Acts 2:14–36: The Reign of the King
Introduction
When Luke told us that Pentecost had been “filled up” (ESV: “arrived”; Acts 2:1), he hinted at the fulfillment of the symbolism of Pentecost by the ingathering of the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit’s global harvest of all nations (Acts 2:5, 9–11, 41). The symbolism of the feast of Pentecost, however, is not the only place in Scripture where the events of this great Pentecost had been announced beforehand. As Peter rises to give an explanation for what had happened to the gathered crowd, he appeals to three passages of Scripture: Joel 2, Psalm 16, and Psalm 110. In so doing, he explains the extraordinary connection between the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Here, we see the principle upon which the rest of the Book of Acts (and, indeed, the rest of the New Testament) rests, that King Jesus reigns through his Holy Spirit.
Discussion Questions
1. When are the “last days” (v. 17a)? What is the significance of God’s promise to “pour out my Spirit” (v. 17b)? What changes by pouring out God’s Spirit “on all flesh” (v. 17c–18)? How does this prophesying signal a change in redemptive history? What are we to make of the great signs of the day of the Lord? How many of them do we see at the cross? How many are present here? How many will be present at the final day of the Lord?
2. How did Jesus’ signs and wonders attest to his favor by God (v. 22)? In what way did God’s plan and foreknowledge prepare for Jesus’ crucifixion (v. 23a)? If God was sovereign over Jesus’ crucifixion, to what degree were the human beings culpable (v. 23b)? How did God vindicate Jesus after his crucifixion (v. 24)? How was all of this prophesied in Psalm 16 (vv. 25–28)? How does this prophecy confirm the Messiahship of Jesus?
3. Why is it significant that these prophecies do not refer to David himself (v. 29)? How does the resurrection of Jesus connect with Jesus’ ascension to the throne of David (vv. 30–31)? Why is the witness of the apostles to the resurrection of Jesus so important for the proclamation of Christ’s kingship (v. 32)? How should we understand the relationship of Jesus’ ascension to the outpouring of the Spirit (v. 33)? What royal activity is Jesus engaged in now (vv. 34–35)?
4. Have you called upon the name of the Lord for your salvation? Or, do you remain his enemy? In what ways are you running from him or resisting the advances of his kingdom? Why is repentance the only option for salvation? Why does the King extend an offer of mercy and forgiveness through his own suffering and death? What is keeping you from embracing Christ’s sacrifice—either in its totality, or over some aspect of your life? Where do you need to repent today?
