Quick Backdrop
Of the many feasts the Israelites of the Old Testament celebrated, one in particular was called the Feast of Weeks. This feast was a party 50 days after Passover to celebrate the spring harvest. By the time of New Testament days, this feast came to be known as Pentecost, which was the Greek word for “the 50th day.” This was the feast people were celebrating in Acts 2. Folks had gathered in Jerusalem 50 days after Passover (and after Jesus’ resurrection), as they had for centuries.

The What
To give you a quick recap of the events of that day in Acts 2, thousands of Jews had gathered from every nation to celebrate Pentecost. Suddenly the crowd heard what sounded as if it were a violent wind and saw what looked to be tongues of fire resting on the apostles. It was a pretty freaky moment, but it got freakier. The apostles began to speak in different languages so that all who were gathered heard the apostles speaking in their native tongues. This was miraculous because the apostles didn’t know the languages represented in that crowd.

As you might guess, this brought up a few questions from the crowd, to which the apostle Peter rose to answer; but he didn’t so much give an answer as give a sermon—a very bold and pointed sermon, in fact. The passage below picks up at his point of conclusion and shows how the crowd reacted.

As you read this passage, note these observations:
a. Look for how the people responded to Peter’s message.
b. Look for how Peter’s message changed their lives.

“‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:36-47).

The So What
How would you describe Peter’s approach in his sermon? (Feel free to check the whole sermon out at Acts 2:14-38.)
• cautious
• timid
• watered-down
• forceful
• bold
• confident
• competent
• over the top
• in your face

How would you describe the crowd’s reception to Peter’s message
• hard-hearted
• rebellious
• whatever
• receptive
• eager
• soft-hearted

What words best describe how Peter’s message changed the lives of those who were receptive?
• same old, same old
• barely noticeable
• a few tweaks here and there
• game changer
• abrupt
• epic

Seal the Deal
The atmosphere described in Acts 2:42-44 is one of the purest, most sacred spiritual atmospheres of all time. People were filled with wonder and enjoyed being together. It’s what church should be! Sadly, we often fall short; but do we have to? What would it take for your youth ministry or church to experience the atmosphere you see in Acts 2:42-44?

Spend some time praying about that question. Jot down any thoughts that come to your mind or heart. You never know: You might be the vessel God wants to use for an Acts 2 work in your youth group. This particular post-Easter season might be the right time. After you’ve spent some time in prayer, check out the suggestions below to get the ideas flowing on how you can be a catalyst for Acts 2 atmosphere.

Pray:
The apostles and followers of Jesus were already in a state of constant prayer (Acts 1:14). Prayer is the catalyst for the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit was the cause of the special atmosphere in Acts 2. Think creatively about how you can crank up your personal prayer life and the prayer life of your youth ministry.

Party:
Plan an Acts 2-4-2 (2:42) party with your youth group. Schedule a time when you can devote yourselves to the same activities the believers devoted themselves to in Acts 2:42 such as: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. Spice it up a notch by bringing items you can sell (maybe a garage sale at a later date) and give the proceeds to a ministry or someone in need. (You’ll see the believers doing this activity is in Acts 2:45.)

Praise:
Keep yourself in an attitude of awe and wonder with regard to all the things God has done in your life. Don’t let a day go by without expressing some type of gratitude toward God.