Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER TWO:
THE RESULT OF THE SPIRIT-OUTPOURING

[“Baptized in the Name of Jesus”]
Key word: Believers

Acts 2:1-4 – Apostles Filled with Spirit

AC2:1 Now when the day of Pentecost was fulfilled, 38 all of the [apostles] were gathered together at the same upper room. 39

38	The day of Pentecost was fulfilled: Or, fully come, in the course of, running its course. For details on Pentecost and the various names that describe it see Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Numbers 28:26-31; Leviticus 23:15-21; Deuteronomy 16:9, 10. This would be 50 days from Nisan 16, 33 AD.

39	All of the [apostles] were gathered together at the same upper room: Or, one place, met together. The context will show that only the twelve apostles were present on this occasion.

AC2:2 Suddenly there was a sound from above like the noise of a violent wind, 40 and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

40

A sound from above like the noise of a violent wind: Or, TCN: that of a strong wind coming nearer and nearer; MOF: like a violent blast of wind; AMP: the rushing of a violent tempest blast. The Greek word PNEUMA, as well as the Hebrew RUACH, mean literally a wind or breath. Anyone who has experience severe winds understands what this must have sounded like. Here the Greek for “wind” is PNOES [blowing].

AC2:3 Split tongues of fire appeared 41 and these rested upon each one [of the apostles].

41

Split tongues of fire appeared: Or, KJV: cloven tongues; ASV: tongues parting asunder; TCN: tongues of what appeared to be flame, separating; WEY: tongues of what looked like fire, distributing themselves over the assembly. Many hold the view that this occurred upon 120 of the disciples. However, a close look at the context and the exact wording, points more to the fact that this happened only to the Twelve – the group originally promised such an outpouring of holy Pneuma by Jesus.

AC2:4 All of them were filled with the holy Pneuma 42 and foreign languages were given to them. 43

42	All of them were filled with the holy Pneuma: The use of the word “filled” means the Pneuma became fully operative on the apostles, each in an individual way – each with a different language. This divine Pressure accomplished the will of God according to His purpose.

43

Foreign languages were given to them: Or, KJV: speak with other tongues; MOF: foreign tongues; BAS: different tongues; PME: different languages. The exact languages spoken are listed in the next paragraph. The Greek is GLOSSAIS from which comes the English glossary. The gift of tongues was given as a sign to unbelieving Jews that God’s PNEUMA was now on the New Israel of God, the Christian Church. [For notes on “tongues” see 1 Corinthians chapter 14.] Actually, the word, outside of 1 Corinthians 13, 14, occurs seldom. [Acts 19:6] Jesus Christ did not speak in tongues. For details on the gifts of the spirit see Biblical Articles in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on gifts of the spirit.

Acts 2:5-13 – An International Crowd Responds

AC2:5 Now there were pious 44 Jewish men dwelling in Jerusalem from all nations under heaven. 45

44	Pious: Or, reverent, devout, religious. The Greek is EULABEIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2126, taking hold well].

45

There were pious Jewish men dwelling in Jerusalem from all nations under heaven: The word for “men” is ANDRES and means “males.” It is likely many of the distant travelers remained from Passover 50 days before. Jerusalem could swell to upwards of one million persons during Jewish festivals. Here is the original seed of the Gospel that would now spread into much of the known world.

AC2:6 And when they happened to hear the sound 46 the gathered crowd was confused because they were each hearing the apostles speak in their own language. 47

46	When they happened to hear the sound: The sound was, therefore, considerable as it could be heard outside the home where the apostles met.

47	They were each hearing the apostles speak in their own language: The languages are then listed and it is possible to combine these into a dozen, meaning each apostle spoke one language understandable by these Jewish men.

AC2:7 They were amazed and astonished and began to say: “Look! are not all these speaking Galileans? 48

48	Are not all these speaking Galileans: The angel of the ascension addressed the eleven as “men of Galilee.” It would appear that Matthias was also a Galilean. It would seem unlikely that the 120 disciples were all Galilean confirming that only the apostles are meant.

