This is part of a Daily Devotional Orwell Bible Church prepares each week. You can get a copy from our Downloads and Literature page.
In 1:5 Jesus told the disciples that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. That is what happened in 2:1-4. Spirit baptism is not an experience but a new position or relationship. Spirit filling (2:4) is an experience that happens as a result of the believer’s new position in Christ.
These believers were enabled by the Spirit to miraculously speak languages they previously did not know (vv. 6-11). Peter answered the questions of “what does this mean?” (v. 12) and the charge of drunkenness (2:13) by quoting Joel 2:28-32, illustrating the connection between tongues (v. 17-18) and the salvation of whoever calls on the Lord for salvation (v. 21).
Peter then told them that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah and King of Israel, the anticipated Son of David who though crucified was raised from the dead (vv. 22-36). Peter told his hearers (vv. 37-39) to repent of their sins and then be baptized because their sins would be forgiven (this is the meaning of v. 38). As a result many did believe, were baptized, added to the church (vv. 40-41).
Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On
- The true church is not created by human beings but formed by Christ through the Spirit. It is entirely spiritual in nature, character, and entrance.
- Without repentance and faith there can be no salvation from sin. What are you depending on for your sins to be forgiven?
- Miraculous signs (in this case, tongues) need teaching from Scripture to correctly understand them. Note that the miracle of tongues here was misunderstood and misinterpreted (vv. 12-13)! Signs were useful but they were rare and were never intended to be permanent. Don’t heed those today who emphasize and seek after miracles.
- The pattern of verses 41-42 exactly follows Jesus’ commands after his resurrection (Matt 28:19-10)—believe the gospel, be baptized and added to the believers, and learn the Word.