The Book of ACTS

Part Four

Please make sure that you read parts one, two, and three before you continue.

In this teaching, we are moving to Acts chapter 2 and we will begin in verse 5. In part three, at the very end of the teaching, we went over chapter 2 verses 1 – 4. As you remember, these four verses document the day of Pentecost. I believe that to begin this teaching, we should go back to part three and copy the first four verses in chapter 2. This will refresh your memory about the importance of the day of Pentecost and it will lead us into verse 5 and help us to understand verse 5 more thoroughly. I believe that doing this in this manner will adhere to God’s instruction of doing things decent and in order.

Let all things be done decently and in order. -- I Corinthians 14: 40

Acts Chapter 2

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they [the 12 apostles] were all with one accord in one place. -- Acts 2: 1

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house [the temple was often referred to as the house] where they were sitting. -- Acts 2: 2

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. -- Acts 2: 3

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost [holy spirit], and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit [God] gave them utterance. -- Acts 2: 4

Now if you want, go back to look at part three and study these four verses in detail. This will allow you to relearn some of the important details that took place on the Day of Pentecost. Also, I do not feel it is necessary to reiterate everything I have previously taught you about these four verses. What I’m saying is that I have taught a complete teaching on these four verses. I would expect you to be able to go back to all the contents of this website and find that teaching. You see, I am trying to get you to do some work on your own – as a result of your own efforts. If you constantly only rely on my teachings, it is referred to as spiritual hitchhiking. Many people do this and God frowns upon this type of study. He wants you to work the Word of God on your own as much as possible. However, in part three, I have gone over enough details to help you understand what took place on the day of Pentecost. The details of what took place after the apostles received the Holy Spirit are what we are going to cover mainly in this teaching. Again, this will begin with verse five of chapter 2.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. -- Acts 2: 5

You should be aware that only Judeans receive the holy spirit on the day of Pentecost. You should know by now why I use a lower case h and a lower case s. It is because we are referring to the gift, and not the giver. I hope this is something that you will learn so that you can distinguish between the two.

I have also failed to mention that there was a phenomenon on the day of Pentecost and that is referring to the “cloven tongues”. The cloven tongues which appeared to them to be like fire, but they were not fire, they were a certain shape that appeared above the 12 apostles. Not only was there a phenomenon on the day of Pentecost, but there was a miracle that also took place on this day and we are going to get into that right now.

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded [shook], because that every man heard them speak in his own language. -- Acts 2: 6

What exactly does this mean? I want to make this as clear as possible for you so that you never forget that this was a miracle that took place on the day of Pentecost. In verse four, we see that the 12 apostles were speaking in tongues. They did not understand the language that they were speaking. When I speak in tongues, I also do not know what language I am speaking. I know from the Word of God that it is either a language of men somewhere on the earth or is a language of angels. On the Day of Pentecost, we already discussed that there were men gathered out of every nation under heaven. These men understood the language that the apostles were speaking. It was their native tongue. And you wonder why they were shook. Picture being in a believers meeting that is decent and in order. One person is called on to operate the manifestation of speaking in tongues. No one else in the room can understand what the speaker is saying. But, what if you understood every single word that was being spoken. That’s what I would call a miracle. But in this case, there were multitudes of people from every nation and they all understood the different tongues that the apostles were speaking. This is quite a mind blower if you just give it some thought. It says in verse 6 that the multitude heard the apostles speak in their own language. Now let’s take a look at verse 7.

And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? -- Acts 2: 7

Verse 8 will clear this up, but first I simply want to point out that all of the apostles that were speaking in tongues were Galileans. So all of these people from all different nations could not completely understand how these Galileans could be speaking their native tongue. Let me interject here for a moment. I know of a leader whose father came to his fellowship. A person spoke in tongues in the fellowship and the leader’s father completely understood the language that was being spoken in tongues. He was familiar with this language and this aligns perfectly with the Word of God. God says that speaking in tongues is either of men somewhere on this earth or of angels. This I would refer to more accurately as phenomena. It doesn’t happen very often, but I know of instances where this took place. Now let’s get back to the multitudes and take a look at their reaction.

