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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 2:14-36

We have here the first-fruits of the Spirit in the sermon which Peter preached immediately, directed, not to those of other nations in a strange language (we are not told what answer he gave to those that were amazed, and said, What meaneth this?) but to the Jews in the vulgar language, even to those that mocked; for he begins with the notice of that (Acts 2:15), and addresses his discourse (Acts 2:14) to the men of Judea and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; but we have reason enough to think... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 2:14-41

(i) There was kerugma ( Greek #2782 ). Kerugma ( Greek #2782 ) literally means a herald's announcement and is the plain statement of the facts of the Christian message, about which, as the early preachers saw it, there can be no argument or doubt. (ii) There was didache ( Greek #1322 ). Didache ( Greek #1322 ) literally means teaching and elucidated the meaning of the facts which had been proclaimed. (iii) There was paraklesis ( Greek #3874 ) which literally means... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 2:17

And it shall come to pass in the last days ,.... In Joel it is, "afterwards"; instead of which Peter puts, "in the last days"; the sense is the same: and so R. David Kimchi, a celebrated commentator with the Jews, observes, that "afterwards" is the same "as in the last days", and which design the times of the Messiah; for according to a rule given by the same writer on Isaiah 2:2 wherever the last days are mentioned, the days of the Messiah are intended, Saith God , or "the Lord", as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:17

In the last days - The time of the Messiah; and so the phrase was understood among the Jews. I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh - Rabbi Tanchum says, "When Moses laid his hands upon Joshua, the holy blessed God said, In the time of the old text, each individual prophet prophesied; but, in the times of the Messiah, all the Israelites shall be prophets." And this they build on the prophecy quoted in this place by Peter. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy - The word... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:17

Verse 17 17.It shall be in the last days By this effect he proveth that the Messiah is already revealed. Joel, indeed, doth not express the last days, (Joel 2:29;) but for as much as he intreateth of the perfect restoring of the Church, it is not to be doubted but that that prophecy belongeth unto the last age alone. Wherefore, that which Peter bringeth doth no whit dissent from Joel’s meaning; but he doth only add this word for exposition sake, that the Jews might know that the Church could by... 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 2:14-21

Interpretation of the phenomena of the Spirit. I. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CONFOUNDED WITH THOSE OF SENSUOUS INTOXICATION . In this case the latter was not in the least likely, for it was still early morning. Indeed, Peter waves aside the explanation with an air of contempt. II. THEY ARE TO BE INTERPRETED BY THE LAWS OF SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE . 1. The teaching of the prophets— the most inspired and enlightened of the race—must be fallen... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:14-21

Prophecies of the times of the Spirit. Some reference may be made to the Prophet Joel, the time when he wrote, and the first reference of his prophecy. The principles on which we discover Messianic allusions in the Old Testament books may be detailed and illustrated. Especially the two following principles:— 1. Any reference which cannot fairly be fitted to or exhausted by any passage of history, or the history of any individual, may be referred to Messianic times, or to the Messiah... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:14-36

The homily. The first preached sermon was a great event in the history of the Church. When we recollect the enormous influence that preaching has had amongst mankind—the preaching of Peter and John, the preaching of St. Paul, the preaching of the Augustines, Chrysostoms, Basils of the Church; the preaching of the great monks, St. Bernard, St. Francis, Peter the Hermit, and the preaching friars; the preaching of the Reformers, Wycliffe, Luther, Tyndale, Latimer; the preaching of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:14-36

Truths from Peter's sermon. A more glorious opportunity than that now presented no man could desire. Peter was the last man in the world likely to let it go unused. He instantly and, no doubt, eagerly appropriated it. In an animated and forcible address he repelled the idea that the apostles were acting under lower excitements, and showed that a new era had dawned upon the race, of which they should hasten to avail themselves. We gather from his words— I. THAT THE SOURCE OF ... read more

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