Rome

「and Paul, as his custom was, went in unto them, and for three sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,」

How does the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost differ from the Spirit's work in the Old Testament?

Acts 2:17 cites Joel's promise that the Spirit would be poured out on all flesh — does this mark a new era of the Spirit?

「In that he saith, A new covenant he hath made the first old. But that which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away.」

What continuity exists between Pentecost and believers' experience today?

Is the Spirit's work in apostolic times continuous with today?

「And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.」

Why did three thousand repent and be baptized on Pentecost, giving birth to the church?

The crowd was cut to the heart at the gospel, and Peter urged them to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit—and the church was born.

「And this continued for the space of two years; so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.」

Why did the Holy Spirit descend on the fiftieth day, exactly ten days after Jesus' ascension?

Jesus told the disciples to wait, and on the day of Pentecost the Spirit came as tongues of fire and they began speaking in other languages.

「Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,」

What do the symbols of the Holy Spirit and fire signify in the Pentecost event?

A sound like a mighty wind and tongues like fire appeared as the Spirit filled the disciples, giving them utterance and power.

「And all the people saw him walking and praising God:」

What continuity exists between Pentecost and believers' experience today?

Is the Spirit's work in apostolic times continuous with today?

「by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:」

What inspiration can modern believers draw from the 'heroes of faith' in Hebrews 11?

The enduring impact of faith examples through history

「Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.」

Why did three thousand repent and be baptized on Pentecost, giving birth to the church?

The crowd was cut to the heart at the gospel, and Peter urged them to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit—and the church was born.

「For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.」

What inspiration can modern believers draw from the 'heroes of faith' in Hebrews 11?

The enduring impact of faith examples through history

「and saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive of thee testimony concerning me.」

Why does Peter quote the prophecy of Joel in his Pentecost sermon?

Peter cites Joel 2 in Acts 2 — how does this Old Testament prophecy frame the events of the day?

「And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;」

What practical implications does 'royal priesthood' in 1 Peter 2:9 have for believers?

How does the priesthood of all believers affect worship, service, and equality?

「and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.」

How does the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost differ from the Spirit's work in the Old Testament?

Acts 2:17 cites Joel's promise that the Spirit would be poured out on all flesh — does this mark a new era of the Spirit?

「And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.」

At Pentecost, why did the disciples speak in the languages of other nations rather than in their local Aramaic?

Acts 2 records the disciples being filled with the Spirit and speaking in other tongues — what theological significance lies beneath this phenomenon?

「forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing;」

What practical implications does 'royal priesthood' in 1 Peter 2:9 have for believers?

How does the priesthood of all believers affect worship, service, and equality?

「Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever.」

At Pentecost, why did the disciples speak in the languages of other nations rather than in their local Aramaic?

Acts 2 records the disciples being filled with the Spirit and speaking in other tongues — what theological significance lies beneath this phenomenon?

「But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle and told Paul.」

What do the symbols of the Holy Spirit and fire signify in the Pentecost event?

A sound like a mighty wind and tongues like fire appeared as the Spirit filled the disciples, giving them utterance and power.

「who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;」

Why does Peter quote the prophecy of Joel in his Pentecost sermon?

Peter cites Joel 2 in Acts 2 — how does this Old Testament prophecy frame the events of the day?

「And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;」

Why did some Jewish observers mock the disciples as being drunk with new wine at Pentecost?

Acts 2:13 records mocking voices — what assumptions about the Spirit's work did this response reveal?

「Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body didst thou prepare for me;」

What does the conversion of three thousand people on the day of Pentecost reveal?

Acts 2:41 mentions three thousand being added — what spiritual significance does this number carry?

「And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook out his raiment and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.」

Why did some Jewish observers mock the disciples as being drunk with new wine at Pentecost?

Acts 2:13 records mocking voices — what assumptions about the Spirit's work did this response reveal?

「And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.」

Why did Peter quote the prophet Joel in his Pentecost sermon?

Peter stood up to explain the signs of the last days, citing Joel to show the Spirit's outpouring in the end times.

「and having rehearsed all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.」

Why did Peter quote the prophet Joel in his Pentecost sermon?

Peter stood up to explain the signs of the last days, citing Joel to show the Spirit's outpouring in the end times.

「but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.」

What does the conversion of three thousand people on the day of Pentecost reveal?

Acts 2:41 mentions three thousand being added — what spiritual significance does this number carry?

「And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.」

Why did the Holy Spirit descend on the fiftieth day, exactly ten days after Jesus' ascension?

Jesus told the disciples to wait, and on the day of Pentecost the Spirit came as tongues of fire and they began speaking in other languages.