Overview: The Advent of the Spirit, Part 1 (Acts 2:1-4) Jesus has given us a mission. He gave it to the apostles and to his church, including us at GCC. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19); repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47); be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). The mission is clear. The gospel must go forth to all nations. But, HOW could a room full of Galileans accomplish such a colossal task? HOW can we accomplish such a colossal task?
The answer, simply, is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Christians were never intended to accomplish this mission by their own power. Jesus promised his disciples, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). That promise was fulfilled in the very event reported in our passage, what we call Pentecost. The Spirit came in wind and fire and empowered the disciples to speak the mighty works of God. On that very day the nations began to hear, all in their own tongue. If the mission was described in Acts 1:8, it is initiated here in Acts 2. The mission has not ended. We are not finished. More importantly, we are not without the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was faithful to his promises then, and he is faithful now. He has promised to be with us to the end of age (Matt 28:20). That promise was for the disciples in Jerusalem on Pentecost and is for all of his Church through the ages. Review: Acts 1:12-26
In your own words, how would you summarize this section to someone who had never read this before? For example, How were the disciples obeying Jesus command to wait for the promise of the Father in Jerusalem? - Is there any practical implications for us today? Why does Luke spill so much ink to make sure the reader realizes that there must be 12 apostles? - Does their question in 1:6 bear any light? How can we reconcile the apparent contradiction between Judas being foreordained to betray Jesus (1:16-20) with the fact that he freely chose of his own will to betray Jesus (1:25)? - Can you think of any other places in Acts Luke does this? 2:23; 4:24-28 The apostles have a very important decision to make. What are some biblical pointers we can take from them in our own decision making? (i.e. should we cast lots?)
- Prayer - Know the Scriptures - Obey the Scriptures - Seek the council of other prayerful and Bible-oriented believers Read: 2:1-4 1. What is the OT significance of Pentecost? Read Lev. 23:15-21 2. In relation to Passover (23:4-8), and the Feast of Firstfruits (23:9-14), how does Luke see Pentecost being fulfilled in Acts 2? Hint: Jesus is the Passover. Three days after Passover is the Feast of Firstfruits. Fifty days (7 weeks ) after Passover is the Feast of Weeks (i.e. Pentecost). 3. How is Pentecost a kind of looking back to the firstfruits, while at the same time looking forward to the harvest? 4. Firstfruits is an important theme in the NT. Read the following passages and explain their importance for better understanding God s redemptive purposes. Romans 8:23
1 Corinthians 15:20-23 2 Thessalonians 2:13 James 1:18 Revelation 14:4 5. How do we know that Luke is likening the coming of the Spirit to an OT theophany? (a theophany literally means an appearance of God) Where does a powerful wind accompany God s presence? How about fire? 6. Is it important that Luke notes how God s presence fills the house where the new Israel is gathered? Can you think of any other allusions of this phenomenon? - Exodus 40:34-38 - 1 Kings 8:1-11 Does the NT have anything to say about there being a new temple for God s glorious presence? 7. Luke repeatedly mentions how each member of the believing community experiences and is filled with the Spirit. Can you think of any important OT passages that foretell this?
- Jeremiah 31:31-34 8. There is a lot of division over speaking in tongues. What exactly does Luke seem to mean in 2:4? How would you explain the phenomenon in 1 Corinthians 14 in light of this? **Strange Fire by John MacArthur provides an excellent treatment of the cessastionist view. The main point of the message was: The Spirit is poured out on the church, so that the church can go out into the world How can we realistically connect this truth into our everyday lives? Jesus promises His disciples power to witness when they are baptized/immersed/empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Are you asking for a fresh filling? Were there any other take home points from either the sermon or the study? Please don t hesitate to share and bless others with what God has been teaching you from His Word. Spend time praying together, that God would open up a door of opportunity, open up our mouths, and open up their hearts. Share one individual you would like prayer for regarding this.
ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR GROWTH GROUP DISCUSSION 1. Encourage your group to work through each lesson before you meet. Perhaps suggest they spend 10-15 minutes during their daily devotional times for a few days. When each group member takes time to prepare, you will find the discussion much richer. 2. Choose a few questions from this study guide and craft your own. Don t feel like you have to slavishly get through each question! The goal is to properly interpret and apply the passage. 3. Leave time for application. Use the application questions here and come up with your own. Ask questions at the end of your discussion, like What is God teaching you through this passage? 4. Pray in response to this passage. Certainly spend time praying for each other. Learn also to pray in response to the passage being studied.