[PDF]June 7-8, 2014 Speaking Pastor: Stuart Briscoe PASSAGE: Acts 2:1...
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June 7-8, 2014 Speaking Pastor: Stuart Briscoe PASSAGE: Acts 2:1-41 • Pentecost
June 7-8, 2014 Speaking Pastor: Stuart Briscoe PASSAGE: Acts 2:1-41 • Pentecost
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:
1. Acts 2:1 says literally “when the day of Pentecost was fulfilled.” Reflect on how the prophet Joel’s predictions were fulfilled (2:17-21,) the Father’s promises were fulfilled (Acts 1:5; Ezekiel 36:24-27) and Jesus’ teachings were fulfilled (Acts 1:5; John 14:16, 15:7-15).
1. Acts 2:1 says literally “when the day of Pentecost was fulfilled.” Reflect on how the prophet Joel’s predictions were fulfilled (2:17-21,) the Father’s promises were fulfilled (Acts 1:5; Ezekiel 36:24-27) and Jesus’ teachings were fulfilled (Acts 1:5; John 14:16, 15:7-15).
2. Luke’s descriptions of the Pentecost phenomena in 2:2-4 are intentionally vague (‘a sound like the blowing of a violent wind,’ ‘what seemed to be tongues of fire’ and ‘speak in tongues’ — languages or ecstatic utterances). But there is nothing vague about the result: “each one heard…in his own language”. What did they hear (see 2:11, 37)?
2. Luke’s descriptions of the Pentecost phenomena in 2:2-4 are intentionally vague (‘a sound like the blowing of a violent wind,’ ‘what seemed to be tongues of fire’ and ‘speak in tongues’ — languages or ecstatic utterances). But there is nothing vague about the result: “each one heard…in his own language”. What did they hear (see 2:11, 37)?
3. Luke is careful to describe the national origins of the people who gathered on the day of Pentecost (see 2:911). Check on a map of New Testament times to see where they came from. Then connect this information to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:3), Jesus’ command to his disciples (Acts 1:8) and John’s vision (Revelations 5:9).
3. Luke is careful to describe the national origins of the people who gathered on the day of Pentecost (see 2:911). Check on a map of New Testament times to see where they came from. Then connect this information to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:3), Jesus’ command to his disciples (Acts 1:8) and John’s vision (Revelations 5:9).
4. God instructed Israel to celebrate three major feasts or festivals each year. Israel was an agrarian society so it is not surprising that each one was linked to harvest – wheat, barley and fruit. Neither is it surprising that Jesus linked the “Harvest” theme to His and the church’s mission. Read Matthew 9:37-38, 13:24-30 and 36-43; John 4:34-38; Galatians 6:7-10; Revelations 14:14–20. What is something new you learned in these passages?
4. God instructed Israel to celebrate three major feasts or festivals each year. Israel was an agrarian society so it is not surprising that each one was linked to harvest – wheat, barley and fruit. Neither is it surprising that Jesus linked the “Harvest” theme to His and the church’s mission. Read Matthew 9:37-38, 13:24-30 and 36-43; John 4:34-38; Galatians 6:7-10; Revelations 14:14–20. What is something new you learned in these passages?
5. Jesus had promised that the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. His promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. What evidence was there immediately of this power? What does this say to the contemporary church?
5. Jesus had promised that the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. His promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. What evidence was there immediately of this power? What does this say to the contemporary church?
6. Read Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:14-41) — it will only take a few minutes! — and note the response of the people: “they were cut to the heart” and said… “What shall we do?” When they were told, they did it and the church was born (see 2:37-41). What can we learn from this about our ability to respond appropriately to the preaching of God’s Word?
6. Read Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:14-41) — it will only take a few minutes! — and note the response of the people: “they were cut to the heart” and said… “What shall we do?” When they were told, they did it and the church was born (see 2:37-41). What can we learn from this about our ability to respond appropriately to the preaching of God’s Word?
