As promised last week, its time to examine the hostel situation referenced in Acts 2.41-.47 (also in 4.32-5.11). Many believe this passage is an approving nod toward socialism, which is a dangerous error.
Pentecost is a pilgrimage holiday, so the streets were packed with Jews from the surrounding nations, each speaking their own language.
There is one part of chapter one that we haven’t discussed properly yet, and that is the fate of Judas. This is perhaps one of only two passages that unbelievers know better than believers.
When we last left our disciples at the end of verse three they were preparing to say their goodbye’s to Jesus. The next few verses take place moment before his ascension and both Jesus and his followers are trying to squeeze in as much in as possible.
The passage we turn to today, Acts 2.41-.47, appears to slow the action at last but in reality reveals the origin of the church.
Acts chapter two starts off like a Hollywood blockbuster with supernatural action kicking into high gear.
Following the ascension, the disciples do as Jesus commanded (verse 4) and entered the city of Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. There wait was not to be spent in idleness, however, there was much to do.
Acts picks up where the Gospel of Luke leaves off, with Jesus’ final moments among the disciples and his ascension to heaven and glory.
When the crowd grew too large for the apostles to address in small groups, Peter stood and likely guided them to a nearby plaza outside the southern entrance of the temple. Here he would declare for the first time to the nation of Israel the New Covenant.
Little is known about the man who took Judas’s place among the 12. From Acts chapter one we know that he was a follower and disciple of Jesus from the beginning, though not one of the 12 called by Christ.
While we’ve made some fun observations about the ascension passage, it should be noted that this is a crucial point of Christian theology almost as important as the resurrection itself.
Here at Think-Biblically.com we’ve provided a number of topical studies that have, hopefully, been teaching you how to think biblically and grow in your relationship with God. We’re about to make a dramatic turn and start a series not on any particular topic, but on the book of Acts.
