John 2

Passage overview

Acts 2 begins with the event of the coming of the Holy Spirit and contains important information that leads from Peter’s sermon to the birth of the early church. When the Spirit promised by Jesus came upon the day of Pentecost, it marks a decisive new stage in the community’s mission and shows a turning point in which the gospel expands to the whole world.

1verseThe third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.

2verseJesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the wedding.

3verseWhen the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”

4verseJesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”

5verseHis mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”

6verseNow there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.

7verseJesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.

8verseHe said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.

9verseWhen the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom

10verseand said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!”

11verseThis beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

12verseAfter this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

13verseThe Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14verseHe found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.

15verseHe made a whip of cords and drove all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables.

16verseTo those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!”

17verseHis disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.”

18verseThe Jews therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?”

19verseJesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

20verseThe Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?”

21verseBut he spoke of the temple of his body.

22verseWhen therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

23verseNow when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did.

24verseBut Jesus didn’t entrust himself to them, because he knew everyone,

25verseand because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit and Speaking in Tongues (Verses 1-13)

On the day of Pentecost, when the disciples gathered together in one place, suddenly they heard a sound like a fierce, rushing wind, and something like tongues of fire appeared over each person, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. As a result, the disciples praised God in different tongues. The Jews from various regions who witnessed this were amazed; not knowing what it meant, they were bewildered and sometimes even mocked.

Peter’s Sermon (Verses 14-36)

Peter stands up and begins to speak to the many people. He explains that this event is the fulfillment of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit foretold in the Old Testament book of Joel. Then he testifies about the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that he has become both Lord and Christ, urging everyone to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus.

The Beginning and the Life of the Early Church (Verses 37-47)

Among those who heard Peter’s sermon, as many as 3,000 were baptized, and they formed a community that devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread and praying together. They also shared their possessions and provided for those in need, showing a life of praising God and earning the approval and praise of all the people. In this way, Acts 2 shows how God’s community began together with the work of the Holy Spirit.

Points for Reflection

  • What changes and meaning does the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit bring?
  • In the scene where God’s promise is fulfilled, what attitude of faith should we expect to have?
  • In the life of the early faith community, what kind of example can we learn to follow? Reflect on it.

Apply It to My Life

  • In my current life, am I seeking the help of the Holy Spirit?
  • Consider how you can put into practice, in your everyday life, the bold faith like Peter’s and the life of a community that helps one another.

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