Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Acts Ch.2 / 28 Ch.s
AC:2
* The descent of the Holy Spirit at the day of Pentecost. (1-4)
The apostles speak in divers languages. (5-13) Peter's address
to the Jews. (14-36) Three thousand souls converted. (37-41) The
piety and affection of the disciples. (42-47)
#1-4 We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with
them there were strifes among the disciples which should be the
greatest; but now all these strifes were at an end. They had
prayed more together of late. Would we have the Spirit poured
out upon us from on high, let us be all of one accord. And
notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, as
there were among those disciples, let us agree to love one
another; for where brethren dwell together in unity, there the
Lord commands his blessing. A rushing mighty wind came with
great force. This was to signify the powerful influences and
working of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men, and thereby
upon the world. Thus the convictions of the Spirit make way for
his comforts; and the rough blasts of that blessed wind, prepare
the soul for its soft and gentle gales. There was an appearance
of something like flaming fire, lighting on every one of them,
according to John Baptist's saying concerning Christ; He shall
baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. The Spirit, like
fire, melts the heart, burns up the dross, and kindles pious and
devout affections in the soul; in which, as in the fire on the
altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. They were all
filled with the Holy Ghost, more than before. They were filled
with the graces of the Spirit, and more than ever under his
sanctifying influences; more weaned from this world, and better
acquainted with the other. They were more filled with the
comforts of the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of
Christ and the hope of heaven: in it all their griefs and fears
were swallowed up. They were filled with the gifts of the Holy
Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the furtherance of the
gospel. They spake, not from previous though or meditation, but
as the Spirit gave them utterance.
#5-13 The difference in languages which arose at Babel, has much
hindered the spread of knowledge and religion. The instruments
whom the Lord first employed in spreading the Christian
religion, could have made no progress without this gift, which
proved that their authority was from God.
#14-21 Peter's sermon shows that he was thoroughly recovered
from his fall, and thoroughly restored to the Divine favour; for
he who had denied Christ, now boldly confessed him. His account
of the miraculous pouring forth of the Spirit, was designed to
awaken the hearers to embrace the faith of Christ, and to join
themselves to his church. It was the fulfilling the Scripture,
and the fruit of Christ's resurrection and ascension, and proof
of both. Though Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake
with tongues as the Spirit gave him utterance, yet he did not
think to set aside the Scriptures. Christ's scholars never learn
above their Bible; and the Spirit is given, not to do away the
Scriptures, but to enable us to understand, approve, and obey
them. Assuredly none will escape the condemnation of the great
day, except those who call upon the name of the Lord, in and
through his Son Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of sinners, and the
Judge of all mankind.
#22-36 From this gift of the Holy Ghost, Peter preaches unto
them Jesus: and here is the history of Christ. Here is an
account of his death and sufferings, which they witnessed but a
few weeks before. His death is considered as God's act; and of
wonderful grace and wisdom. Thus Divine justice must be
satisfied, God and man brought together again, and Christ
himself glorified, according to an eternal counsel, which could
not be altered. And as the people's act; in them it was an act
of awful sin and folly. Christ's resurrection did away the
reproach of his death; Peter speaks largely upon this. Christ
was God's Holy One, sanctified and set apart to his service in
the work of redemption. His death and sufferings should be, not
to him only, but to all his, the entrance to a blessed life for
evermore. This event had taken place as foretold, and the
apostles were witnesses. Nor did the resurrection rest upon this
alone; Christ had poured upon his disciples the miraculous gifts
and Divine influences, of which they witnessed the effects.
Through the Saviour, the ways of life are made known; and we are
encouraged to expect God's presence, and his favour for
evermore. All this springs from assured belief that Jesus is the
Lord, and the anointed Saviour.
#37-41 From the first delivery of that Divine message, it
appeared that there was Divine power going with it; and
thousands were brought to the obedience of faith. But neither
Peter's words, nor the miracle they witnessed, could have
produced such effects, had not the Holy Spirit been given.
Sinners, when their eyes are opened, cannot but be pricked to
the heart for sin, cannot but feel an inward uneasiness. The
apostle exhorted them to repent of their sins, and openly to
avow their belief in Jesus as the Messiah, by being baptized in
his name. Thus professing their faith in Him, they would receive
remission of their sins, and partake of the gifts and graces of
the Holy Spirit. To separate from wicked people, is the only way
to save ourselves from them. Those who repent of their sins, and
give up themselves to Jesus Christ, must prove their sincerity
by breaking off from the wicked. We must save ourselves from
them; which denotes avoiding them with dread and holy fear. By
God's grace three thousand persons accepted the gospel
invitation. There can be no doubt that the gift of the Holy
Ghost, which they all received, and from which no true believer
has ever been shut out, was that Spirit of adoption, that
converting, guiding, sanctifying grace, which is bestowed upon
all the members of the family of our heavenly Father. Repentance
and remission of sins are still preached to the chief of
sinners, in the Redeemer's name; still the Holy Spirit seals the
blessing on the believer's heart; still the encouraging promises
are to us and our children; and still the blessings are offered
to all that are afar off.
#42-47 In these verses we have the history of the truly
primitive church, of the first days of it; its state of infancy
indeed, but, like that, the state of its greatest innocence.
They kept close to holy ordinances, and abounded in piety and
devotion; for Christianity, when admitted in the power of it,
will dispose the soul to communion with God in all those ways
wherein he has appointed us to meet him, and has promised to
meet us. The greatness of the event raised them above the world,
and the Holy Ghost filled them with such love, as made every one
to be to another as to himself, and so made all things common,
not by destroying property, but doing away selfishness, and
causing charity. And God who moved them to it, knew that they
were quickly to be driven from their possessions in Judea. The
Lord, from day to day, inclined the hearts of more to embrace
the gospel; not merely professors, but such as were actually
brought into a state of acceptance with God, being made
partakers of regenerating grace. Those whom God has designed for
eternal salvation, shall be effectually brought to Christ, till
the earth is filled with the knowledge of his glory.