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When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
could have been disciples or the 120
weight probability points to the 120 because of the Joel prophecy in Peter’s speech
ambiguity used by Luke due to nuancing in order to help keep the apostles at the center.
witness is used by Luke exclusively of the apostles...but the apostles are not the ones who take the message to the end of the earth. Paul, in Acts, is the one who takes the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Rome) and Paul is not considered an apostle by Luke. An apostle was one that was with Jesus since the days of John the Baptist as a witness who followed all of the events.
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
even before the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit brings about the unity of the community
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
A link to the OT idea that the Law is God’s gift. Coming of the Spirit is God’s gift.
And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
auditory
And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
Representative of God’s presence
This sound came from heaven.
This ties in with the ascension of chapter 1. “men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven....this Jesus will come from heaven the same way as you saw him go.” This implies that the exalted Jesus is the one who sends the Spirit from heaven.
Reference to 2nd creation to count Genesis 2:7 “breath of life” and man became a living being
human being has the very spirit of God within it
the fall marred the image of God, but it did not nullify the fact that human beings are different than the rest of God due to having the Spirit of God within them
having the fullness of God within makes one fully human
Luke 3:21-22-Jesus’ baptism
Between baptism and temptation there is the geneology
Luke does not go back to Abraham but to Adam
Adam is the Son of God (Luke 3:38)
Luke’s genealogy links Jesus to humanity, unlike Matthew who was connecting to Israel
Divine sonship is what God had in mind for humanity....Adam was created for sonship with God. But Adam, although human being, was not fully human
And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
origin
Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
visual
sign that points to power of transformation. theology of preaching-spirit anointed and endowed preaching. there is enormous power that leads to transformation.
Luke 3:16
Baptism of Holy Spirit is with fire, but not judgemental
Case of John the Baptist involves judgement. purification of the body. sinners will be destroyed by fire.
Here, fire linked with the Spirit, involves being baptized with fire and purification of individual persons.
Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
destination
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
2 ways of understanding fullness of the Spirit
subsequent to conversion-subsequent cleansing (Acts 15:8) and empowerment; post conversion experience (Acts 8:5-16). quite a while later are they filled with the Spirit
Acts 19:1-6
Luke 9:1-2 apostles are always seen as believers
“Rejoice that your names ARE written in the book of heaven.” Luke 10:20
Matthew 12:46-50
John 15:3
John 17:6, John 17:12
John 20:20-22
implications: at Pentecost, the disciples were fully converted and had already received a portion of the Spirit. The subsequent baptism was for empowerment
on the basis of John 20:22 the disciples would have already been receivers of the Holy Spirit
conversionist language-being filled with the Spirit is associated with conversion
Acts 1:5
Acts 2:4
The terms being baptized and filled with the HS are synonymous with conversion/baptism language
Acts 2:33, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:14-18,
Acts 9:17-Saul’s conversion
Acts 22:16-Baptism and washing away of sins
Acts 10:44-47 Cornelius’ conversion
Acts 11:17-When they had believed
Acts 19:1-7
No matter whether they are subsequent or conversion
terms are used interchangeably with regard to aorist participle Acts 19:2
When you believed...or
after having believed
AT Robertson grammar pg 1113
coincident participle placed after the principle verb to denote simultaneous action
Link baptism of the Spirit with water baptism
In Luke’s baptism acct for Jesus-Spirit came down during baptism
In Acts, Cornelius-received the HS before water baptism
People can experience conversion in a manner of ways
Peter is caught off guard
Acts 8:4-25
Luke wants to emphasize that when the Gospel moves into new areas/phases/people (development), Luke wants to emphasize what is happening with the apostles in Jerusalem must put their seal of approval on what is happening at the edges before it is endorsed by the broader Christian movement
Elongation of the conversion process-belief, does not come to the coming of the Spirit Acts 8:14-17.
When the Gospel comes to Gentiles (Cornelius), you have a new phase coming on the scene. Peter was directed by the Lord to go to Cornelius. Peter has to give an acct to the brothers back in Judea (Acts 11). Sent Barnabas to Antioch to be involved in the new phase of the work.
