Acts of the Apostles: Chapter 2 (Daily Devo)

Having the opportunity to preach sometimes in our local church, I can relate to sermon preparation. Acts 2 gives us the account of Peter’s first sermon. It was indeed an effective sermon - about three thousand souls came to repentance and faith in Jesus. But something important happened before Peter preached his first sermon.

Preparation.

I’m not saying that Peter studied, read, and made an outline for his sermon, although he more than likely studied the Scriptures. What I am saying, is that all of Peter’s life, up to this point, had been a preparation by God for such a time as this.

Let’s remember a few things about Peter, or Simon Peter as he is also called:

  • He was Jewish
  • He was a fisherman
  • He was a disciple of Jesus

Peter was Jewish. He was born the son of a man named Jonah (Matthew 16:17; Simon Bar-Jonah means Simon Son of Jonah). And he was more than likely taught the Old Testament Scriptures as a boy.

Peter was a fisherman. Taking on the family trade, Peter became a fisherman as his father was a fisherman, and as his father’s father was probably a fisherman.

Peter was a disciple of Jesus. Peter had a conviction and a confession that this Jesus who called him to follow him was truly the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20). Peter believed that what was written concerning the Messiah in the Old Testament Scriptures, that he was so familiar with, was fulfilled in Jesus. And this was not revealed to him by his father (flesh and blood), this was revealed to him by his Father in heaven.

All of these things prepared Peter for this Pentecost sermon. Filled with the Holy Spirit, God will use Peter. He will take the Old Testament Scripture and preach that Jesus is the Christ. He will be a fisher of men and bring in a catch of about three thousand souls.

Let’s read.


John Rogers Bio

John Rogers attends Connection Community Church (C3) in Rowlett. John serves as the Children's and Family Pastor and as an elder. John and his wife Chassidy are passionate about teaching good doctrine and stumbling along side parents to make disciples of children. They have two children: Sophia and Josiah.


Day 1: Acts 2:1-13

Weekly Catechism: (newcitycatechism.org)

  • Q41: What is the Lord’s Prayer?
  • A: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

READ:

[1] When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5] Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. [6] And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. [7] And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? [8] And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? [9] Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, [11] both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” [12] And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” [13] But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” - Acts 2:1-13 (ESV)

Teach/Talk: Talk about what you observe from this passage. What stands out to you? What can we learn?

  • Suggested Question: What did the Holy Spirit empower them to do? What kind of reaction did this cause?

PRAY:

Pray through the text and for your family’s specific needs.

  • Suggested Prayer: Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit that empowers us.

SING:

Play or sing a family favorite worship song, hymn, or kids church song.


Day 2:  Acts 2:14-28

Weekly Catechism: (newcitycatechism.org)

  • Q41: What is the Lord’s Prayer?
  • A: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

READ:

[14] But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. [15] For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. [16] But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 
[17] “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; [18] even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. [19] And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; [20] the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. [21] And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ [22] “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—[23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. [24] God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. [25] For David says concerning him, “‘I saw the Lord always before me,for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; [26] therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. [27] For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ - Acts 2:14-28 (ESV)

Teach/Talk: Talk about what you observe from this passage. What stands out to you? What can we learn?

  • Suggested Question: What was the testimony that Peter gave about Jesus?

PRAY:

Pray through the text and for your family’s specific needs.

  • Suggested Prayer: Father, thank you for raising up Jesus!

SING:

Play or sing a family favorite worship song, hymn, or kids church song.


DAY 3: Acts 2:29-35

Weekly Catechism: (newcitycatechism.org)

  • Q41: What is the Lord’s Prayer?
  • A: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

READ:

[29] “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. [30] Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, [31] he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. [32] This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. [33] 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 yourselves are seeing and hearing. [34] For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, [35] until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ - Acts 2:29-35 (ESV)

Teach/Talk: Talk about what you observe from this passage. What stands out to you? What can we learn?

  • Suggested Question: David was not speaking of himself when he prophesied about the resurrection. So who was he talking about?

PRAY:

Pray through the text and for your family’s specific needs.

  • Suggested Prayer: Father, thank you for promising the resurrection long before it happened.

SING:

Play or sing a family favorite worship song, hymn, or kids church song.


Day 4: Acts 2:36-41

Weekly Catechism: (newcitycatechism.org)

  • Q41: What is the Lord’s Prayer?
  • A: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

READ:

[36] Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
[37] Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” [40] And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. - Acts 2:36-41 (ESV)

Teach/Talk: Talk about what you observe from this passage. What stands out to you? What can we learn?

  • Suggested Question: Jesus is both Lord and Christ. And everyone who believe in him receives _____________.

PRAY:

Pray through the text and for your family’s specific needs.

  • Suggested Prayer: Father, thank you for forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life that come through faith in Jesus.

SING:

Play or sing a family favorite worship song, hymn, or kids church song.


Day 5: Acts 2:42-47

Weekly Catechism: (newcitycatechism.org)

  • Q41: What is the Lord’s Prayer?
  • A: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

READ:

[42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. - Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)

Teach/Talk: Talk about what you observe from this passage. What stands out to you? What can we learn?

  • Suggested Question: This is a great verse describing the early church. What did the church do? How does your church look like this today?

PRAY:

Pray through the text and for your family’s specific needs.

  • Suggested Prayer: Father, thank you for the body of Christ, the church. Thank you for making us a part of a local church. Help us serve her, grow, and make disciples through the church.

SING:

Play or sing a family favorite worship song, hymn, or kids church song.


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