AC2:8 So how are we all hearing in our own native languages? 49

49

Hearing in our own native languages: By examining each of the language groups it can be seen the great distances these men traveled. Thus, later after their baptism and their return home, we can see thousands of paths leading to every part of the Roman world. Parthians came from south east of the Caspian Sea including as far as India. Christianity would develop in the world of the Persia religion. Medes and Elamites from the Iran Plateau were also from a Persian background. Elam was southeast of Mesopotamia, also called Khuzestan in southwest Iran. Mesopotamia is something of another name for Babylon, including present day Iraq. Thus, these peoples, though likely also speaking Hebrew and Greek, generally spoke a related Persia language. [Aramaic] Judea would indicate that one of the apostles was speaking Hebrew. Cappadocians were from what is today Turkey and Armenia. Pontus was the area around the Black Sea. Asia in the Christian Bible does not mean China, but Asia Minor which included such places as Galatia. Phrygia was also part of Asia Minor. Pamphylia was also part of Asia Minor. All these above places were north of Israel reaching as far as Turkey and India. Most spoke either Persian, Greek, or Latin. Now the list goes south to North Africa where there were large populations of Jews in Egypt and Libya. Then northwest to Rome, the island of Crete; and back to the southwest in Arabia.

AC2:9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites, Mesopotamians, Judeans, Cappadocians, those from Pontus and Asia, AC2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egyptians, and those from Cyrene in Libya, visitors from Rome (both Hebrews and Jewish converts), AC2:11 Cretans and Arabs – all of us in our own languages hear them in other languages the mighty acts of The God.” 50

50

The mighty acts of The God: Or, wonderful works, majesty of God, triumphs, excellencies, magnificence. The content of this universal message in a dozen languages is unknown, but it may have been a general praise of God and His creative works and mighty deeds. These Jews would have been familiar with such praises. It does not seem that any mention was made of Jesus Christ, for that came later in Peter’s sermon.

AC2:12 And all were amazed and perplexed among themselves, saying: “What can this mean?” AC2:13 However, others continued to mock and say: “They are all full of sweet wine!”

Acts 2:14-21 – Peter Begins his Pentecostal Sermon

AC2:14 Now Peter rose with the eleven 51 and raised his voice, declaring to them: “Men, Jews, 52 and all those dwelling in Jerusalem, all of you know this, listen to my words!

51	Now Peter rose with the eleven: Likely indicating only these twelve were present.

52	Men, Jews: Here the Greek is ANDRES IOUDIOI [males, Jews] because the crowd has already been identified as “pious Jewish men” from all over the world. Peter is talking to Jewish men. Compare also Acts 2:22.

AC2:15 For these men are not drunk 53 as you suppose, for it is only nine in the morning!

53	These men are not drunk: The Greek is masculine suggesting Peter speaks of the eleven male apostles who have been accused of drunkenness.

AC2:16 This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel 54

54	Spoken by the prophet Joel: Peter now quotes from Joel 2:28-32. Most think he draws upon the LXX, though it is also clear Peter is doing this from memory and so there are slight paraphrases here or there.

AC2:17 and what will occur in the Last Days: 55 ‘The God says, “I will pour out my Pneuma on all flesh, and your sons and daughters will prophesy. 56 Also, your young men will see visions, 57 and your elders will dream dreams. 58

55

What will occur in the Last Days: Most versions place the quotes before “last days” but this does not occur in Joel. The solution may be that “last days” are Peter’s own words. Only about a month and a half before Peter and three other apostles asked Jesus about “the end.” [Matthew 24:3] Jesus continues to outline what will happen at the “desolation of Jerusalem.” In the Christian Bible the term “last days” is always used of the end of the Jewish Temple period. The phrase only occurs at 2 Timothy 3:1, Hebrews 1:1, James 5:3, and 2 Peter 3:3. Compare also Hebrews 9:26 and Jude 18. For more details on last days see Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Revelation.

56

Your sons and daughters will prophesy: That is, Jewish children. The words “prophet” and “prophesy” have a wide range of meaning but generally refer to speaking before others. For details see notes on 1 Corinthians 12:28. Both men and women may “prophesy” but see Paul’s restrictions in 1 Corinthians 11, 14, and 1 Timothy 2. See notes on Acts 21:9. On Christian prophets in Acts see Acts 11:27; 13:1; 15:32; 21:10.