And how here we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? -- Acts 2: 8

As I’m sure you have seen, there are many times when God pulls off a massive miracle and he doesn’t make a big issue out of it. It is not all in capital letters or set apart in the Bible from other Scriptures. But we need to be able to recognize the massive impact of what was happening. Look at what those men said in our vernacular: How the heck can these Galileans be speaking in our own tongue? My God Almighty, what the heck is going on here? They are speaking in the tongue where we were born. How can this be? Well, God likes to show off once in a while and why not. God is the greatest force in the universe and sometimes when He is just Himself, He causes quite a stir. Because this was such a great day when men can finally be born again of God’s spirit, God wanted to make a memorable and long-lasting impression on everyone who was present. So far he had the cloven tongues which was phenomenon and now he has the 12 apostles speaking in tongues a known language to the multitude that was present. Well people, what do you think about this record so far? If you truly believe the Word of God is the Will of God, it should excite you – I mean a lot. If not, you better check and see if you have a pulse. Sorry about that. But I like to joke around once in a while and if you study this website, you will see that humor is one of the 5 ways to relax. I did a teaching on this especially for you so you know what the Word says as to how we can relax. The other 4 items besides humor: reading the Bible, nature, sleep, and music. Be careful what type of music you listen to. Now let us take a look at how many different nations were present at the Day of Pentecost.

Parthians and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. -- Acts 2: 9 - 11

You see there are at least 12 benefits to speaking in tongues and one of them is it that you speak the wonderful works of God. All the Judeans that were present at Pentecost are being represented by all the different areas and cities in verses 9 to 11. But take a look at the end of verse 11 and what was said. All of those people heard the apostles speak in tongues a language that they can understand and they were speaking the wonderful works of God. Is not that amazing? I kind of wonder if Satan knew exactly what was going on at this time. There is a record which clearly states that the devil would never have crucified Jesus Christ if he knew what was to take place on the Day of Pentecost. How big is this? It means that when people get born again, they now have the spirit of God in Christ in them. Everyone born again has the same power and even more than Jesus Christ. Why do we not see these results in this present world? Because we simply do not believe. Everyone is obsessed with their vehicles or gambling or sex or sports.

A few words on this subject that you know I avoid. The enemy has taken some of the most beautiful things that God has given a man and woman and he has perverted it. It no longer has the meaning that it used to have. I cannot help but to mention that sexual acts and the flaunting of the human body has become an accepted way of life for many people. Intimacy was meant to be a very beautiful thing between a man and a woman who were in love with each other. I very seldom touched on this subject because it is very misunderstood. People say that if it feels good, then do it. This is a lie from hell. Sexual promiscuity and the flaunting of the human body has become something where people think there are no consequences. I have looked into this area and I have found out that once a person does something on an Internet site, it can stay there forever. If a woman, when she was a young girl, made a mistake in this area, she can almost do nothing about it. It has been said that what goes on the Internet can stay there forever. It appears like everybody is having such a good time on sites like this, but in the long run, those people pay a horrible price and there is almost no escape. It follows them around the rest of their life. Satan has a perverse spirit and it runs rampant on the internet -- some things so disgusting, I don’t ever care to even mention them. Sick. And you know what for? Money. Let’s get back to Acts.

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? -- Acts 2: 12

If you remember from the law of believing that doubt is on the negative side of believing. Notice at first that these men were all excited and as the Word says, they were shook. I need to bring up an advanced point right now. It has happened to me so often, that I have seen this pattern take place almost every single time something great is happening. The enemy wants to get his two cents in. He will try to disrupt a great thing that God has brought to pass. Can anyone out there identify with this? He often- times is trying to steal the excitement away from an event. In the above verse, first they were amazed, and then they were in doubt. That doubt caused them to say,” Hey, what the heck is going on here? What does all this mean? In the very next verse, you will see that the adversary is starting to work on the minds of these believers. Even though God had just placed a miracle before their very eyes. This is how sneaky and deceptive the devil and his devil spirits are. They will always try to ruin everything. Watch how the enemy begins to deceive people and put doubt in their minds.