Elongation of the conversion process of Saul of Tarsus
3 days in the womb of the new birth (Wesley)
Disciples themselves were considered believers, but only later received the HS (Acts 2:4)
If Luke understands the filling of the Spirit as a part of conversion
this emphasizes the significance of conversion and the responsibilities and resources of the converted person.
Dynamic complex characteristic of conversion-people can be along the way in their conversion process, but at some point needs to be consummated. Certain people are converted, but not fully converted
less rigid understanding of conversion
more individualized-people may experience conversion in many ways
That being said, there are certain things that need to be there, but the way.
Conversion becomes a truly foundational sanctifying experience
The operation of the HS (including cleansing)
conversion contains within itself the promise of “entire sanctification”
Entire sanctification-there is continuity between conversion and entire sanctification
Wesley did not want to emphasize a wedge between justification and sanctification
Wesley’s sermon on patience
The experience of the fullness of Spirit in conversion means that people experience God’s full intention for humanity
it is through the fullness of the Spirit of God in their life that one experiences what God intends for His human creation
What it means to be fully human.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Operation of the HS does not happen for the disciples until after the exaltation of Jesus. The Spirit is restricted to the Person of Jesus until after the ascension.
In Luke-How much more with the heavenly Father give the HS to those who ask
In John 7:39-not during Jesus’ earthly ministry
John 16:7-8
John 20:17
John 20:22-an expression of John’s theological tendency to emphasize the unity of Jesus’ life: death, resurrection, ascension, giving of the Spirit.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Holy Spirit is the invisible power that is nevertheless proved to be real by the results produced. In Acts, the HS is the might of the Almighty. Relationally (within the innermost dimensions of one’s being-moral) and missional
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Ecstatic Speech-as Paul 1 Corinthians 13 or Acts 2:13 or Acts 2:15
Known languages Acts 2:13
γλῶσσα
Acts 2:6 and Acts 2:8 connected synonymously to tongues using διαλέκτῳ
Used of Hebrew in Acts 21:40 and Acts 22:2
Acts 2:6 rules out a miracle of healing-in their native language
Luke does not expand on what “speaking in tongues” means outside of this instance, therefore, the other references of speaking in tongues should be seen in light of this
Speaking in tongues was not out of pragmatic necessity, because later on Peter addresses the whole assembly in Greek
The tongues were a sign
Significance
1 Corinthians 12-14 -there is a matter of ecstatic speech, but the “tongues of angels/heaven”
There is a real difference between the tongues of Acts and the 1 Corinthians 12-14=language for edification
(of the individual worshiper)-beyond the capability of human speech
to the body at large-if there is an interpreter
inferior to prophecy because edification of others has a higher value than the edification of the self
1 Corinthians 14-sign to unbelievers to those on the outside regarding the transcendent experience of God among believers
Tongues is a sign of evangelism in Acts
Sign to the congregation (on the inside) regarding universal mission
God’s effective calling is outward
To the multitude (the Jews at Pentecost)-The congregation of God
Profound connection between tongues in Acts and Corinthians
given by God
So the purpose/point of this sign that Christ gives of tongues in Acts 2
with the coming of the Spirit, no boundary will be able to stand in the way of the Gospel
if the language barrier is overcome, all lesser barriers will be overcome as well
Revelation-language was often used to understand the culture itself
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
Came out of obligation. 3 festivals that men were to gather for worship in Jerusalem: festival of weeks, booths and Passover
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
Setting
religious connotation of the crowd is Jewish
Acts 2:14, Acts 2:22, Acts 2:29
needs to be interpreted in light of a Jewish audience
Missionary preaching to Jews
Christ witnesses to the multitude via signs, but these signs require interpretation
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
Jesus ascends into heaven Acts 1:11
Every nation under heaven Acts 2:5
All nations are under the sovereign rule and grace of heaven
So that they too may receive the HS
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
usually points to permanent residence
not pointing to the people who usually pay homage to Jerusalem during the fest
