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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:38

Verse 38 38.Peter said Hereby we see that those do never go away empty which ask at the mouth of the Lord, and do offer themselves unto him to be ruled and taught; for that promise must needs be true, Knock, and it shall be opened unto you, (Matthew 7:7.) Therefore, whosoever shall be rightly prepared to learn, the Lord will not suffer his godly desire to be in vain; for he is a most faithful master, so that he hath scholars which are apt to be taught and studious. Wherefore, there is no cause... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:39

Verse 39 39.For the promise appertaineth unto you. It was requisite that this should be expressly added, that the Jews might certainly think and persuade themselves that the grace of Christ did belong as well to them as to the apostles. And Peter proveth it thus, because the promise of God was made unto them. For we must always look unto this, because [that] we cannot otherwise know the will of God save only by his word. But it is not sufficient to have the general word, unless we know that the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:40

Verse 40 40.And with many Although in these things which we have had hitherto, Luke did not recite the words of St Peter, but did only briefly touch the chief points; notwithstanding he telleth us again in this place, that Peter did not use doctrine only, but did add the pricks of exhortations. And he expresseth plainly that tie stood much (131) hereupon. Whereas he saith, that he did exhort and beseech, he noteth therein his earnestness. For it was not so easy a matter for them by and by (132)... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:41

Verse 41 41.They, therefore, which willingly. Luke showeth more plainly how fruitful this one sermon which Peter made was: to wit, that it gained unto Christ about three thousand men. And therewithal he declareth the nature and force of faith when he saith, that with a prompt and ready (136) mind they embraced his word. Therefore, faith must begin with this readiness and willing desire to obey. And because many do show themselves at the first very willing, who afterward have in themselves no... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:1-41

The day of Pentecost, and its immediate gifts. " And when the day of Pentecost … And the same day there were added about three thousand souls." The day of Pentecost is emphatically the complement of the great days of the New Testament. The visible glories of this day are the fitting sequel, the almost natural sequel, of the more veiled glories of certain days that had preceded it. The heavenly luster and music of the day of incarnation, unique as they were, reached the eye and ear of but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:37-39

The gospel demands from men. The moral influence exerted by St. Peter's speech, in the power of the present Spirit, should be noticed. Many of his audience were "pricked in their heart;" that is, were "stung with remorse at the enormity of the wickedness which had been committed in the crucifixion [of Messiah], and at the blindness with which the whole nation had closed their eyes to the teaching of the prophecies which had spoken of the Messiah." They asked, "What shall we do? to escape... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:37-40

The gospel according to Peter. That which followed immediately on the preaching of Peter's sermon brought out the truths of the gospel quite as fully and forcibly as the discourse itself. We learn from these verses— I. THE RANGE OF DIVINE LOVE . ( Acts 2:39 .) Peter declared, at this the outset of the new dispensation, that the range of God's redeeming love would be "exceeding broad." 1. It was to go from generation to generation: "to you and to your children." 2. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:37-42

The day of spiritual wonders. I. WROUGHT IN THE HEART . Repentance. Anxious inquiry. Submission to Divine teaching. Separation from the old life. Depth of the work revealed in progressive steadfastness. II. The fruit of HUMAN AGENCY accompanied by Divine power. Preaching, the testimony of believers, the sight of wonders, the open gate of the Church. III. SEALED with the appointed sign of the Spirit. Baptism, both selective and consecrative in meaning. It was to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:37-47

Holy baptism. As the sermon preached by St. Peter on the day of Pentecost was the first sermon preached in the Church of God, so the baptism of which we have here an account was the first ministration of that sacrament. Our Lord's last command to his apostles was, "Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost", and now for the first time that command was carried out. A few points of special interest and importance are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:37-47

Effects of the Divine power upon the heart. I. COMPUNCTION . Fear is awakened by every drawing near of God to man. And with fear is closely connected the sense of sin. Stated from the other side, the truth is: behind the power of God lies his holiness, which is as a consuming fire. The deepest seat of fear is not in our physical but in our moral instincts. Thus the fear awakened by the revelation of the All-holy is itself a witness to the fact that conscience is the central unity of... read more

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