Senior Class Notes – January 29, 2023 – Toonigh Baptist Church

Senior Class Notes – January 29, 2023

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Winter 2022-2023 Unit 2 Session 2 – Does it Bring Conviction – Acts 2:32-41 p. 108-117.

January 29, 2023 – Please read “BAPTISM IN THE EARLY CHURCH” by Rex D. Butler PSG pp 118-121

The Point: The voice of God seeks to convict us of the truth.

Inspirational Verses: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16). “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:19-20) [The Great Commission]

Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Throughout this passage Peter has affirmed the reality and significance of Jesus’ resurrection. Now he states most clearly the basis of his claims: he and the rest of the apostles were all witnesses to the risen Jesus.15 Having proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus and having shown that Messiah had to be raised, peter then reinforced his argument by citing proofs of the resurrection of Jesus (vv. 32-36).43 Peter appeals to the Old Testament a second time, (the first was Acts 2:16-21 quoting Joel 2:28-32), this time quoting Psalm 16:8-11, a psalm of David. Although it was written a thousand years before Christ and primarily understood as a reference to the Old Testament king of Israel, one portion could not possibly have referred to David. In Peter’s speech, he points out that David’s tomb is there in their midst, so David’s body had certainly seen decay. Jesus is therefore the Holy One referred to in Psalm 16:10, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”, who had overcome death and the grave as prophesied by David long ago.16 Peter explains that David has experienced decay (he was still dead), but Jesus was resurrected in an incorruptible body – and alive! The decay of the flesh, which is common to all since the fall (Gen. 3), has been defeated by the work of Christ, as seen through His resurrection. Everyone who believes on Him will be transformed from perishable to imperishable when they are given glorified, eternal bodies (1 Cor. 15: 53-54).

Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Peter reminded them (the people he was speaking to) that they (the apostles – “we all are witnesses”) were eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. Second, he cited the exaltation of Jesus at the right hand of God (vv.33-35) this answered in the negative two questions:

  1. Can a mere man occupy that place of honor?
  2. Can a dead man be exalted?

Exalted – lifted up (Greek hypsoō) (Matt. 23:12; John 3:14; Acts 2:33; James 4:10): While the word hypsoō is used once in John in its most literal sense (“Moses lifted up the serpent,” John 3:14), elsewhere in John it refers to Jesus’ being lifted up on the cross as the moment of His exaltation (John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32). The figurative meaning, “to exalt,” is used both of Christ (Acts 2:33) and people (Luke 1:52). Although we often think of this term in a positive sense, this “exalting” may at times be misguided, as when one exalts himself (Matt 23:12) as opposed to when God exalts someone (Matt. 23:12; James 4:10).19 The third proof of the resurrection was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit – something no mere man, and certainly not a dead man, could do (vv. 33-35)43 The Holy Spirit lives in the heart of every person who believes and is therefore as close and available as a breath (Romans 8:9).31 There is much confusion today about the baptism in the Holy Spirit: Many Christians think it is experienced subsequent to their salvation. The biblical position teaches we are baptized by the Holy Spirit when we believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God. The Bible additionally teaches:31

  1. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a universal work of God. Every Christian who has ever been regenerated by the Spirit has been baptized in the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). If someone asks you if you have received the baptism, and you are a Christian, the answer is yes.31
  2. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a nonrepeating work of God. You can only receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit as many times as you are saved – once (Eph. 4:4-5).31
  3. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a unifying work of God. “For we were all baptized by one spirit so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Cor. 12:13). Before Pentecost, only Jews were the people of God. Since Pentecost, the people of God know no racial, ethnic, gender, or social boundaries (Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:11-22).31
  4. John the Baptist tells us “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7-8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33).11

Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, The third and final Old Testament passage cited by Peter is Psalm 110:1 “The LORD said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”15 This verse is referenced in the New Testament at least twenty-five times. The first “LORD” is the Hebrew word Yahweh, referring to the great God of Israel. The second “Lord” is the word Adonai, meaning an individual greater than the speaker. So David is saying that God invites another person, someone greater than David, to sit at His right hand. Peter again clarifies that this significant individual is none other than the Messiah.16

Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Peter cited David as the authority for his seeing Jesus as seated at God’s right hand. With all of His foes in full subjection. The basis of this victory and exaltation was Jesus’ resurrection.15 Jesus had used the text to help His audience realize He was the Messiah (Mark 12:35-37). To some, the passage might be puzzling. Although Jesus was a descendant of King David, Jesus was truly the Lord of David. David was a human king, and the risen Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16).22

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. KEY WORDS: All the house of Israel – This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob (Israel). It could mean specifically the old Northern Kingdom, but it probably refers to all Jews. Christ – This title (derived from the Greek) is based on the Hebrew word for “anointed,” frequently translated “Messiah.”40 God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.18 Peter addressed his words specifically to Jews. By calling Jesus Lord and Christ, Peter was staking the biggest possible claims. “Lord” is reserved in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint) for Jehovah (Yahweh). Thus, Peter says Jesus is God. Peter further noted that Jesus was the Messiah (anointed one), Israel’s hope for salvation.15 Peter’s conclusion about Jesus: He is Lord (God Himself) and Messiah (God’s anointed one).31

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter’s preaching was extremely effective, for it came “in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5). The result was they were “pricked in their heart.”17 The word translated “pricked” is a rare one and means to pierce, sting sharply, stun, smite. Outside the Scriptures it is used of horses dinting the earth with their hoofs. The hearts of the people had been smitten sharply by the preaching of the Word. This brought the question, “what shall we do?”43 When faced with the truth about and one’s guilt before God, there can be only two responses: contempt leading to rejection or conviction leading to repentance (Luke 24:47; 2 Thess. 2:10). A positive response to the gospel is evidence of one’s awareness of sin, need for mercy, and hope in Christ alone to save.31 The reality was that conviction by the Holy Spirit brought about a real search for an answer. Such a consciousness of sin is an indispensable prerequisite to conversion.17 Peter’s audience came under deep conviction because they realized their guilt in the execution of Jesus, plus they were convinced by Peter’s passionate eyewitness testimony and his description of how the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the promised Messiah. This prompted them to ask the question that anyone hearing the gospel should ask, what shall we do?15 But even though we are separated from the day of the crucifixion by 2,000 years, we are no less guilty of causing Jesus’s crucifixion. Once we recognize that fact, we too should be pricked in the heart.18

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. These sermons would end with a call to repentance. On the Day of Pentecost, the affirmation that those present were responsible for the crucifixion of Christ was especially convicting. No doubt, many who heard Peter’s sermon were among those who just weeks before, shouted with the crowds demanding Jesus’ crucifixion and the release of a murderer.18 Peter’s answer indicates three major components in conversion:15

  1. One must repent, which means turning from sin.15 Repent means “a change of mind that leads to a change of life.” Instead of denying, excusing, or justifying sins, we turn from them.15 Repent derives from two Greek words meaning “to change one’s mind or to turn away from.” More than just feeling bad, repentance requires a change of attitude – turning from trusting self to trusting Christ.31 Peter called the Jews to turn their backs on their former lives and change. Faith involves an action of belief by those who accept Jesus.17 Repentance is something every person must do (17:30).13
  2. One must be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus, this publicly declares our repentance and faith, plus it symbolically identities us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.15 Being baptized is an outward demonstration of the inward reality of Jesus Christ in a person’s life. It is not required for salvation but a requirement because of salvation. Indeed, the word translated for in the text is better rendered “because of”. And be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of the remission of sins.31 Being baptized is closely connected with repentance in the New Testament (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21).18
  3. The Holy Ghost is given as a gift and seal of conversion, empowering the believer for the life of faith.15 Peter indicated that when people turn to Jesus Christ and away from sin, God promises remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost.18

The NIV translates “ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” as “you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Every believer receives the Holy Spirit the moment he or she accepts Christ as Savior. The Lord sends His Spirit to indwell us because He knows how inadequate we are – we cannot possibly live the Christian life on our own. Therefore, the Holy Spirit makes us able to accomplish every good work he calls us to do. God never made us to be sufficient within ourselves. He made us to be adequate in him – which is why it is so important that we always trust in and obey the initial promptings of His Spirit.2

For several reasons “be baptized” should not be joined with for the remission of sins (2:38) to teach baptismal regeneration.13 Baptismal regeneration is the belief that baptism is necessary for salvation, or, more precisely, that regeneration does not occur until a person is water baptized.