Acts 2:9-10 κατοικοῦντες points to those who come just for the feast, but Luke obviously have in mind those who are coming for the feast but also those who have taken up residency in Jerusalem from other areas
Paul does not establish the church in Rome or Samaria, though Paul later finds a church there
And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
not a miracle of hearing
modifies the participle “speaking”-the speaking was in their language
the Speaking is being done in their own language
And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
reaction (Acts 2:6-7)
Reason (Acts 2:6b-11)
further reaction (Acts 2:12-13)
Points to the extraordinary occurrence of the event-transcends human understanding-This reminds the reader to not try to put the Gospel in a box since God is up to something new
eschatological fulfillment by the nature of the case goes beyond expectations
Fulfillment implies discontinuity
Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
doesn’t want our focus to just be on the broad, cosmic
Specific demands of evangelism that belongs to each people group
There are unique demands each people group brings when evangelizing
moves from east to west. Starts even further east than the Roman empire
If you omit Judeans, Cretans, and Arabs, you have 12 nations, but there are no textual variants so there are implications for including those 3 which equal 15 nations
in terms of the evangelism of the world, Luke does not have in mind linear development, but a back and forth
not to be limited to the 12 nations
All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Christ witnesses to the multitude via signs, but these signs require interpretation
divine initiation with human participation (Peter’s speech)
centers upon God’s actions played out on the historical plane
These divine acts must be joined with inspired interpretation on the vertical
need both of these for revelation to occur
Acts are not clear in what they mean in terms of themselves
“What does this mean” Acts 2:12
Cut to the heart Acts 2:37
All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Interrogation
But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
each speaking in language could be made out because various languages were spoken but would have seemed chaotic
But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
misconstrual
But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
incorrectly condemning response
imputation of evil to those under the Spirit of God
Luke 7:34
New wine-sweet, Cheap stuff, just used to get drunk Luke 5:37-39
in other words, they were filled with new wine, possibly implying no one wanted it
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.
Proclamation-Peter’s pentecost sermon (2:14-42)
Declarations of Peter (Acts 2:14-36)
Prep-Peter standing-assuming position of prophet, lifted voice
Speech Acts 2:14-36
Identification of event : fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy Acts 2:14b-21
Introductory call-Preparation-Hear (persons, men of Judea & All dwell in Jerusalem)...Appeal (Be known-you...Give ear)
Explanation of Phenomena-Substantiation (Acts 2:15-21)
negative-not drunkenness (Acts 2:15)
Positive (Acts 2:16-21)
General-Spoken of prophet Joel
Particular-Quotation of Joel 2:28-32 (also substantiation)
There are some redactions Luke makes (in the last days, these take place immediately preceding the Day of the Lord)
Period of warning and grace
Stands in contrast apocalypse immediately
time of urgency, witness and salvation before the end
Calls upon persons to repent
Breaking in in an eschatological way
Salvation and judgment reach into this time, but the kind of judgment and salvation that belongs to the end
God says Acts 2:17
church cannot depend on its own resources
points to the relationship between God and Jesus Acts 2:33 (he Jesus)
God and Jesus work in perfect consort
And they shall prophesy Acts 2:18
would be a nice chiasm, but Luke makes this change
Acts 2:18 on “my” menservants/slaves
indicates the emphasis that despite inclusiveness, it is not universal, even in Israel
limited to servants of God
Those who are servants of God are those who obey the command Acts 2:21
One becomes a servant of God by calling on the name of the Lord
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.
element of corporate personality/participation/guilt
You may have not participated in Jesus’ death, nevertheless, you are part of the generation, therefore you bare the weight of responsibility for Jesus’ death
Honor/shame culture-not individualistic-”if I had been there, I wouldn’t have done it.” In this culture, we can not completely take ourselves out of the community of which we are a part. The whole group is responsible for what its leaders do. The crowds allowed their rulers to do this act for them.
‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
major theme in the rest of the book of Acts
a period of direct Divine revelation
exalted Christ gives guidance directly, assurance directly
Divine approval on what they are doing
‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
All barriers are gone through
The implied author already here has salvation in mind for “all flesh”...not just Jews
Peter here, does not
Not until Acts 10 does Peter realize that “all flesh” crossed the Jewish cultural boundaries
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
patterns of the cosmos is the most sure thing
does not have in mind the literal
what is happening here on earth is reflected in the heavens (not literally)
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Salvation is understood as deliverance from God’s wrath
emphasizes their guilt
There is urgency, threat and fear
Reaches climax Acts 2:36
Acts 2:40
All persons are guilty in their part in crucifying Christ
It is true that not all were there when Jesus was crucified
Crowds were complicent
This implies the idea of corporate guilt due to what the leaders did
so were Gentiles “lawless men” (men without the law-Gentile)
Pontius Pilate references
represents the guilt of Gentiles
“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—
Implications (Acts 2:22-36)
introductory call to hear
persons-men of Israel (cf 2:14)
appeal-hear these words
story of Jesus (as it bears upon the pouring out-Spirit)
Death-put to death by you (2:22-23)
Person-Identity-
Jesus of nazareth
attestation by God---in your most
Mighty works v 19
signs
wonders
Murder
circumstance-delivered up-acc to plan and foreknowledge-God (Divine Purpose)
Deeds-you
actions-crucified/killed (rec)
means-lawless men (human crime)
vs contrast
resurrection/exaltation (2:24-36) by God
3 fold witness
witness-Scripture 24-31
affirmation 24
proof 25-31
witness-apostles
affirmation 32a
proof 32 b
witness-pouring out-Spirit (33-36)
proof (33-35)
affirmation (36)
Lord
Christ
“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—
Proclamation/Preaching must begin with Jesus, what He did and His ministry
This is why in order to be considered the apostles they must have witnessed the whole of Jesus’ ministry, life, death and resurrection.
Those who crucified Jesus did so out of knowledge and therefore incurred guilt
“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—
Those who crucified Jesus did so out of knowledge and therefore incurred guilt
they were not guilty simply of injustice (innocent man), they also should have known that Jesus was the Christ.
Jesus was attested to you by God
“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—
truly eschatological and divine
God’s power of breaking the powers of cosmic evil- Luke 11:20
Acts 10:36-38
therefore, they were responsible for what they knew and what they should have known
“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—
Jesus was attested to you by God
Here, the emphasis is on their guilt...because of what they did know.
They are under the threat of divine judgement and need salvation
this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.
those who do not have the law
this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.
wants to avoid that God was not involved in Jesus’ death
God was not surprised, nor were God’s ultimate purposes thwarted
Evil humans may have thought they had stopped God’s plans, but God was able to use humanity’s evilness to still bring about salvation through Jesus’ death.
Crime of crucifixion both made them guilty and provided by God’s power the opportunity for them to be forgiven of their guilt. Forgiveness is found in resurrection and exaltation. Forgiveness only has saving power in Luke-Acts through path to ascension
Atonement: path to ascension-Basis: experience of the suffering servant
Shameful deadly rejection by sinful powers of this world-humiliation and suffering
Exaltation by God (glorification)
God achieves the destruction of the power of sin for those who appeal to the exalted one-and thus participate in His victory
In salvation we both participate in death from the powers of this world-share rejection and sometimes literally, Christ’s death
And then we can also appeal to Him
this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.
contrast between humanity and God
true nature of human sinfulness and human guilt
victory over death is what Luke wants to emphasize
But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.
victory over death is what Luke wants to emphasize-righteous sufferer
Jesus’; death were the birth pangs of resurrected Christ
God used death as the womb out of which to bring forth life
death is made to serve the purposes of life
This kind of death is necessary path to Jesus’ resurrection
But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.
logical necessity- it must happen. Because of the witness of Scripture Acts 2:25-29
For David says concerning him,
‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover my flesh will live in hope.
earthly life
in Luke, Jesus is not forsaken by God. You do not have the cry, My God My God, why hast thou forsaken me-Psalm 22
in Luke Jesus’ account of his death is according to Psalm 16 -death is a channel to resurrection and exaltation to the very presence of God
Since Luke was using the Septuagint not the Masoretic Text-there are differences in the usage of the Psalm as utilized by Luke
-it’s not that he had set the Lord before him out of obedience
The writer is dependent upon the Septuagint
Takes into account the historical speaker and situation of the Psalmist David
There are certain theological assumptions that Luke uses
Jesus is the Son of David
Jesus is the subject of all previous revelation
fulfillment of the whole witness of the OT
the question is “How?”
