)
Colossians 3:11: 'Here there is not Greek and Jew... barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.' (The unity in Christ that Pentecost foreshadows)

Cross references

Deu 16:16 (the feast's attendance), Isa 66:18 (gathering all nations), Mt 28:19 (mission to all nations).

Acts 2:9-11

"Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."

In-depth-analysis

List of Nations: This geographical list moves generally from east (Parthia/Mesopotamia) to west (Rome), covering the known world of the time. It demonstrates the universal scope of the Gospel's intended reach from day one.
Jews and proselytes: This distinguishes between those born Jewish and Gentiles who had formally converted to Judaism, showing the mixed nature of the audience.
Mighty works of God: The content of their speech was not random but praise and proclamation about God's redemptive acts, likely centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which Peter's sermon then explains systematically.

Cross references

Isa 43:12 ("you are my witnesses," declares the Lord), Psa 66:3-5 (praising God's awesome deeds), 1 Pet 2:9 (proclaiming God's excellencies).

Acts 2:12-13

And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."

In-depth-analysis

Amazed and perplexed: The crowd is split. There is genuine, open-minded confusion seeking an explanation ("What does this mean?").
Mocking... new wine: There is also cynical dismissal. The accusation of drunkenness is absurd (it was only 9 a.m., the "third hour"), but it represents a deliberate refusal to consider a divine explanation. This bifurcated response to the gospel (faith vs. mockery) is a recurring theme in Acts.

Cross references

Acts 17:32 (Athenian reaction: some mocked, others wanted to hear more), Lk 7:33-34 (Jesus accused of being a glutton and drunkard), 1 Cor 1:18 (message of the cross is foolishness).

Acts 2:14-21

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice... "this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh...'"

In-depth-analysis

Peter, standing with the eleven: Peter emerges as the leader and spokesman, but his authority is visibly linked to the other apostles, signifying corporate witness.
This is what was uttered: Peter's primary move is biblical interpretation. He doesn't appeal to the experience alone but grounds it firmly in Old Testament prophecy. The experience is the fulfillment of God's written word.
Prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32): Peter identifies the current events as the beginning of the "last days"—the eschatological age of the Messiah initiated by Jesus' resurrection and the Spirit's coming.
Pour out my Spirit on all flesh: The prophecy highlights the universal, non-discriminatory nature of the Spirit's outpouring—not just on prophets or kings, but on sons, daughters, young men, old men, and male and female servants. This was a radical idea.
Call on the name of the Lord: The climax of Joel's prophecy is that salvation is available to "everyone" who calls on the Lord's name, a name Peter will soon identify as Jesus.

Bible references

Joel 2:28-32: 'I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy...' (The primary text Peter quotes and interprets)
Romans 10:13: 'For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."' (Paul quoting the same Joel passage and applying it to Jesus)

Cross references

Isa 44:3 (I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring), Ezk 39:29 (no longer hide my face but pour out Spirit), Zec 12:10 (pour out a spirit of grace).

Acts 2:22-24

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs... this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed... but God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

In-depth-analysis

Attested... by God: Peter begins with what his audience already knew: Jesus' public ministry was marked by undeniable miracles. He argues these were not his own deeds but God authenticating him.
Definite plan and foreknowledge of God: Peter presents a crucial theological paradox. The crucifixion was both the wicked act of men ("you crucified") and the sovereign, predestined plan of God. This counters any idea that Jesus' death was a tragic accident or a defeat of God's purpose.
It was not possible for him to be held by it: Death's power is broken. Peter portrays Jesus not as a passive victim of death, but as one who fundamentally cannot be contained by it because He is life itself.

Bible references

John 3:2: 'Nicodemus came to Jesus... "Rabbi... no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."' (A ruler of the Jews acknowledging Jesus' signs were from God)
Acts 4:27-28: 'they did whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.' (The early church praying about divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the cross)
1 Peter 1:20: 'He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake.' (Christ's death as part of an eternal plan)

Cross references

Isa 53:10 (the Lord's will to crush him), Lk 22:22 (Son of Man goes as it has been determined), Rev 13:8 (lamb slain from foundation of the world).

Acts 2:25-31

"For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before me... Therefore my heart was glad... for you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption...' Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried... Being therefore a prophet... he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ..."

