Of this curious title used of Jesus in verse 36 (“Lord and Messiah”), Bruce writes,

To a Jew, there was only one name “above every name”-the Ineffable Name of the God of Israel, represented in synagogue reading and in the LXX text by the title “Lord” . . . that the apostles meant to give Jesus the title “Lord” in this highest sense of all is indicated by the way in which they do not hesitate on occasion to apply to him passages of OT scripture referring to Jehovah.”

· . . . and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (v. 38b). The Gift of the Holy Spirit is an appellation for the Spirit (Him/Her/Itself). When the Spirit is the Gift, the pneuma is conveyed by the Father through the Son. But when we later hear of “gifts” of the Spirit, we’re more inclined to understand such language as a variety of spiritual expressions that the Spirit imparts to individual Christians for the express purpose of empowered service to God and neighbor (cf. 1 Corinthians 12 /14, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8, etc.).

· Three thousand converts are not just brought into a new way of relating to God through Jesus, but they are further formed into a distinct apostolic/didactic community shaped through such dynamics as meals in homes, prayers, and shared life.

 

We’re seeing the beginning of a new adventure-a movement of good news to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This would have been no less radical as the ancient Israelites crossing the Red Sea into a new adventure or Ruth the Moabite leaving her homeland to follow Naomi into Palestine or Abraham leaving home without his extended family to go on an adventure with God.

· Where has the adventure with God taken you in your own good news travel? How does our/your journey with God parallel the primitive church / Christians’ adventure? Try to name two similarities and two contrasts.

· Think about the formula that Peter (and presumably, the early Christian community) used to bring fellow Israelites to faith: metanoia (turn around, turn away, walk a new path), baptism, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. How have these three symbols and ideas served as markers along your own journey?

 

Use the entire chapter of Acts 2 as a way to bring a sense of understanding to your own community’s worship order-sacred presence (Pentecost), proclamation (Peter’s sermon), and response to the Word (the invitation to accept the message proclaimed and to move attenders into disci0pleship (Acts 2:42).

· You may want to use this lesson as a way to explore how your community of faith goes about proclaiming the gospel and bringing person to new life in Christ and discipleship.