  1. First, the context of this passage demonstrates that only the repentance is connected with the removal of sin at salvation: “Whosoever shall call . . . shall be saved” (v. 21). Peter’s next recorded sermon states only: “Repent . . . that your sins may be blotted out” (3:19).
  2. Second, throughout Acts men demonstrate their faith and salvation prior to baptism (cf. 10:43-47).
  3. Third, the soteriological (theology dealing with salvation especially as effected by Jesus Christ) passages throughout the New Testament do not include water baptism in the salvation experience – John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Romans 4:10; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
  4. Though water baptism does not save or wash away our sins, it is a command that needs to be obeyed speedily after conversion. Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19-20), as does Peter here. This is the consistent pattern throughout Acts (16:31-34; 18:8).

Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. One of the major themes of the book of Acts is that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ extends not just to the people of Israel but also beyond them to as many as . . . God shall call. The Gentiles were afar off in two senses: They were geographically far removed from Israel, but even more significantly they were far from knowledge of the one true God.15 Here is a foreshadowing of the spread of the gospel to the Gentile world “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 11:15-16). Peter would soon be called to reach beyond the boundaries of Judaism (10:1-48).31

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Untoward: difficult to guide, manage, or work with.22 This gift of the Holy Spirit saves us from being shaped by our environment, this untoward (rebellious) generation.18 Untoward means “Morally crooked” or “perverse”.13 Now Peter used many other words to help these people understand what was involved in making a commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Peter’s hope was that they would make a free, complete commitment to Jesus. He pleaded, save yourselves from this untoward generation. Peter was not manipulating his audience in any way, but he wanted them to realize how serious their spiritual situation was. Many Jews had already rejected Jesus, and eventually Christian missionaries began reaching out to non-Jews, the Gentiles, as their primary audience. Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost was an impromptu evangelistic sermon addressed to first-century Jews. If Peter were addressing non-believers today, he might highlight some different details. But Peter would not alter or dilute the basic message that sinners need to repent of their sins, trust Jesus as Lord and Savior, be baptized, and follow the guidance of God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit can still convict sinners today and guide them to an awareness of their need for a vital relationship with Jesus, the Son of God.22

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. In response to Peter’s preaching, Luke commented in an understated way that about 3,000 people became Christians. Note the close link between coming to faith and being baptized. There was apparently no delay between the two. The large number was made possible by the huge crowds who had traveled to Jerusalem from all over the Mediterranean region for the Passover celebration.15 The pattern set here for new believers is normative throughout this age. They publicly profess their faith through baptism and join in fellowship, edification, and service within the assembly of God’s people.13 In a modern setting, such growth might create numerous problems. Yet in its first days, it seemed that the early church was doing everything right. It was, and continues to be, a model for worship (both collectively in the temple and in smaller groups in homes), discipleship, caring for others, evangelizing, and serving. The “fear” (or godly awe) that fills the people is reflected in their attitudes, relationships, giving, and every other aspect of their lives.16

References: Winter 2022-2023, December 4, 2022 – February 26, 2023

  1. (CERB) – The Common English Reference Bible Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible.
  2. (CFSLPB) – The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible Copyright © 2017 by Thomas Nelson. Text from the Holy Bible, New International Version copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
  3. (CSBDSB) – Christian Standard Bible Disciple’s Study Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers, One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee 37234.
  4. (CWB) – Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry – Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd. Copyright © 1960. Copyright 1961 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  5. (ESVSB) – The English Standard Version Study Bible, Personal size. Copyright © 2008 by Crossway. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway.
  6. (ETB) – Explore The Book by J Sidlow Baxter. Copyright © 1960 by J. Sidlow Baxter. Published 1960 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  7. (HBAKJV) – The Holy Bible Authorized King James Version, Copyright © 1950 by Book Production Industries, Inc.
  8. (HISB) – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible Copyright © 2006 by Holman Bible Publishers. The Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers.
  9. (HRTB) He Reads Truth Bible Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Based on the Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
  10. (IDB) – The Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible Copyright © 1986 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
  11. (IMO) – On occasion, with the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will make comments of my own, based on my understanding of the events. I will indicate such times with – In My O
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