In-depth-analysis

David says concerning him: Peter performs a christological interpretation of Psalm 16. He argues that since David died, was buried, and his tomb was well-known, he could not have been speaking about himself.
Prophet... foresaw... the Christ: Peter elevates David's status from king to prophet, who, by the Spirit, spoke of a future reality. This hermeneutic (reading the OT through the lens of Christ) becomes a cornerstone of apostolic preaching.
Not abandon my soul to Hades (sheol)... not see corruption: The two lines refer to the same event: ultimate victory over death. "Hades" is the realm of the dead. "Corruption" (diaphthora) is bodily decay. Peter's point is that Christ's body did not decay in the tomb because he was resurrected.

Bible references

Psalm 16:8-11: 'For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.' (The Psalm Peter quotes)
Acts 13:35-37: 'For David, after he had served the purpose of God... fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.' (Paul making the identical argument in his sermon at Antioch)

Cross references

Psa 132:11 (God's oath to David about his descendant), Psa 89:3-4 (covenant with David), 2 Sam 7:12-16 (Davidic covenant).

Acts 2:32-33

"This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing."

In-depth-analysis

We all are witnesses: The apostles' testimony is grounded in their direct, empirical experience of the resurrected Jesus. This is a claim of eyewitness historical fact.
Exalted at the right hand of God: Resurrection was not the end; it led to ascension and exaltation. This position signifies supreme authority and honor.
He has poured out this: Peter connects all the dots. The ascended Jesus received the promised Spirit from the Father and has now sent the Spirit upon His followers. Therefore, the phenomena of Pentecost are direct evidence of Jesus' present, cosmic rule.

Bible references

John 14:26: 'But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things...' (Jesus' promise to send the Spirit)
Ephesians 1:20-21: '[God] raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority...' (The theology of Christ's exaltation)
Acts 1:4: 'he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father...' (The promise being fulfilled)

Cross references

Joh 15:26, Joh 16:7, Acts 5:31, Heb 1:3, Php 2:9-11.

Acts 2:34-36

"For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."' Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."

In-depth-analysis

Psalm 110:1: This is Peter's final scriptural proof, the most frequently quoted OT verse in the NT. He argues that David spoke of two "Lords": "The LORD" (YHWH, the Father) speaking to "my Lord" (Adonai, the Messiah). Since David's Lord is not YHWH, it must be the Messiah, who has now ascended.
Lord (Kurios) and Christ (Christos): The climax of the sermon. "Christ" (Greek for Hebrew Messiah) means the Anointed One, the promised king. "Lord" elevates Him further, applying a title often used for God Himself to Jesus. It is a declaration of His full divinity and sovereignty.
This Jesus whom you crucified: A powerful, direct, and convicting conclusion. He doesn't soften the blow. The one they rejected and killed is now ruling from heaven as Lord of the universe.

Bible references

Psalm 110:1: 'The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."' (The foundational text for Jesus' exalted session)
Matthew 22:44-45: 'Jesus asked them... "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" ... He said to them, "How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord...?"' (Jesus using the same Psalm to stump the Pharisees)

Cross references

1 Cor 15:25 (must reign until all enemies under his feet), Heb 1:13, Mk 12:35-37, Lk 20:41-44.

Acts 2:37

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

In-depth-analysis

Cut to the heart (katenugesan): A powerful Greek word meaning "pierced" or "stabbed through." It describes a deep, painful conviction of guilt and spiritual crisis, not just intellectual agreement. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
What shall we do?: The perfect response to the Gospel. It is a cry of helplessness and a plea for direction, signifying genuine repentance. They recognize their culpability and their need for a remedy.

Bible references

Zechariah 12:10: 'they will look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child...' (Prophecy of deep mourning and repentance over the pierced one)
Acts 16:30: 'the jailer... said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"' (A similar response of desperation leading to salvation)

Cross references

Psa 51:17 (broken and contrite heart), Lk 3:10 (crowds asking John the Baptist what to do).

Acts 2:38

And Peter said to them, "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."

In-depth-analysis

Repent (metanoesate): Means a change of mind that results in a change of direction. In this context, it means to completely rethink who Jesus is—from a crucified criminal to the reigning Lord and Messiah—and to turn from their sin of rejecting him.
Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ: Baptism is the outward public sign and testimony of this inward repentance and faith. It identifies the person with Jesus in His death and resurrection.
For the forgiveness of your sins (eis aphesin): The Greek preposition eis here is purposive, "unto" or "in order to receive" forgiveness. Repentance and baptism are the prescribed response to receive the offered grace.
Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit: This promise of the indwelling Spirit is not just for the apostles, but for every believer who repents and follows Christ.

