Acts 2

Go Deep

(Acts 2)

Take time to read Acts 2. Pay special attention to verses about the Spirit.

What were the three phenomena that accompanied the giving of the Spirit? Think of reasons these particular phenomena might be present?

When the disciples spoke in other tongues, what were they talking about? Is this important? Explain.

In verses 16-21, Peter referenced Joel 2:28-30 to explain what was happening. What did he want his hearers to understand by this?

Read Acts 2:21, where Peter quotes Joel 2:30, and then Acts 2:36-38. Was Peter establishing a link between calling on the name of the Lord (Joel 2:30), Jesus being made Lord (Acts 2:36), and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)? Explain.

Read Acts 2:23. Could the people who had Jesus crucified claim that they were innocent of his death because he was “handed over” by “God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge”?

Read verse 23. Was Peter too blunt when he accused his hearers of putting Jesus to death? Why was he so rude?

Read Psalm 16. Peter claims that David was speaking of Jesus when he composed this Psalm. What support does he offer for this claim—what is his argument?

When the people realized that they had killed their messiah, they were “cut to the heart.” What does this mean? Are people ever “cut to the heart” today?

When Peter told his hearers to “repent,” what did he want them to do?

Why did Peter tell people they should be baptized (v. 38)? Is this how a person is saved?

Read verses 38-39. Does this mean that everyone who believes – even today – receives the gift of the Holy Spirit? How could you support your answer.

Describe the lifestyle of the people who received the Spirit (vv. 42-47).