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. -- Acts 2: 13

The people were trying to make accusations about the apostles saying they were drunk. It was only 9 AM in the morning so their accusations were about as weak as possible. Not too long ago these people were all excited to hear the apostles speak in tongues their native language. And before you know it, they are accusing them of being full of wine at such an early time in the morning. People who are stupid will always try to contradict the Word of God. They will make baseless accusations and from a spiritual point of view, they make themselves out to be nothing but fools. But let me tell you another answer that points towards the spiritual end of things. Believers make manifest darkness. So if you are around a group of people that live by the principles of the god of this world, they will truly be living in darkness. When they meet you and get to know you, they will try to find fault in anything and everything that you do. You, being a believer, makes the darkness that is within them come out. The light of God’s Word living in you makes manifest the darkness that is living within others. I should tell you this another way. If you are looking to win a personality contest and stand on the Word of God the same time, you are going to be discouraged. A lot of people will not like you and that is their problem. I often said that if a man wants to go to hell that is his prerogative. God will always protect you no matter how much tribulation you endure in this lifetime because of your stand on His Word.

Now in verse 14, I want you to notice something about Peter. Many days back in the Gospels, Peter and the apostles were behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. Now you need to ask yourself, where did Peter get such boldness to stand up and speak boldly and with authority? It is because he is now born of God’s spirit. Once a person is born again and they learn to renew their mind accordingly, the fear will leave that person. When I first got involved in the Bible, many people who thought they knew me well found out they did not know me at all anymore. I had changed from a person full of fear to a person full of confidence and boldness. I want to help you to understand the terminology here so I am going to tell you that boldness means simply acting without fear.

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that well at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: -- Acts 2: 14

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. -- Acts 2: 15

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; [see your center reference]. -- Acts 2: 16

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: -- Acts 2: 17

Peter was quoting Scripture references from the book of Joel. Even back in Old Testament times, God was giving Revelation to many prophets. He told them that in the last days He will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh and believers shall prophesy. Now this lines up perfectly with what took place after the Day of Pentecost. Because we have the spirit of God in Christ in us, we can operate the nine manifestations. One of those manifestations is prophecy. I have been in many believers meetings where people will be called upon to give forth a word of prophecy. This is a very uplifting message given with inspired utterance, from God to the body of believers present. I myself have prophesied and there is no premeditation when a person prophesies. It is quite an amazing thing to experience. By the way, I believe we are in the last days. Take a look around you as to what has happened with this virus that killed millions of people. Homosexuals are being accepted almost everywhere and the same thing with lesbians. These are all abominations to the Lord God. Also on your television, you will constantly see advertisements for gambling. Gambling is wrong because there is one total winner and one total loser. That is not God’s Will. Whatever happens to most people on this earth, they will have brought it upon themselves.

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: -- Acts 2: 18

God is directing us as to what is to take place, even though He said basically the same thing in verse 17. I have said many times before and I will say it again. When God wants to establish something, He will say it twice. This means that it must come to pass. God does not discriminate between a man and a woman so He states clearly that His servants and His handmaidens will prophesy because He is going to pour out His Spirit upon them. There are many Scripture references where you can look up these words of prophecy. I want you to do some things on your own so that you can research God’s Word by yourself. You will not have to depend upon anyone but God Almighty. When you seek, you will find. It is a promise of God and God cannot lie. God also says the following.

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: -- Acts 2: 19

Again, if you have some questions about the words used in this verse, I expect you to have a good lexicon so that you can look up these words on your own. You cannot depend on me solely to learn the Scriptures. You must study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. You should know this Scripture by heart that appears in II Timothy 2: 15.

[I am going to recommend that you go out and purchase the following Lexicon. You will have to spend about forty or fifty dollars to acquire this book. If you are a serious Bible believer taking action on the Word, you would pay $4,000 to $5000 dollars for this research book. Can you put a price on the Word of God? Of course not! God is not a man that He can lie. I imitate God as much as possible, so would I lie to you? The following gives you the exact title of the best and only lexicon that I have used and will continue to use.]