Bible references

Mark 1:15: 'The time is fulfilled... repent and believe in the gospel.' (The core call of Jesus)
Matthew 28:19: 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...' (The Great Commission's command to baptize)
Romans 6:4: 'We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too might walk in newness of life.' (The theology of baptism)

Cross references

Acts 3:19 (repent... that your sins may be blotted out), Acts 22:16, Lk 24:47, Tit 3:5.

Acts 2:39-41

"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." ... So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

In-depth-analysis

For you... your children... all who are far off: This expands the promise of the Spirit through generations and geography. "You" are the Jews present, "your children" are the next generation, and "all who are far off" explicitly includes the Gentiles.
Whom the Lord our God calls: Underscores divine sovereignty in salvation. The universal offer is effectual for those whom God calls.
Three thousand souls: An incredible, instantaneous harvest. It demonstrates the power of the Spirit-anointed proclamation of the Gospel. The Church is born not with a handful, but with a multitude.

Bible references

Ephesians 2:13, 17: 'But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near... he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.' (Paul explicitly identifying the "far off" as Gentiles)
Isaiah 57:19: '"Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the LORD...' (OT promise of salvation to all)

Cross references

Joel 2:32 (everyone who calls), Rom 8:30 (those whom he predestined he also called), Gal 3:29 (heirs according to promise).

Acts 2:42

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

In-depth-analysis

Four Pillars of the Early Church: This verse provides a concise summary of the essential practices of the nascent Christian community.
1. Apostles' teaching (didache): Grounding the new believers in the truth about Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Doctrine was foundational.
2. Fellowship (koinonia): More than just social gathering. It implies a deep sharing of life, resources, and spiritual reality based on their union in Christ.
3. Breaking of bread: This can refer to both a shared communal meal (an "Agape feast") and the specific ordinance of the Lord's Supper, remembering Christ's sacrifice.
4. The prayers: Refers to both corporate prayer gatherings and likely continuing the Jewish practice of scheduled prayer times, now done through the name of Jesus.

Bible references

1 Timothy 4:16: 'Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching...' (The importance of sound doctrine)
1 John 1:3: 'that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.' (Fellowship rooted in shared experience of Christ)
1 Corinthians 11:23-26: 'the Lord Jesus... took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body..."' (The institution of the Lord's Supper)

Cross references

Col 4:2 (devote yourselves to prayer), 1 Cor 1:9 (called into fellowship), 2 Tim 3:16 (Scripture for teaching).

Acts 2:43-47

And awe came upon every soul... And all who believed were together and had all things in common... selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need... praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

In-depth-analysis

Awe (phobos) came upon every soul: Refers to both believers and non-believers who witnessed the apostles' signs and the community's transformed life. There was a palpable sense of God at work.
Had all things in common (koinonia): A radical expression of fellowship. This was voluntary, Spirit-led generosity, not mandated communism. It was driven by love and the recognition that they were a family. The selling of possessions was prompted by specific needs, not a required abandonment of all property.
Praising God and having favor: Their authentic joy, love, and piety were attractive to outsiders, creating a positive reputation for the early church.
The Lord added to their number: Church growth is ultimately God's work. The believers were faithful in witness and fellowship, but the sovereign Lord was the one who brought about salvation and added people to the community.

Bible references

Acts 4:32-35: 'the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul... They had everything in common.' (A fuller description of this radical sharing)
Deuteronomy 15:4: 'But there will be no poor among you...' (This radical sharing was a fulfillment of the ideal community envisioned in the Law of Moses)

Cross references

Acts 5:11 (great fear seized the whole church), Lk 1:65, 2 Cor 9:7 (God loves a cheerful giver).

Acts chapter 2 analysis

New Covenant Community: Acts 2 intentionally portrays the Church as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes and the start of the New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Pentecost (Shavuot), the celebration of the giving of the Law, is transformed into the giving of the Spirit. The Law written on stone (Exodus) is replaced by the Law written on hearts (2 Cor 3:3).
Reversal of Babel: The miracle of tongues (known languages) in Acts 2 is a direct typological reversal of the curse of Babel in Genesis 11. At Babel, pride led to linguistic confusion and scattering. At Pentecost, the Spirit produces miraculous understanding and unity, gathering people from all nations into one body.
Christ-centered Hermeneutic: Peter’s sermon provides the blueprint for apostolic preaching. It starts with a point of connection (the Spirit's outpouring), interprets it through OT prophecy (Joel 2), centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, uses Messianic psalms (16 & 110) to prove His identity, and concludes with a direct call to repentance and faith in His name. It establishes that the entire Old Testament points to Jesus.
The Trinity in Action: The chapter reveals the functional work of the Triune God. The Father promises the Spirit (v. 33), the Son (exalted at the Father's right hand) sends the Spirit (v. 33), and the Holy Spirit fills the believers (v. 4), convicts the crowd (v. 37), and empowers the new community.
Mission Blueprint: Pentecost launches the "Jerusalem" phase of the mission described in Acts 1:8 ("...in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth"). The list of nations in 2:9-11 anticipates the global expansion that the rest of the book will narrate.