57

Young men will see visions: While both men and women “prophesy”, it is young men who are foretold to see “visions.” The application of Joel’s words to this crowd of Jewish men must have moved their hearts toward their sons and daughters who they could see so blest. Indeed, just that is what happened when thousands of them returned home – now disciples of Jesus Christ. See “vision” in Acts 9:10, 12; 10:3, 17, 19; 11:5; 12:9; 16:9, 10; 18:9. A vision is generally understood to be a daytime trance experience, while dreams occur during sleep.

58

Your elders will dream dreams: Or, older men. There is no case of such a “dream” mentioned in the Christian Bible. The word “dream(s)” occurs 126 times in the Bible, first at Genesis 20:3 and most often in the two books Genesis and Daniel. Of particular interest are Job 7:14 and Job 33:15, 16. In the Christian Bible dreams occur at Matthew 1:20; 2:12, 13, 19, 22; 27:19.

AC2:18 And in those days I will pour my Pneuma upon my male slaves and female slaves, and they will prophesy. AC2:19 And I will give wonders in the heavens above, and on signs on the earth below 59 – blood and fire and columns of smoke. 60

59

Wonders in the heavens above, and on signs on the earth below: Peter, in quoting Joel to these Jewish men, has mentioned the good news. Now he proceeds to the bad news – the coming doom on Jerusalem. These heavenly wonders and earthly signs will be described in the following phrases. Compare the Nazarene’s own warning in notes on Matthew 24:15 and Luke 21:24. Josephus records similar phenomena upon Jerusalem in 70 AD.

60

Blood and fire and columns of smoke: Whether the “blood” refers to Jewish blood shed at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, or to the color of the moon when veiled in smoke is a matter for interpretation. In the Roman conquest of Jerusalem in 70 AD one million people died, so indeed, blood ran in the streets, and great columns of smoke blocked out moon and sun.

AC2:20 The sun will be transformed into darkness and the moon into blood 61 – before the arrival of the Day of the great and glorious Supreme Being. 62

61	The sun will be transformed into darkness and the moon into blood: Compare similar language from the Nazarene at Matthew 24:29 where similar images apply to both the desolation of Jerusalem and to signs appearing before the Return of Christ. [Mark 13:24]

62

Day of the great and glorious Supreme Being: The phrase “Day of the Master,” or, “Day of Jehovah” is used for a number of periods, including the “Day of Wrath” in Revelation. [Revelation 6:17] The Hebrew Text of Joel – and likely original LXX translations – has YHWH, but the Greek here does not precisely call for it. On the designation “Day of Yehowah” see Isaiah 13:6-10 and Amos 5:18, 20. Joel the prophet mentions it several times. [Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11; 3:14] As does Zephaniah 1:7, 8, 14, 18; 2:2, 3. The Jews were very familiar with Malachi 4:5.

AC2:21 Then everyone whoever calls upon the Name of YHWH will be saved.”’” 63 [Joel 2:28-32 LXX]

63	Calls upon the Name of YHWH will be saved: The Tetragram is present in Joel and it is possible the Greek would suggest the original had YHWH here. For details on this phrase see Paul’s quotation of it at Romans 10:13.

Acts 2:22-28 – How the Resurrection Was Foretold

AC2:22 “Men, Israelites, 64 listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, 65 a man 66 made known to you 67 with miracles, wonders, and signs performed in your midst from The God, as all of you are aware.

64	Men, Israelites: The Greek is ANDRES ISRAELEITAI, indicating Peter still addresses Jewish men.

65

Jesus the Nazarene: The Christ was foretold to be “called a Nazarene.” [Matthew 2:23] Often in Greek names are preceded by the article, as in “the Jesus” and “the Peter” indicating a particular Jesus or Peter, as these were common names. Here “Nazarene” is added to make it clear which Jesus Peter talks about. The early Christians were called “Nazarenes” by their opposers at Acts 24:5. Jesus uses the designation himself when appearing to Paul. [Acts 22:8; 26:9] Persons were baptized in “the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene.” [Acts 4:10; 6:14] Compare also Acts 3:6.