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.
significant of apostolic witness in Scripture
Christian proclamation centers on apostolic witness
Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.
coming only at the exaltation
God anointed Him with the HS at baptism
He has received this not only for Himself, but to be able to poured out after the exaltation
Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.
on the one hand, He reigns now, which means he has control over opposition. it’s not that opposition ceases. But opposition does not have the last word. Opposition is turned into the means of Christ’s and our exaltation
until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’
until-present sufferings. until the consummation of God’s kingdom
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
There is nothing worse than being accused of being in direct opposition to God by killing the Messiah God has sent.
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
whom you-the whole house of Israel
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Jesus was Lord and Christ before the exaltation (Luke 2:12)
not adoptionism-it wasn’t that he once lacked something and then gained it
but when Jesus was exalted, Jesus became Lord and Christ in a fuller way
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
to be pierced or stabbed. not cut to the heart
Hebrews 4:12
Peter’s speech cut to their heart. They see themselves for who they are. Cry out in desperation
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
repent. major term in Acts
-reorientation-Jesus has been made Lord and Messiah-reorient your entire life to that view
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
not a Trinitarian baptism in Acts. Only in the name of Jesus. Comes as they appeal to Jesus in His name as Lord. becoming Jesus’ property
Baptism is not only an outside sign of an inward, but also a Sacrament. This is God’s grace that does not come typically. There’s not a rigid understanding of baptism within the conversion experience (Cornelius-received the Spirit, and then was later baptized)
The rite itself does not assure one of salvation. Must be linked with faith (Simon the Magician. baptized, but still not saved).
clearly adult baptism here.
Acts presents coming to faith in an evangelistic environment
Does not think about an established church where people would be raised in it.
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
although there is a sense of corporateness, there is a sense that they must make an individual decision about what group they will be a part of
For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”
depending on the Lord for salvation Acts 4:12
neuter-salvation in no one or no thing
Justification through faith
Implies acceptance of the grace of the Lord
Acceptance of the Lordship of Christ
submitting to Him and His will
To serve Jesus (slave that serves the master)
To contribute solely to what is His advantage
View Christ as the same way God does-exalted Ruler (God has exalted)
Salvation is mediated in the submitting and the continual submitting
Justification means placing confidence in Christ, but further than just Savior, but also Lord
There is a unity of faith and works
Life in obedience does not stand in tension with faith
Life of obedience is faith in expression
Luke 2:11
may be understood as taking place within baptism (Acts 2:38)
Acts 22:16
significance of baptism in the Book of Acts.
The Act of Baptism is the preeminent
Acts describes Christians as “those who call on this name” Stephen’s martyrdom
All things that used to separate are transcended by the unity for those who “call on Jesus’ name”
There is a corollary/division between those who call on Jesus’ name and those who do not
cannot have true Christianity in this world without a new division
This division seeks to embrace the outsider
Christian faith accepts relational rupture
“I did not come to bring peace but a sword”
And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
passive-should be “be saved”
divine passive-allow God to save you
submit to his salvation agenda
both sin and guilt are communal-therefore salvation must be societal and communal
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
making a distinction between preaching and teaching-preaching must be followed up with teaching
apostles teaching-handed down from the apostles to believers-edification of the community
adopting a different set of belief systems
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
not on the basis of human power but on God’s
common set of beliefs
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
resurrected Christ is made known (revealed) through the breaking of bread
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
ongoing Christian experience
sense of the numinous
These activities from the Almighty Transcendent God, instilling awe (Ananias and Sapphira)
Even acts of Salvation are fear-producing because they represent the transcendent God
they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.
role of possessions in Luke-Acts
understands money as the ultimate expression as to the power of this world that stands opposed to the power and kingdom of God
therefore, persons who repent from the powers of this world, their money once utilized by the powers of this world are submitted to the Lord for Kingdom purposes