Acts 2 summary

On the Jewish festival of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the waiting believers with the sound of wind and the appearance of fire, empowering them to speak in various languages. A crowd of Jews from all over the world gathers, astonished by the miracle. Peter preaches the first Christian sermon, explaining that these events fulfill the prophecy of Joel and prove that the crucified Jesus has been resurrected and exalted as Lord and Messiah. Convicted, three thousand people repent, are baptized, and are added to the new community, which devotes itself to apostolic teaching, fellowship, shared meals, and prayer, experiencing radical generosity and daily growth.

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Acts chapter 2 kjv

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

Acts chapter 2 nkjv

¹ When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
⁵ And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
⁶ And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
⁷ Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
⁸ And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
¹¹ Cretans and Arabs?we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."
¹² So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"
¹³ Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."
¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.
¹⁵ For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
¹⁶ But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
¹⁷ 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
¹⁸ And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.
¹⁹ I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
²¹ And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.'
²² "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know?
²³ Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
²⁴ whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
²⁵ For David says concerning Him: 'I foresaw the LORD always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
²⁶ Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
²⁷ For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.'
²⁹ "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
³⁰ Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,
³¹ he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.
³² This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
³³ Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
³⁴ "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand,
³⁵ Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." '
³⁶ "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
³⁸ Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
³⁹ For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
⁴⁰ And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
⁴¹ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
⁴³ Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Acts chapter 2 niv

¹ When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?
⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
⁹ Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome
¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs?we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
¹² Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
¹³ Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."
¹⁴ Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning!
¹⁶ No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
¹⁷ "?'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
²¹ And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
²² "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.
²³ This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
²⁵ David said about him: "?'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope,
²⁷ because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'
²⁹ "Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.
³⁰ But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.
³¹ Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.
³² God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.
³³ Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
³⁴ For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "?'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
³⁵ until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."?'
³⁶ "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."
³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
³⁸ Peter replied, "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.
³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off?for all whom the Lord our God will call."
⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common.
⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts chapter 2 esv

¹ When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
² And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
³ And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
⁵ Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.
⁶ And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.
⁷ And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
⁸ And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?
⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,
¹¹ both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians ? we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."
¹² And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
¹³ But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."
¹⁴ But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.
¹⁵ For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
¹⁶ But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
¹⁷ "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;
¹⁸ even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
¹⁹ And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
²⁰ the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
²¹ And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
²² "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know ?
²³ this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
²⁵ For David says concerning him, "'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.
²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.'
²⁹ "Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,
³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
³² This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
³³ Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.
³⁴ For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool."'
³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
³⁷ Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
³⁸ And Peter said to them, "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.
³⁹ 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."
⁴⁰ And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation."
⁴¹ So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
⁴² And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts chapter 2 nlt

¹ On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.
² Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
³ Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
⁴ And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
⁵ At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem.
⁶ When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
⁷ They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee,
⁸ and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!
⁹ Here we are ? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia,
¹⁰ Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome
¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!"
¹² They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other.
¹³ But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, "They're just drunk, that's all!"
¹⁴ Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.
¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that.
¹⁶ No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
¹⁷ 'In the last days,' God says,
'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants ? men and women alike ?
and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below ?
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives.
²¹ But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD
will be saved.'
²² "People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.
²³ But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.
²⁴ But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.
²⁵ King David said this about him: 'I see that the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
²⁶ No wonder my heart is glad,
and my tongue shouts his praises!
My body rests in hope.
²⁷ For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.
²⁸ You have shown me the way of life,
and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.'
²⁹ "Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn't referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us.
³⁰ But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David's own descendants would sit on his throne.
³¹ David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah's resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave.
³² "God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.
³³ Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
³⁴ For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, 'The LORD said to my Lord,
"Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
³⁵ until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet."'
³⁶ "So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!"
³⁷ Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
³⁸ Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
³⁹ This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away ? all who have been called by the Lord our God."
⁴⁰ Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"
⁴¹ Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day ? about 3,000 in all.
⁴² All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper ), and to prayer.
⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity ?
⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.