66	A man: Usually Paul and others refer to Jesus as an ANTHROPOS, meaning man or human. The good doctor Luke though is more precise in using ANDRA here. Christ was not only a human, he was a male.

67	Made known to you: Indicating a large portion of this Jewish audience of men was around during the period just before the Passover in 33 so as to have heard or seen of the Nazarene’s miracles. Others had known of these for the whole period of over three years.

AC2:23 This person was delivered up to the control of lawless men 68 by the pre-determined purpose and foreknowledge of The God 69 and you [Jews] impaled and killed him. 70

68	This person was delivered up to the control of lawless men: The Jewish hierarchy turned Jesus over to the Roman authority. Such was foretold in Psalm 22:16 where the “Synagogue of Evil Men” is mentioned. [LXX]

69

The pre-determined purpose and foreknowledge of The God: Or, KJV: determinate counsel and foreknowledge; TCN: definite plan and with his previous knowledge; MOF: predestined course of God’s deliberate purpose. Messiah’s suffering and death were foretold and therefore predestined. [Genesis 3:15; Psalm 22; Isaiah 53]

70	You [Jews] impaled and killed him: Peter puts the responsibility squarely on the Jews

AC2:24 This person The God raised up by destroying the birth pangs of death, 71 because it was impossible for death to hold him.

71	This person The God raised up by destroying the birth pangs of death: Or, loosed the pangs of death. Peter always makes it clear it is “The God” who raised Jesus from the dead. [Acts 3:15; 10:40-42]

AC2:25 For David says of him: 72 ‘I foresaw the Supreme Being always in my sight, for He is on my right side that I may never be shaken.

72	For David says of him: Peter now quotes Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 132:11 and applies them to the resurrection of Messiah. Psalm 16 is referenced also at Acts 13:35 by Paul.

AC2:26 And so my heart was cheerful and my tongue rejoiced. Also, my flesh will dwell in hope. 73

73	My flesh will dwell in hope: Though some have understood this to refer to a bodily resurrection of Christ in the flesh, it more likely just refers to the living hope of Messiah while “during the days of his flesh.” [Hebrews 5:7]

AC2:27 Because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, 74 nor will you allow Your Saint to experience decay. 75

74

You will not abandon my soul to Hades: Or, leave, forsake, desert. The KJV uses the word “hell” here. This phrase establishes three things: a] it is the soul of Messiah that goes to “hell”; b] that Jesus would go to “hell”; and, c] that it is possible to get out of “hell.” For details on the Greek PSYCHE see the work Where are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. The word soul may mean three essential things: a] a living being [Genesis 1:20; 2:7]; b] the life of such a being; and, c] the person itself. So, here the phrase could read: “you will not abandon me [or, my person] in Hades.” What was raised out of Hades was the person of Jesus as his body and blood had been given in sacrifice. Upon his resurrection, Christ the person was given another spirit-like body. [1 Corinthians 15:40-50]

75

Nor will you allow Your Saint to experience decay: Or, holy one; see corruption. Christ was in the grave for only parts of three days: from Friday afternoon to early Sunday morning. Thus, the “body prepared” for him did not decay, but was consumed on God’s Altar. [Hebrews 10:5; 13:11, 12; 1 Peter 3:18]

AC2:28 You made known to me the ways of Life… You will fill me with joy within Your Presence.’” 76 [Psalm 16:8-11; 132:11 LXX]

76	You will fill me with joy within Your Presence: Or, BAS: when I see your face; NOR: with the sign of Your face. This portion is based on Psalm 132:11.

