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Scott's Reference Library
Acts 2:1 through Acts 2:21 (NIV)
1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled
the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of
fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled
with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled
them.
5Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under
heaven. 6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment,
because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7Utterly amazed, they
asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8Then how is it that
each of us hears them in his own native language? 9Parthians, Medes and Elamites;
residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia 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!” 12Amazed and perplexed, they asked one
another, “What does this mean?”
13Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
14Then 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. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s
only nine in the morning! 16No, 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 heaven 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.’
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 1-4
We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with them there were strifes
among the disciples which should be the greatest; but now all these strifes were
at an end. They had prayed more together of late. Would we have the Spirit
poured out upon us from on high, let us be all of one accord. And
notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, as there were among
those disciples, let us agree to love one another; for where brethren dwell
together in unity, there the Lord commands his blessing. A rushing mighty wind
came with great force. This was to signify the powerful influences and working
of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men, and thereby upon the world. Thus the
convictions of the Spirit make way for his comforts; and the rough blasts of
that blessed wind, prepare the soul for its soft and gentle gales. There was an
appearance of something like flaming fire, lighting on every one of them,
according to John Baptist’s saying concerning Christ; He shall baptize you with
the Holy Ghost, and with fire. The Spirit, like fire, melts the heart, burns up
the dross, and kindles pious and devout affections in the soul; in which, as in
the fire on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. They were all
filled with the Holy Ghost, more than before. They were filled with the graces
of the Spirit, and more than ever under his sanctifying influences; more weaned
from this world, and better acquainted with the other. They were more filled
with the comforts of the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of Christ
and the hope of heaven: in it all their griefs and fears were swallowed up. They
were filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the
furtherance of the gospel. They spake, not from previous though or meditation,
but as the Spirit gave them utterance.
VERSES 5-13
The difference in languages which arose at Babel, has much hindered the spread
of knowledge and religion. The instruments whom the Lord first employed in
spreading the Christian religion, could have made no progress without this gift,
which proved that their authority was from God.
VERSES 14-21
Peter’s sermon shows that he was thoroughly recovered from his fall, and
thoroughly restored to the Divine favour; for he who had denied Christ, now
boldly confessed him. His account of the miraculous pouring forth of the Spirit,
was designed to awaken the hearers to embrace the faith of Christ, and to join
themselves to his church. It was the fulfilling the Scripture, and the fruit of
Christ’s resurrection and ascension, and proof of both. Though Peter was filled
with the Holy Ghost, and spake with tongues as the Spirit gave him utterance,
yet he did not think to set aside the Scriptures. Christ’s scholars never learn
above their Bible; and the Spirit is given, not to do away the Scriptures, but
to enable us to understand, approve, and obey them. Assuredly none will escape
the condemnation of the great day, except those who call upon the name of the
Lord, in and through his Son Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of sinners, and the
Judge of all mankind.