Ascended not for is not ascended, A.V. For David , etc. The ascension of Christ is inferred from the previous prophecy, "Thou wilt show me the path of life," etc.; and is there distinctly proved from Psalms 110:1 , which Peter (remembering, probably, our Lord's application of it as recorded in Matthew 22:42-45 , which he had doubtless heard) shows could not apply to David himself, but only to David's Lord. read more
For David is not ascended into the heavens - That is, David has not risen from the dead and ascended to heaven. This further shows that Psalms 16:1-11 could not refer to David, but must refer to the Messiah. Great as they esteemed David, and much as they were accustomed to apply these expressions of the Scripture to him, yet they could not be applicable to him. They must refer to some other being; and especially that passage which Peter now proceeds to quote. It was of great importance to show... read more
Acts 2:32-36. This Jesus Whom we assert to be the true Messiah; hath God raised up According to the tenor of his promise; whereof Of which resurrection; we all are witnesses On our personal and certain knowledge; having seen him with our eyes, and examined into the truth of the matter with all possible care. Therefore, being by the right hand of God That is, by God’s almighty power, exalted from the grave to heaven; or, as some read the clause, Being exalted to the right hand of... read more
Peter’s preaching (2:14-42)Seeing the people’s interest, Peter addressed them, this time speaking in his normal language. His address shows some features of the early apostolic preaching. First he quoted from the Old Testament, to show that the Pentecost events fulfilled what the prophets foretold. To Peter the important point of the prophecy was that God poured out his Spirit on everyone - not everyone whether believers or not, but everyone within the community of God’s people, whether male or... read more
is not ascended = went not up. Therefore still sleeping. Compare Acts 13:36 . the heavens. See note on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 . read more
For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.This quotation from Psalms 110:1 indicated: (1) that the Son of David would also be the Lord of David (Matthew 22:43ff), and (2) that the Son of David would sit on the right hand of God, an idiomatic promise of the ascension into heaven. Peter did not have to prove that David himself had not ascended to heaven, for his grave... read more
Acts 2:34. For David is not ascended— It was a truth well known and established among the Jews, that many of the Psalms and other prophetic writings were spoken in the person of the Messiah; and accordingly St. Peter authorises our applying to Christ what had been spoken by David, by shewing, that as it was not compatible with David's character or circumstances, it must relate to the Messiah. read more
5. The birth of the church 2:1-41The Holy Spirit’s descent on the day of Pentecost inaugurated a new dispensation in God’s administration of the human race. [Note: For more information about the dispensations, see Charles C. Ryrie, Dispensationalism Today, or idem, Dispensationalism.] Luke featured the record of the events of this day to explain the changes in God’s dealings with humankind that followed in the early church and to the present day. This was the birthday of the church. Many... read more
A. The founding of the church 1:1-2:47In his account of the founding of the Christian church Luke gave background information that ties Jesus’ giving of the Great Commission to the day of Pentecost. He showed how Jesus enabled His disciples to obey His command to evangelize the nations. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 2:29-36
The first argument for the Resurrection. The apostles distinctly witnessed to the facts of the Resurrection, as having come within their own personal knowledge. But they also argued from Scripture, that the Lord's resurrection was the natural and necessary completion of Messiah's earthly mission. In the above passage is given the first specimen of such argumentation; and it should be carefully noted that it is fitted to Eastern rather than to Western modes of thought. The late Dr. Robert... read more