ACC ~ Acts 2 v37 - 41

OVERVIEW:

We see here the first instance of a Lukan narrative technique, the interrupted speech (e.g., Acts 7:54; 10:44; 22:22). Peter’s response includes four elements: repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, forgiveness of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Thus, while the question asked by the crowd echoes that asked of John the Baptist (Lk 3:10), the answer is quite different. Luke has a theology of the name of Jesus that “connotes the real and effective presence of Jesus himself.” The expression “were added” once again points to the divine causality governing the life of the church. Chrysostom is, as ever, looking for moral examples to move his audience to put their faith into practice. He is keen to point out the temperament of Peter, the character of gentleness that he conveys in order to bring his audience to repentance, but he does not hesitate to shame those who, unlike those recounted here, delay their repentance. Bede pulls the narrative together by setting out an analogy with nature (smoke causing tears) to explain how this repentance was a part of Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out his Spirit. He also calls attention to the significance of the time this event occurred, on Pentecost, the day the law was given and the day of the festival of first fruits. Here, the symbol of the fruits comes to light as the souls of the faithful.

2:37 | Cut to the Heart

THE GENTLENESS OF PETER. CHRYSOSTOM: Do you see what a great thing gentleness is, how it stings our hearts more than vehemence? It inflicts indeed a keener wound. For in the case of bodies that have become callous, a blow does not affect the sense so powerfully, but if someone first softens them and makes them tender, then a stab is effective. Likewise here one must first soften, and that which softens is not wrath, not vehement accusation, not reproach, but gentleness. … For notice how he gently reminded them of the outrages they have committed, adding no comment. He spoke of the gift of God, he brought in the grace that bears witness to the event, and he drew out his discourse to still greater length. They stood in awe of the gentleness of Peter, because he was speaking like a father and caring teacher to them who crucified his master and breathed murder against himself and his companions. They were not merely persuaded; they even condemned themselves. They came to a sense of their past behavior. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 7.

FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY. BEDE: Behold the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. Notice that after the fire of the Holy Spirit there followed the vapor of compunction, for smoke tends to cause tears. Those who have laughed in ridicule begin to weep. They beat their breasts. They present their prayer to God as a sacrifice, so that as people who are to be saved they may be able to taste of that blood that before, when they were damned, they had called down upon themselves and their children. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 2.37.

2:38 | Repent and Be Baptized

PROVED BY THEIR DEEDS. CHRYSOSTOM: “What shall we do?” They did what must be done, but we the opposite. They condemned themselves and despaired of their salvation. This is what made them such as they were. They knew what a gift they had received. But how will you become like them, when you do everything in an opposite spirit? As soon as they heard, they were baptized. They did not speak these cold words that we do now, nor did they contrive delays, even though they heard all the requirements. For they did not hesitate when they were commanded to “save yourselves from this generation” but welcomed it. They showed their welcome through action and proved through deeds what sort of people they were. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 7.

2:41 | Three Thousand Souls

FIRSTFRUITS. BEDE: On the fiftieth day of Passover, when the law was given, Moses indeed ordered the festival of firstfruits to be introduced. Now, however, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, it is not sheaves of grain but the firstfruits of souls that are consecrated to the Lord. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 2.41.