42
(7) Moon.
Referring to the structure of Acts 2:14 to 8:1 given on page 63, we discover that Peter's explanation of Pentecost
occupies Acts 2:14-47. We now observe that this passage falls into two parts, Acts 2:14-40 being Peter's address,
and Acts 2:41-47 recording the effect it had upon his hearers. For the moment we must confine ourselves to the
address itself. We find that it is a threefold appeal, punctuated by references to Scripture.
Acts 2:14-40.
A1 14,15. Ye men of JUDÆA and all JERUSALEM.
Baptism of the spirit.
B1 16-21 JOEL'S.
The Lord.
WITNESS. Whosoever call.
Shall be saved.
A2 22. Ye MEN of ISRAEL.
B2 22-35. DAVID'S. David speaks of Him
WITNESS. (Psa 16). David dead and
Jesus of
buried, but a prophet
Nazareth.
and spake of Him.
This Jesus.
(Psa. 132).
David not ascended but
spake of Him (Psa. 110).
A3 36. All the HOUSE of ISRAEL.
B3 37-40. GOD'S
Baptism
That same
WITNESS. and gift of
Jesus both
holy spirit.
Lord & Christ.
The called.
Save yourselves.
We have spent a considerable time in the endeavour rightly to place Pentecost, and feel that there is no call
unduly to lengthen our exposition by analysing the Psalms quoted, profitable as that would be. The Book of the
Acts itself is our theme, and its bulk prohibits excursions that will not directly carry forward the theme.
It is essential to the theme that we notice the statement of verse 30:
`Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins,
according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne' (Acts 2:30).
Although to stay here breaks the statement of the apostle, we pause to draw attention to the pertinent fact that
Pentecost, instead of speaking of Christ as the Head of the Church, focuses attention upon His right to the throne of
David. What possible meaning, other than a literal one, can be given to this passage or to the Psalm that is quoted.
If Pentecost sets forth Christ as King in connection with the throne of David, in what way can it be connected with
the Church?
Continuing our quotation at verse 33 we read:
`Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy
Ghost (Spirit), He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear'.
`He hath shed forth THIS': `THIS is that'.- Peter is still maintaining his theme. He is still explaining Pentecost: it
is the evidence that Christ is King and that the kingdom will one day be restored. Further proof is given by quoting
from Psalm 110. David's son is David's Lord (Matt. 22:41-46). The Lord is now there at the right hand of God
`from henceforth expecting' (Heb. 10:13). The heaven must receive Him until the times of restitution (Acts 3:21).
The first thing that Peter commanded his awakened hearers to do was to `repent'. In this he was continuing the