Acts 2:29-36 – God Resurrected Jesus

AC2:29 “Men, brothers, 77 it is proper to speak with conviction to you [Jews] about the patriarch David, that he died and was also buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

77	Men, brothers: ANDRES ISRAELEITAI. See verse 14.

AC2:30 And so, as a prophet and knowing The God swore to him with an oath that the fruit of his loins would sit upon his throne. 78

78

Fruit of his loins would sit upon his throne: Compare 2 Samuel 7:12 and Psalm 89:4. It is interesting to note the remainder of Psalm 132:11 quoted above. When the word “throne” is used it does not mean the literal earthly throne of David but stands as a figure of speech for the dynastic rule of David as seen in Messiah. Messiah’s kingdom is heavenly. [2 Timothy 4:18]

AC2:31 Having foreseen it he spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, 79 that, ‘he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his body experience decay.’ [Psalm 16:10]

79	He spoke about the resurrection of the Christ: This is Peter’s inspired interpretation of Psalm 16:10.

AC2:32 This same Jesus The God raised up 80 [and] we are all witnesses of it. 81

80	This same Jesus The God raised up: Nowhere do the inspired disciples ever teach that Jesus raised himself. The God of Jesus resurrected him. [Acts 10:40]

81

We are all witnesses of it: What turned a group of cowards hiding in fear into a fearless cell of zealots? It was not the many miracles of Jesus. It was his resurrection! The resurrection of Christ was the engine that drove the Christian Church. While these witnesses were alive and could testify of their experience, these could be interviewed regarding their honest and truthfulness. [Luke 1:1-4; 1 John 1:1-3]

AC2:33 Then The God exalted him to His right hand 82 [Psalm 110:1] – and having received from the Father the promised holy Pneuma 83 – he poured this out which you [Jews] have seen and heard.

82

The God exalted him ‘to His right hand’: Peter alludes to Psalm 110:1, a much-used verse in the Christian Bible. Note it is The God who exalted Christ. [Philippians 2:9-11] Paul uses Psalm 110:1 as proof Christ began to reign upon his ascension in fulfillment of Daniel 7:13. [1 Corinthians 15:24-28] The Nazarene often combined Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 in a conflate and told both his disciples and the Jewish hierarchy that they would live to see the fulfillment. [See notes on Matthew 26:64; Luke 22:69]

83	Received from the Father the promised holy Pneuma: It was foretold that Messiah would receive God’s Pneuma. [Isaiah 11:12] Compare notes on John 14:26.

AC2:34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, 84 but he himself says, ‘YHWH said to my Lord, 85 “Sit down at My right hand 86

84	David did not ascend into the heavens: The Nazarene taught that “no one has ascended into heaven.” [John 3:13]

85

YHWH said to my Master: Peter’s quote from Psalm 110:1. The Hebrew Text – and likely the original Septuagint Greek translation – has the Tetragram here and Peter’s Greek would suggest the possibility. Most versions have two “lords” [or, masters] in the phrase. Compare the KJV of Psalm 110:1. Clearly the first is Jehovah, and thus the Master Jesus was never Jehovah.

86	Sit down at My right hand: Thus, the beginning of Messiah’s rule as Paul writes. [1 Corinthians 15:24-26] Compare Revelation 3:21.

AC2:35 until 87 I make your enemies 88 a footstool for your feet.”’ [Psalm 110:1]

87	Until: Messiah does not ascend to heaven and then wait to rule. He begins to rule and then waits until all enemies are subdued. [1 Corinthians 15:24-26] Compare notes on Ephesians 1:20 where Psalm 110:1 is also referenced.

88	Your enemies: Note the “last enemy” at 1 Corinthians 15:26. If Messiah had to wait to rule until the “last enemy” was subjected he would not begin to rule until the end of the Thousand Years. [Revelation 20:12-14]

AC2:36 And so, let all the House of Israel know that The God made him both Master and Christ 89 [Psalm 110:1; Psalm 2:1] – the person you impaled.”

89	The God made him both ‘Master and Christ’: Peter combines the two designations from Psalm 110:1 and Psalm 2:1. Jesus the Nazarene was neither Master nor Messiah naturally. He had to be “made” such by “The God.”

Acts 2:37-42 – Thousands Embrace the Word

AC2:37 Having heard this [the Jews] were pierced in their hearts, 90 and they said to Peter and the other apostles: 91 “Men, brothers, 92 what should we do?”

