Understanding Acts 2:1 - A Comprehensive Bible Verse Commentary

Acts 2:1 reads: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." This verse marks a significant moment in Christian history—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Church. This commentary seeks to provide deep insights into the meaning alongside interpretations from notable public domain scholars, including Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

Contextual Background

The day of Pentecost was a Jewish festival celebrated fifty days after Passover. It marked the end of the grain harvest and was an occasion for people to gather in Jerusalem, which sets the stage for the remarkable events described in Acts 2. Understanding this context is crucial in comprehending the significance of the Holy Spirit's arrival.

Verse Explanation and Interpretations

In this section, we explore the explanations and analysis provided by the commentators:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that the unity of the believers is essential leading up to this event. He notes that they were "all with one accord," highlighting the importance of harmony among believers as a prerequisite for divine intervention.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes draws attention to the timing of Pentecost, explaining it as a time when many devout Jews would be present in Jerusalem. This creates an opportunity for the apostles to spread the Gospel to a wide audience when the Spirit descends upon them.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke provides insights into the Hebrew roots of Pentecost and its significance as a harvest festival. He asserts that the coming of the Holy Spirit symbolizes the ingathering of souls, akin to the harvest of grain, indicating a divine reaping of spiritual fruit.

Theological Significance

The arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is transformative for the apostles and for the future of the Church. It signifies:

• Empowerment: Believers receive the power to witness and spread the Gospel, fulfilling Jesus' command in Acts 1:8.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event fulfills the promise made by Jesus in John 14:17, where He mentions sending a comforter.
• A New Covenant Reality: The Holy Spirit's coming marks the initiation of a new phase in the relationship between God and humanity, as detailed in Jeremiah 31:33.

Application to Daily Life

Understanding Acts 2:1 encourages believers today to:

• Foster Unity: Just as the apostles were in one accord, modern Christians can uplift each other in faith and mission.
• Seek the Holy Spirit: Recognizing the dependency on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in daily lives is paramount.
• Embrace the Mission: Like the apostles, individuals are called to go forth and share the Gospel, embodying the love and teachings of Christ.

Conclusion

Acts 2:1 invites us into a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. Through the insights from respected commentaries, we can appreciate the richness of this verse and its implications for both the early Church and contemporary faith practice.

Related Scripture References

• John 14:17 - Promise of the Holy Spirit
• Acts 1:8 - The call to witness
• Jeremiah 31:33 - The new covenant
• Luke 24:49 - The promise of power from on high
• Joel 2:28 - Prophecy of the outpouring of the Spirit