Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 16, 2024

Confirmation and Community

Acts 2:16-47

1. Previously

• pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and correction of mockers

2. Biblical Confirmation (2:16-41)

• confirmation of God’s faithfulness through the prophet Joel (16-21 and Joel 2:28-32)
• the “paradox” of God’s plan (22-24)
• confirmation of God’s faithfulness through the prophet David (25-35 and Psa. 16:8-11; 110:1)
• conclusion: Lord and Christ! (36)
• conviction and response: 3000 souls! (37-41)
• clarification regarding “Repent and be baptized…”

3. Biblical Community (2:42-47)

• concentrated devotion: to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers (42)
• God-centered disposition of awe and supernatural activity (43)
• generous distribution (44-45)
• gracious development (46-47)

4. So What?

• Because the magnification of the gospel produces a profound unity, prize its power.
• Understand that Christian unity has a unique source, view, affection and aim.
• “Unless I can leave off loving Jesus Christ, I cannot cease loving those who love Him.” (Spurgeon)
• “Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds, is like to that above. Before our Father’s throne, we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares. We share each other’s woes, our mutual burdens bear; and often for each other flows, the sympathizing tear.” (John Fawcett)