A Critical Lexicon And Concordance To The English And Greek New Testament -- by Bullinger

This is an amazing research text that also is amazingly accurate. It will help you to unfold many of the mysteries pertaining to the differences between our present-day language and meaning and the present-day language and meanings of the same words in biblical times. Let’s see whose serious and who is not serious. Are some of you thinking I am getting a little bit agitated? Well, I am doing it on purpose because things in this world are coming to an end. Tonight, on the news, I heard another black person was shot and killed by the police. This racial discrimination is not going to end unless people turn to the rightly divided Word of God. It is going to get worse and you better be ready for it. I was told many years ago by an extremely strong woman of God that only the strong would stand in the future. She told me this about forty years ago. This is that time.

God goes on in verse 22 to tell us about the future and what was going to take place in the book of Revelation. Some idiots actually think we are in the book of revelation right now. Do you see the sun turned into darkness? Do you see the moon turned into blood? Well, there are a group of counterfeit people that go around knocking on doors and trying to convince, especially older people, that their beliefs are true and that we are in the book of Revelation. I told you all one time that I took four them in my home because they just kept knocking at my door. I got out my Bible that is marked with so many notes, I think it sort of blew them away and scared them just a little bit. I showed them from the Word of God where their doctrine made no sense at all. I was going from Scripture to Scripture and from book to book and before you know it, one of the four began to listen to me and began to become convinced that I was speaking the rightly divided Word of God. Well, one of the elders – she was staring at me – if looks could kill I would be dead. She got up and she wanted to leave at that moment because one of her people was convinced that I knew God’s Word rightly divided. It was a thrill for me just to see the power of God’s Word spoken on a believer’s lips. My great reward was that they never came back. That is all the reward I ever needed. Let us go to verse 20.

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: -- Acts 2: 20

Is that so hard to understand? What Lord are we talking about? How stupid can we be to ask such a question? When Jesus Christ comes back, he is coming back as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and no one and I mean no one is going to crucify him on a cross. He is going to knock some heads and everything will change. We will eventually get to the third heaven and earth where there is no sin, sickness, or death or unrighteousness or evil. Even animals who fought with one another will lay down together. What a great time. This is why I gave my life to God’s Word because God has proven to me that it will all come to pass. It is exciting and if some of you are just as excited as myself you may be finding it hard just to sit down in your chair without jumping up and screaming to the heavens. Now, getting my feet back on the ground, I want you to look at the first phrase and second phrase in verse 20. These things are only going to happen in the book of Revelation after Jesus Christ has returned for the second time. And he is coming back.

Remember, that God is working through Peter as Peter gave his first sermon in the Christian church. By word of knowledge and word of wisdom, he is telling Peter not only what to say, but how to say it. Let us take a look at the next verse.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. -- Acts 2: 21

Whosoever means whosoever which illustrates very clearly that God is not a respecter of persons. God does not discriminate from one person to another regardless of color, sex, race, or creed. God is working through Peter to get His message across clearly that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved. It is interesting to take a look and examine the word ‘shall’. In the Greek, this means absolutely without any question or doubt or any change in its dependability. Absolutely means that it will absolutely come to pass. It is that simple. If God is perfect, then His Word must also be perfect and it is. Let us cover the next three verses because they are mainly self-explanatory. After that, we will end this Part 4 of Acts chapter 2. As you know, I am making every attempt I can to not make a teaching too long since you may lose your concentration and interest. In the next Part 5, we will try to complete the rest of chapter 2. After that point, with the introduction you have of the book of Acts, I am going to ask you to work the rest of Acts on your own. You will start with chapter 3. Do not forget that the book of Acts is the transition book between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It was one of the most exciting times in the Church of God. It is my belief and prayer for you that you will enjoy it to the very fullest. Same God today.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate council and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. -- Acts 2: 22 - 24

END OF ACTS PART 4

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