THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL

The second chapter of Acts is the hub of the Bible. The contents of the whole Bible center in this chapter. Everything in the Old Testament points forward, and everything in the New Testament points backward, to the second chapter of Acts. In it Old Testament prophecy and prediction are fulfilled and New Testament blessings and promises are enjoyed.

The second chapter of Acts is called “the beginning” by both the prophets and apostles. Isaiah said: “Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isa. 2:3). Quoting in substance this prophecy, Jesus said: “It is written,…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk. 24:46-47). Several years after this first gospel sermon in the second chapter of Acts was preached Peter referred to that occasion as “the beginning” (Ac. 11:15). Let us, then, observe the notable events of this ever-memorable and eventful day.

Christ First Proclaimed
First, it was on this occasion that Jesus Christ was first proclaimed the Son of God and the Savior of men. He had been confessed before this time, but not preached. Peter, in the select group of disciples, had made the great confession, “Thou art the Christ (Mt. 16:16),” but Jesus quickly charged them that they should “tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ (Mt. 16:20).” Also, in the presence of Moses and Elijah, the pioneers of law and prophecy, at the transfiguration of Christ, God declared him to be his Son, but again Jesus cautioned the disciples to “tell it to no man until the Son of man be risen from the dead (Mt. 17:9).”

The facts of the gospel could not be preached before the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Did the church exist before the gospel could be preached? Then the house was built before its foundation was laid, for Jesus said: “Upon this rock [Christ, the Son of God] I will build my church (Mt. 16:18).” Hence, not until this eventful day in Acts the second chapter, when Jesus was first proclaimed the Son of God and Savior of men, was the foundation laid and the church built upon it, thus fulfilling the word of the prophet: “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone (Isa. 28:16).”

The Holy Spirit Begins His Work in Conversion
It was on this day that the Holy Spirit began his mission of conversion, of the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said to his apostles: “When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (Jn. 16:8).” During the personal ministry of Christ “the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified (Jn. 7:39).” We know that Jesus had the Holy Spirit without measure, but not until the second chapter of Acts was he given to the apostles for the purpose of revealing the plan of salvation, or to begin his work of conversion--convicting men of sin (See Jn. 16:8). Hence, we can understand why the twelve at Ephesus who had been baptized unto John’s baptism had not so much as heard that the Holy Spirit was given (Ac. 19:2). They had not learned of the Holy Spirit’s work in revealing the plan of salvation.

In verse 33 of Acts 2 we read: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted [glorified],…he hath shed forth this [the Holy Spirit], which ye now see and hear.” Thus, on Pentecost, in the second chapter of Acts, the Holy Spirit came and began his work of conversion. If the church existed as an established institution before this day, it was inaugurated without Christ proclaimed and without the Holy Spirit’s presence and influence in the conversion of men.

The Law of Pardon Announced
In the last commission of Christ to the apostles as recorded by Luke, Jesus is quoted as saying: “Thus it is written,…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Lk. 24:46-47).” But they were commanded to “tarry ye in the city” until they received “power from on high” and “ye shall receive power,” they were told, “when the Holy Spirit is come upon you” (Lk. 24:49; Ac. 1:8). The power came, the first gospel sermon was preached by a Spirit-filled apostle. A caustic and stinging conviction penetrated the hearts of the hearers and brought forth the harrowing cry of faith: “Brethren, what shall we do? (Ac. 2:37)” The man with the keys of the kingdom in his hand announced the terms: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Ac. 2:38).” They “gladly received his word” and “were baptized,” and the Lord added them, the first additions, three thousand in number, to his newly established church (Ac. 2:41). So came the power, Spirit, and kingdom on Pentecost; and thus the second chapter of Acts marks the beginning of the gospel.

Foy E. Wallace, Jr.