When Peter preaches sermon to a crowd of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, there is a dramatic response. We are told that about three thousand became disciples of Jesus that very day. Perhaps the story of Cornelius (Acts 10) could be referenced as well. This week we explore the beginnings of life change that leads us into the pathway of discipleship to Jesus.
(Acts 2:1-47)
Sermon Outline
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37)
The Divine Interruption (Acts 2:1-13)
- The Holy Spirit in power
- The Holy Spirit in signs
The Divine Proclamation (Acts 2:14-41)
- Peter’s good news message focused on Jesus (2:14-36)
- 2:22-24 – summary of God’s work in Jesus Messiah
- 2:36 – essential one-line summary of Jesus’ significance
- The question of the gathered crowd (2:37)
- The instruction of Peter (2:38-40)
- The response of the gathered crowd (2:41)
Divine Connections and a New Way of Living (2:42-47)
- Divine connections and devotion (2:42-43)
- A new way of living (2:44-47)
Making It Real
- Discipleship centered on Jesus
- Discipleship marked by decisive life change
- Discipleship marked by divine connections
- Discipleship as a new way of living
Discussion Questions
- When have you really felt that God was at work through you in the lives of others? What happened?
- This week we continues our series “The Discipleship Journey” by looking at events in Acts 2:1-47. Whether you are on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
- As the disciples wait in prayer, startling sounds and sights occur as they are filled with the Holy Spirit. What would you say is the significance of these sights and sounds? Why are these connected with the filling of the Holy Spirit?
- Background: Pentecost is the Greek name for the Jewish religious festival known as the Feast of Weeks. The Feast of Weeks occurs 50 days after Passover and is described in Leviticus 23 in connection with bringing the first fruits of the harvest to God as a thanks- giving offering.
- Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles from around the Mediterranean gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Why might the disciples be gifted with language along with the gift of the Holy Spirit? How does this begin to fulfill Jesus’ commission in Acts 1:7-8?
- As the disciples leave the upper room, those gathered around them have a wide variety of responses to their words. What are those responses?
- What sort of responses do you think we should expect when we step forward as witnesses of Jesus?
- Peter addresses many things, but his sermon has two basic sections: 1) an explanation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:14-21) and 2) an exploration of the significance of Jesus of Nazareth (2:22-36). What stands out to you most from Peter’s sermon?
- After Peter’s sermon many listeners were “cut to the heart” (2:37). What did Peter instruct them to do in response (2:38-41)?
- What stands out to you about the life of this early community of believers as described in Acts 2:42-47?
- What is one specific thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Acts 2:36 or 2:22-24
- Journal or reflect on this question: What is one way you could take a step forward in your growth toward maturity in Christ in the next month?
- Draw, paint, or journal about the story of Acts 2:1-47. As you do that, prayerfully talk with God about your own discipleship journey. What is God speaking to you?
- Consider reading:
- The Didache – a first-century Christian primer on discipleship
- Gordon Fee, God’s Empowering Presence
- John R. W. Stott, Basic Christianity