90	Pierced in their hearts: Peter’s inspired address has reached their hearts.

91	Peter and the other apostles: The only ones present at the Pneuma’s outpouring. Note the next phrase.

92	Men, brothers: As discussed earlier, the address proves only the Twelve were present.

AC2:38 So Peter told them: “Repent, 93 and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ 94 for the forgiveness of your sins, 95 and then you will receive the gift of the holy Pneuma. 96

93	Repent: In the Greek the word is META-NONSAE and means to change the mind and feel regret for past conduct.

94	Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ: Compare notes on Matthew 28:19. The early Christians did not baptize in the “name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Instead, they only baptized in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. [Acts 8:12, 16; 10:48; 19:5]

95	For the forgiveness of your sins: Salvation may not be experienced without first repentance, followed by baptism. Compare notes on Matthew 26:28 and Ephesians 1:7. [Isaiah 44:22]

96	Then you will receive the gift of the holy Pneuma: Only after repentance and baptism could a new disciple expect to receive the Pneuma as a gift. Note the exception in the case of Cornelius and his family. [Acts 10]

AC2:39 For the promise is giving to you [Jews] and your children, 97 as well as to all those far off, 98 as many as YHWH The God may invite.” 99

97	For the promise is giving to you [Jews] and your children: Peter alludes back to Joel 2:28 but other Hebrew Bible verses foretold such an outpouring of Spirit. [Isaiah 33:15; 44:3; Ezekiel 39:29]

98	As well as to all those far off: Those “far off” were the Gentiles or non-Jews. [Compare Ephesians 2:17.] Here are the “other sheep” of John 10:16. Note also Isaiah 49:12.

99	As many as YHWH The God may invite: Or, call. The Greek may allow that originally the Tetragram occurred here. Note the Nazarene’s parable on God’s invitation or calling at Matthew 22:1-14.

AC2:40 Also, with many other words Peter testified and appealed to them, 100 saying: “Be saved from this crooked generation.” 101

100	With many other words Peter testified and appealed to them: The crowd of Jews must have been filled with questions, and so Peter’s discussions with them continues beyond the recorded sermon.

101

Be saved from this crooked generation: Or, get saved, save yourselves. On this Jewish “generation” see notes on Matthew 11:16; 12:39-45; 16:4; 17:17; 23:36; 24:34. Such ‘saving’ would have occurred following repentance and baptism. It should be noted that salvation is a process that begins with being ‘saved’ out of the wicked world and then must continue on until the final salvation actually occurs. [1 Peter 1:4] The word “saved” is used of those who first begin discipleship. [Acts 2:47; 4:12; 11:14; 15:11; 16:30, 31] Though salvation rests on the unmerited favor of God by means of Jesus Christ, the individual disciple must “work out his own salvation with fear and trembling.” [Philippians 2:12] The actual word “salvation” occurs seldom in Acts. [Acts 4:12; 13:26] Faith is needed to be saved. [Romans 1:16] A public testimony must be given. [Romans 10:10] One must remain awake. [Romans 13:11] Repentance is required. [2 Corinthians 7:10] Sanctification is necessary. [1 Thessalonians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13] Biblical wisdom is necessary. [2 Timothy 3:15] And, obedience must follow. [Hebrews 5:9]

AC2:41 So those [Jews] who accepted his words were baptized and on that day about three thousand souls were added. 102

102	Three thousand souls were added: The rapid growth of Christianity has amazed historians. In three and a half years Jesus gathered about 500 disciples despite his miracles. [1 Corinthians 15:6] It is the resurrection of Christ that explodes the Faith among the Jews.

AC2:42 Then these [Jews] devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles 103 and to the community, 104 also to sharing meals and to prayer. 105

103

Devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles: Or, KJV: continued stedfastly; RHM: constant attention; TCN: regularly present; WEY: constant attendance; NEB: met constantly; KNX: occupied themselves continually. The apostles applied the principle of 2 Timothy 2:2 and trained these Jewish men to return to their homelands armed with the Gospel. Are hearts are thrilled at the thought of each of these men making their way back to their countries filled with joy and God’s love. It may be assumed that upon returning to home they first witnessed to their families and friends and then among the Jewish community.

