ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Acts 2

Acts 2:1 Pentecost was the second of the annual harvest festivals. It came 50 days after Passover. All most likely included the 120 assembled in the upper room (1:15).

Acts 2:2 Jesus compared the Holy Spirit’s work to the wind in John 3:8. The house where they were sitting probably was the upper room (Acts 1:13), which must have been close to the temple grounds.

Acts 2:3 The divided tongues as of fire were not literal flames, but they looked enough like fire that this was the best description. “Fire” in the OT often indicates God’s presence. It also symbolizes his holiness and purity (Ex. 3:2; 19:18; Isa. 4:5).

Acts 2:4 Filled with the Holy Spirit fulfills what Jesus promised (see notes on 1:5; 1:8). This marked the beginning of the new covenant age, which will last until Jesus returns. speak in other tongues. The word translated “tongues” can also be translated “languages,” and that is the sense here. as the Spirit gave them utterance. See 10:45–46; 19:6.

Acts 2:5 The crowd’s presence indicates that the setting is the temple grounds. This was the only place in Jerusalem that could accommodate more than 3,000 persons (v. 41). The fact that they were dwelling in Jerusalem suggests that both Jewish pilgrims and local residents were present.

Acts 2:9–11 The list of nations covers most of the first-century Roman world, particularly areas where Jewish communities existed. At Pentecost the Christians start their worldwide witness. At this point the converts were mainly Jewish. The only Gentiles at Pentecost were proselytes, Gentiles who had become full converts to Judaism.

Acts 2:14–5:42 The Witness in Jerusalem. Beginning with Peter’s sermon at Pentecost and continuing through ch. 5, the Christians’ witness is limited to the city of Jerusalem and restricted to Jews.

Acts 2:14–41 Peter’s sermon is the first in a series of speeches and teachings in Acts (see chart). It consists primarily of scriptural proofs, citing Joel 2:28–32; Ps. 16:8–11; 110:1; 132:10 (see also 2 Sam. 7:6–16).

Acts 2:17 The last days began at Pentecost (see Heb. 1:2). They will continue until Christ’s return. Most rabbis believed the Spirit stopped speaking through human prophets with the last of the OT prophets. Joel’s prophecy of an outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh was understood as referring to a new messianic age. daughters. The women in the upper room participated in the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost, further confirming Joel’s prophecy.

Acts 2:19–21 The darkened sun and bloody moon, whether literal or symbolic, indicate the end of the earth. Peter included the full prophecy even though not all of it was yet fulfilled at this time. everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel 2:32). The “name of the Lord” that saves is Jesus (see Acts 2:36; see 4:12), which affirms his deity.

Acts 2:23 Although Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, that still did not remove responsibility from those who contributed to his death. Peter goes on to say, “you crucified and killed” him (see notes on 3:13–16; 3:17; 4:27). by the hands of lawless men. By Gentile officials and soldiers.

Acts 2:25–31 Peter quotes Ps. 16:8–11 as pointing to Jesus’ resurrection.

Acts 2:29 Both the OT (1 Kings 2:10; Neh. 3:16) and early Jewish tradition locate David’s tomb on the south side of Jerusalem. Peter may be referring to an earlier traditional tomb not far from where he was speaking.

Acts 2:33 The personal and orderly relationship among the persons of the Trinity is evident in this verse. When Christ’s work on earth was accomplished, he was exalted to the second highest position of authority in the universe, at the right hand of God. On Pentecost, Jesus himself poured out the Holy Spirit on the disciples in a new and more powerful way (vv. 1–11).

Acts 2:34 When Peter says that David did not ascend into the heavens, he is referring to his body.

Acts 2:38 Faith in Jesus as Savior is implied in the commands to repent and be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Repentance includes a change of mind that results in trusting God (that is, having faith). On repentance, see note on Matt. 3:2. The willingness to submit to baptism is an outward expression of inward faith in Christ (see 1 Pet. 3:21). See note on Acts 10:48. Likewise, genuine faith always involves repentance, and vice versa. The gift of the Holy Spirit means the Spirit himself coming to live in the believer.

Acts 2:39 Peter’s word that the promise was not just for the Jews who were listening but for all who are far off implies the inclusion of Gentiles (compare Eph. 2:13, 17). everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. Salvation is ultimately God’s work. It comes to those whom the Lord calls into personal relationship with him.

Acts 2:40 many other words. Luke provided only a small portion of Peter’s sermon.

Acts 2:41 The three thousand converts at Pentecost were added to the initial 120 believers (1:15).

Acts 2:42 apostles’ teaching. They shared what Jesus taught them before and after his resurrection. Fellowship included the sharing of material goods (v. 44). The breaking of bread (vv. 42, 46) was likely both the Lord’s Supper and a larger fellowship meal. Prayers were offered in house meetings and also in the temple area (vv. 42, 46).

Acts 2:44 all things in common. Some have seen this as a sort of socialist arrangement. This is clearly not the case, since (1) the giving was voluntary and (2) people still had personal possessions (see 12:12; 18:7). Further, Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that they did not have to sell their property and give away the money (5:4).

Acts 2:45 On generosity among Christians, see 2 Cor. 8:9–15.

Acts 2:47 And the Lord added to their number. God alone can enable people to repent and believe.