The second chapter of the Book of Acts has been called and may well be "the Hub of the Bible." Everything that went before it leads to it and what came after it looks back to it. The people gathered there saw remarkable things. We think, of course, of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, but those people really saw much more. Let's think about what the people on Pentecost saw on that momentous day.
Who Was There?
Perhaps first we should think about who was there. Acts 2:5 says there were devout Jews from everywhere. There is a list of at least some of the places they had come from in Acts 2:9-11. One amazing thing is that they heard the apostles speak in the languages of their home countries. We know that today, no matter where one is from, the gospel message is for everybody (Matthew 28:18-20). This truth is foreshadowed in Acts 2.
Among this "multitude" might well have been Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and many of the Lord's other disciples including the women associated with His time here, and perhaps some folks He had healed. Also likely present were some of the more curious of the Jewish elites, One wonders what they thought of the amazing events they saw. It seems clear from the response to Peter's sermon that there were people there who had no hope but to cling to the idea of faith in God. Whoever was there, they saw some incredible things.
What Did They See?
The fulfillment of prophecy.
They saw prophecy fulfilled as Peter described the connection of that day with Joel 2:28-32. They saw the fulfillment of the Lord's promise to send the Holy Spirit on the apostles (John 14:15, 15:25, 16:13). God used the supernatural gift of languages because that gift is amazing, and easily identified as miraculous. No one would forget that they saw regular everyday men speak in languages that they had not learned.
The answer to a question.
They saw the answer to the question asked in Acts 2:12, "What does this mean?" They were provided the initial access to the reality that the New Covenant had come fully into existence, made possible by the Lord's sacrifice on the Cross and manifested in the church to which those who obeyed the gospel were added.
The exposure of sin.
They saw sin exposed (Acts 2:23, 36-37). Those there that day who had taken part in the irrational push for the crucifixion of Jesus had to face the facts. They were guilty of sin; no excuses were offered; there was no way out of the dilemma but faith and obedience to Jesus. They saw that they needed help and so said, "What shall we do?" Peter gave them the answer (Acts 2:38). His answer for their sins then is the same answer for sinners today, all these years later.
Peter's answer was that they had something they must do in response to what they had seen that day. The grace seen on the Cross demands obedience and faithfulness. Everyone who hears the gospel today must do the same thing done by the 3,000 who obeyed that day. It is a great tragedy to miss this truth (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Joel's prophecy is often misinterpreted today as a justification for the expectation of supernatural gifts of the Spirit for people today or for a quick and easy salvation (Romans 10:9-18, Acts 22:16). Understanding Acts 2 reveals that there were and are no shortcuts to salvation, not for God or us. His plan is in essence the purpose of history and is a full revelation of His love for mankind (John 3:16, John 14:15).
I appreciate Bill Irby for sharing this article and his experience with us! Bill preached for over 30 years for the congregation where I now preach. I’m thankful he remains an active part of the congregation, and that he lives across the street from me!