How the Word was Heard
—Acts Chapter 2
Acts chapter two is about Peter and the other apostles preaching the gospel in Jerusalem. The chapter tells us not only what Peter preached (the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ) but also gives us insight into the hearts of the hearers, and this lesson identifies that insight.
1 Devout (Acts 2:5)
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2:5 NKJV).
These were God-fearing men, devoted to Jewish tradition, rituals, and Scripture. They were from far-away places and Hebrew was not their first language. So when they heard the apostles speaking their first languages, they wished to know the meaning of this sign they were themselves witnessing.
2 Confused (Acts 2:6)
The multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language (Acts 2:6 NKJV).
It was not the message that confused the multitude that gathered, but the mode by which it came to their ears. They knew about Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection, and they were familiar with the prophecies. But they were bewildered because fishermen from Galilee were speaking in various languages which those who heard described as "our own tongues" (Acts 2:7-11).
3 Amazed (Acts 2:7,12)
Then they were all amazed and marveled... they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" (Acts 2:7,12 NKJV).
The people were amazed because a sign was happening, but perplexed in their amazement because they did not know what the sign meant. Of course it does not require one to witness a miraculous sign in order to be amazed at God. The gospel itself is amazing, is it not?
4 Mocking (Acts 2:13)
Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine" (Acts 2:13 NKJV).
Of course not all the people were going to ask sincerely what the sign meant. They denied the testimony of their own eyes and ears. They scoffed at the sign. They said the apostles were drunk!
5 Cut to the heart (Acts 2:37)
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?" (Acts 2:37-38 NKJV).
The Holy Spirit’s message, preached by Peter, revealed that Christ was raised up to life again after he was crucified and slain. He was exalted to the right hand of God (Acts 2:22-36). So now the people knew with deep conviction what the sign meant. Now they had another question: "What shall we do?" Peter answered them simply and clearly. He told them what to do: "Repent and be baptized". He told them what they would then receive: "forgiveness of sins" and "the gift of the Holy Spirit" (verse 38). Notice that these are commands with a promise: if you obey the command, you receive what is promised.
6 Gladly Received (Acts 2:41)
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:41 NKJV).
The word "gospel" means glad tidings or good news. Peter told the multitude that, instead of being under condemnation they could be forgiven and greatly blessed. That was indeed news to make them glad to receive and obey Peter’s word.
7 Continued Steadfastly (Acts 2:42)
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42 NKJV).
After the first excitement of becoming a Christian, many don't sustain it. They are like some of the seed in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-8). But the new disciples in Jerusalem continued steadfastly.
8 Feared. (Acts 2:43)
Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles (Acts 2:43 NKJV).
The new disciples were motivated to continue steadfastly by a fear of God. This was like the fear of a hurricane or cyclone. Those who are safely protected fear to go out in the storm. Likewise, those who are safe with Jesus fear to forsake him and suffer the wrath of God. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:26-31).
9 Believed (Acts 2:44)
Now all who believed were together (Acts 2:44 NKJV).
A message that is not believed will not achieve its purpose. Jerusalem's inhabitants were now divided into those who believed and those who did not. Those who believed were united by their faith, not only with God but with each other. They were obedient in their faith to Peter’s exhortation "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
10 One Accord (Acts 2:46)
So continuing with one accord in the temple (Acts 2:46 NKJV).
Among the Jews their were parties and sects who believed quite different things. Often mentioned in the Bible are the Pharisees and the Saducees. But in Christ’s new way there is only "one accord" (Acts 2:46). Paul says, "Now I plead with you brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1Corinthians 1:10 NKJV).
11 Simplicity of Heart (Acts 2:46)
And breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart (Acts 2:46 NKJV).
A simple and sincere heart is a mark of a true Christian. Its opposite is a heart of duplicity, deceit, and pretense. True Christians are open and honest with all good intentions. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it" (Mark 10:15).
12 Praising God (Acts 2:47)
Praising God and having favour with all the people, and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47 NKJV).
When God rescues us from this wicked generation, we cannot help but praise him. People of the world gather in public places and scream hateful things in angry voices. True Christians praise God, and do it with dignity and order (1Corinthians 14:40).