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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 2:18

And on my servants, and on my handmaidens ,.... In Joel it is only the servants and the handmaids; and which Kimchi interprets of strangers that should stand in the land of Israel, and serve the Israelites. But these phrases do not seem so much to describe the civil state and condition of those persons, as their religious character, being such as were brought, by the power of divine grace, to yield a cheerful obedience to the will of God; though it may also regard the former, and show, that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 2:19

And I will show wonders in heaven above ,.... The word above is not in Joel, nor in the Syriac version here, as neither the word "beneath", in the next clause. This may refer either to the appearance of angels, and of an extraordinary star at the birth of Christ; or rather to comets and blazing stars, and particularly to that comet which, in the form of a flaming sword, hung over Jerusalem, and the forms of armies in the heavens engaged together, which were seen before, and portended the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:18

On my servants and on my handmaidens - This properly means persons of the lowest condition, such as male and female slaves. As the Jews asserted that the spirit of prophecy never rested upon a poor man, these words are quoted to show that, under the Gospel dispensation, neither bond nor free, male nor female, is excluded from sharing in the gifts and graces of the Divine Spirit. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:19

I will show wonders - It is likely that both the prophet and the apostle refer to the calamities that fell upon the Jews at the destruction of Jerusalem, and the fearful signs and portents that preceded those calamities. See the notes on Matthew 24:5-7 ; (note), where these are distinctly related. Blood, fire, and vapour of smoke - Skirmishes and assassinations over the land, and wasting the country with fire and sword. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:18

Verse 18 18.Upon my servants. In these words the promise is restrained unto the worshippers of God. For God doth not profane his Spirit; which he should do, if he should make the stone common to the unbelieving and despisers. It is certain that we are made the servants of God by the Spirit; and that, therefore, we are not, until such time as we have received the same; but, first, whom God hath adopted to be of his family, and whom he hath framed by his Spirit to obey him, those doth he furnish... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:19

Verse 19 19.And I will show wonders We must first see what is meant by this great day of the Lord. Some do expound it of the former coming of Christ in the flesh; and others refer it unto the last day of the resurrection, I do allow neither opinion. For, in my judgment, the prophet comprehendeth the whole kingdom of Christ. And so he calleth it the great day, after that the Son of God began to be revealed in the flesh, that he may lead us into the fulfilling of his kingdom. Therefore, he... 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

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