More Spectacular

Acts 2:41-47

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

D. A. Carson, For the Love of God (Vol. 1)

Acts 2 is sometimes called the birthday of the church. This can be misleading. There is a sense in which the old covenant community can rightly be designated church (7:38—“assembly” in NIV). Nevertheless there is a new departure that begins on this day, a departure bound up with the universal gift of the Holy Spirit, in fulfillment of Scripture (2:17-18) and in consequence of Jesus’ exaltation “to the right hand of God” (2:33). The critical event that has brought this incalculable blessing about is the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus Christ; this event was itself foreseen by earlier Scripture (July 15).

Aaron Orendorff,

One of the surprising (and often overlooked) results of Pentecost is the Spirit’s immediate and very practical effect on the physical and financial sphere of the church’s life. Much has been said of the Spirit’s “miraculous” works—especially as it relates to tongues and the “many wonders and signs” done by the apostles (v. 43). Yet what is more spectacular: that “each one was hearing them speak in his own language” or that “all who believed were together and had all things in common”? Certainly the first is flashier, more attractive and, in a sense, easier to manage; yet the latter, as vv. 46 and 47 reveal, is what led first to authentic worship and second to evangelistic outreach.