104	And to the community: Or, fellowship, society, common participation. The Greek is KOINONIA from which “coin” and “community” are rooted. It means a close society or fellowship that is communal, with sharing a prominent feature.

105

Sharing meals and to prayer: Or, breaking of bread. Likely the majority of these Jewish men were visitors who had planned to stay in Jerusalem just so long. Now they have extended their visit and this required the common sharing among the Nazarene community. This is the very beginning of the Christian Church and it began with a strong Jewishness. We can imagine there were many matters of order that would need to be worked out in time. The foundation of the Church was built on prayer and the pressure of the holy Pneuma.

Acts 2:43-47 – The Nazarene Community

AC2:43 Fear came over every soul 106 as the apostles performed many wonders and signs. 107

106	Fear came over every soul: Or, TCN: deep impression; WEY: awe; GDS: a sense of awe; WMS: a sense of reverence; KNX: every soul was struck with awe; AMP: reverential fear. The Greek is PHOBOS from which the English phobia comes and it is usually used of deep respect or fear.

107	As the apostles performed many wonders and signs: It is only the apostles doing this. Only the apostles could pass on these gifts. [Acts 8:18]

AC2:44 And all those believing were gathered at the same place 108 and they had everything in common. 109

108

All those believing were gathered at the same place: This is a major assembling requiring considerable room for more than 3,000 persons. Jesus did this in open spaces and with the pleasant late spring weather it would have been pleasant even out doors at night. The disciples of Jesus were used to this.

109

They had everything in common: Or, GDS: shared everything; BER: had everything jointly; RIE: they lived as a community and shared everything. The Greek is again COINA as above. The word is the source in English for “community,” “communal,” and “communism.” At least here, at this moment, the Church is communistic, as are all small tribal peoples. Jesus had instructed his apostles to sell all and give to charity to the poor. [Luke 12:32, 33] Paul encourages an “equalization.” [2 Corinthians 8:14] Though the Church was not purely communistic, the rich were given “orders” to remember to share and be liberal. [1 Timothy 6:17-19] Some Christian groups to this day chose to operate as a communal society. It is worthy of note that it has been Jews in modern history who were the origin of communism in Europe.

AC2:45 They would sell their possessions and went to distributing the money 110 to everyone as each had a need. 111

110

They would sell their possessions and went to distributing the money: Exactly as Jesus instructed his apostles. [Luke 12:32, 33] This may be one of the reasons that the Saints in Jerusalem were poor. Compare notes on Hebrews 10:34; 13:2, 16. [Romans 15:25-31; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3] The world owes it to the Jewish community in Jerusalem and their charity for the bloom of Christianity.

111	To everyone as each had a need: Compare notes on Romans 12:8, 13. It is a sad statement on the corruption of western capitalism that the vast bulk of modern Christianity no longer reflects this self-sacrificial giving. This may come back to haunt millions of Christians. [Matthew 25:31-46]

AC2:46 And daily they continued in harmonious devotions in the Temple 112 area sharing their meals in private homes. 113 They shared food with jubilation and sincerity of heart, 114

112	Daily they continued in harmonious devotions in the Temple: Or, RHM: giving attendance; TCN: they met regularly in the Temple Court. This must have stirred the Jewish hierarchy with great concern. The Temple area had plenty of room for thousands to gather for discussions and worship.

113	Sharing their meals in private homes: Jewish Christians opened their homes to these thousands and shared their resources. It becomes important later to know that “in private homes” is from the Greek KAT OIKON and rendered “house to house” by some.

114	They shared food with jubilation and sincerity of heart: The joy of the Spirit must have been wondrous.

AC2:47 praising The God and finding favor with all the people. 115 And at the same time YHWH continued adding daily to those being saved. 116

115	Finding favor with all the people: This would lead to more thousands added to the community. Christians must behave in such a manner that they find favor with their neighbors.

116	The Master continued adding daily to those being saved: Many thousands more will be added. Whether “the Master” here is Yehowah or Christ Jesus is not clear and it is left to each one’s personal opinion. [Acts 5:14; 11:21, 24]

Review Questions on Chapter Two