Chapter Two — Part Two: The Book of Acts
By: Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 01/17/2021
The Acts of the Apostles/The Acts of the Holy Ghost Chapter Two — Part Two
Foundation Scriptures:
Acts 2:12-21
1. New Wine.
a. Acts 2:12-13 KJV — And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
b. New wine: (Greek: gleukos) only used one time here in scripture but mentioned frequently in medical books of the time.
c. A special kind of wine—the sweetest and strongest—which was distilled from the grape before it was pressed.
d. In this way, it was preserved for year-round use.
e. To the casual observer, the disciples appeared drunk, judging by the way they were acting and speaking and so full of joy.
f. Acts 2:14-15 KJV — But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
g. The third hour of the day was around 9:00 in the morning, which was the hour of prayer in the temple.
h. It was not usual for anyone of them to be drinking that early in the morning.
i. Because it was commonly understood that drinking was inappropriate and unacceptable before or during this time.
2. This is That.
a. Acts 2:16-18 KJV — But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of 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: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.
b. Joel 2:28-29
c. To the Jews, the term “last days” was understood to be in “the days of the Messiah.”
d. On the day of Pentecost, Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled but not completed—meaning that it is still available to us today.
e. His prophecy refers to Holy Spirit baptism or receiving the fullness of the Spirit.
f. And that visions, dreams, prophecies, and other experiences will accompany the Spirit baptism.
g. Joel’s prophecy concerns men and women; Jews and Gentiles.
h. He tells us that women as well as men will be baptized in the Spirit and preach.
i. That the Spirit would be poured out on both sons and daughters, and servants and handmaidens—slaves or servants.
j. According to Joel’s prophecy, people will continue to be saved and receive the Spirit baptism up to the second coming itself.
k. The Holy Spirit baptism is still available to us today.
l. In fact, it was Jesus’ command to the disciples that they be filled with the Holy Spirit and that they share the same with others.
m. The Holy Spirit baptism was never restricted to a certain category of people or to a certain epoch.
n. It is for everybody, at any time, provided they come to Him to receive.
3. Signs and Wonders.
a. Acts 2:19 KJV — And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke…
b. Blood (Rev. 8:7-8; 11:6; 16:3-6; Ezek. 38:22).
c. Fire (Rev. 8:5-8; 9:17-18; 11:5; 16:8; 18:8).
d. Vapor of smoke (Rev. 9:2-3,17-18; 18:9,18; 19:3).
e. Acts 2:20 KJV — The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.
f. Sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood (Rev. 6:12; 8:12; 9:2; 16:10; Mt. 24:29).
g. That great and notable day of the Lord—the second coming of the Lord.
h. Matthew 24:29-30 KJV — Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
i. Matthew 25:31-46
j. Revelation 19:11 KJV — And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
4. Call on the Name.
a. Acts 2:21 KJV — And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
b. The door of His mercy will never be closed—to Jews or Gentiles.
c. Anyone, at any time (before they die), can come to God, repent, and receive His mercy and forgiveness.
d. Hebrews 9:27 KJV — And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.