A study on the true meaning of Acts 2

Acts 2
Long before the events of Acts 2 Israel celebrated the annual Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost) as originally instructed by Moshe in Exodus 34:22, when he said, “Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the First fruits of the wheat harvest.” These First fruits consisted of wave offerings of grains that were leaven as is the two loaves of Challah Bread on the Shabbat table. This is representative of Judah/Israel and Ephraim/Israel with her fellow travelers, Gentiles who as believers in YHVH Elohim and His Messiah Yahshua will be citizens of YHVH’s Kingdom.
The first thing we should know is that the events of Acts 2 took place on the Feast of Shavuot (Day of Pentecost) at the time of set aside for specific prayers for that particular festival at the Temple.
Most Christian will tell you that the events of Acts 2 took place in the “upper room” and then proceeded to the streets of Jerusalem. If you read this chapter there is no “upper room” mentioned. Most translations state, “in one place.” From a practical point of view the old section of Jerusalem would hardly accommodate three thousand people mentioned in this chapter in any room or street because of the small houses and narrow streets.
The problem can be addressed by understanding the Hebrew language and idiomatic expressions of that time. The phrase “where they were sitting,” is a Hebrew idiom meaning location. It simply means “the place where they were.” The Hebrew word for house beit or bayit can mean either a house or the Temple of YHVH on Mount Moriah. To illustrate this, in Haggai 2:9, he refers directly to the Temple when he says, “The glory of this latter house will be greater that the former.” Today in Israel the Temple Mount is called Har Habayit, (Mountain of The House).
Now, you are required to place yourself in that time and culture. In effect, becoming a Jew with a Jew’s sensibilities, his learning and culture training so that these events become clear and not confused by mistranslation, misinterpretations, and culture bias. The first thing you have to recognize is that the disciples following their Master Yahshua were Torah observant Jews as He was, and then ask yourself, “Where would twelve Torah observant Jews be found on Shavuot”? This was the day that YHVH Elohim commanded all the males of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:16-17) to gather to worship Him at the Temple three times a year. This was one of those festivals and the time set was 9:00 in the morning.
At 9:00 in the morning where would the disciples be, but in the Temple with thousands of other Observant Jews from all over the world attending one of the required festivals of YHVH Elohim. It was at this time of worship that the sound of a mighty wind filled the Temple and then the Shekinah (Glory of YHVH) appeared in the form of fire. The fire separated into tongues and came to rest on the disciples who began to praise YHVH in languages foreign to them but recognized by those Jewish worshippers from all over the world who were present. The worshippers recognized that this was a supernatural event from YHVH Himself and began to ask what was happening. Kefer (Peter) stood up and addressed them telling them that they were witnessing a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy in Chapter two of his book.
“So, rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad in YHVH your El; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, the early and the latter rain as before.” This time period corresponds to March-April and September-October respectively (v. 23).
“And it come about after this that I will pour our My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.
And even upon the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days (v. 28).”
As a result, on that day many placed their trust in the Sacrificial Death of the Paschal Lamb, Yahshua, on that day. Being reconciled to YHVH they were enabled to live a Torah Observant lifestyle fulfilling the Seven-fold injunction of Yahshua in Revelation. That the true worshipper will carry the testimony of Yahshua and Guard the commandments (Torah) of YHVH. They were then baptized, and this required the environment of the enormous complex of the Temple mikvaot, the Temple immersion baths, it being extensive enough to allow three thousand immersions immediately and on the same day.
Now we must consider the Biblical application from the perspective of Messianic Israelites. In numbers 18:30-32 we find an explanation for the giving of Firstfruits to YHVH. YHVH sees the Firstfruits as representing the whole harvest. On a practical level when men return this portion of the harvest to YHVH, YHVH graciously returns the remainder to men for their own sustenance. In this way, Israel asserts YHVH’s sovereignty over all they owned and produced. This is the same law that applies to us today, but so few take seriously, therefore disallowing themselves the bounty of YHVH Elohim.
It is also the time of the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. The giving of Torah is a central issue in Judaism. The Torah separated Israel from the nations around them and allowed them to be a light unto the Gentiles. Without Torah, they would have been the same as the surrounding nations. Judaism perceives the giving of Torah as an act of grace to Israel. In the same manner as the giving of the Living Torah, Yahshua HaMashiach is as act of grace to all humankind.
If we look at the giving of Torah and the giving of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) we find astounding similarities. In Exodus 19:16 it reads: “On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lighting, with a cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled (18). Mount Sinai was covered in smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire (19) and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder.” In Acts 2:2 we read: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting (3) They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that came to rest on each of them (6) When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment…(15) “It’s only nine in the morning!”
The parallels are the time of day, the type of sound, the reaction of the people, the fire representing the presence of YHVH, and the location, the focal point of the people. It should alert us to deeper theological parallels. The tying in of the giving of Torah and the Ruach, which enables us to be obedient through Yahshua. Not to the common misconception of the birth of the “church,” which infers separation from YHVH’s Torah and Israel. This word translated from ekklesia (called out ones) is in no way justified from scripture.
The giving of the Torah and the giving of the Ruach haKodesh has a common purpose. The Torah (YHVH’s Instructions) gives mankind directions on how to live their lives. The Torah tells us not to steal, to envy, to worship false gods, make idols, commit adultery or falsely testify. The Ruach haKodesh confirms in us not to steal, worship false gods, testify falsely, commit adultery, make idols nor envy our fellow humans. The Torah teaching us the sacrificial system showed us that there is a penalty for such sins for YHVH is a just G-d. Both let us know that unredeemed man cannot meet YHVH’s standards. Together, the Torah and the Ruach keep the believer from becoming conformed to this world with its false and anti-Torah values. Being directed by the Ruach according to the Torah forms a barrier between Torah observant individuals and the rest of the world. We live a “separated” life. There is, contrary to most people’s belief, a great joy in living a Torah observant life. Visit a Messianic Synagogue on any Erev Service. It is Shabbat and the Believer’s joy in the Torah is fully evident.
David says it best in Psalms 119:12-24
12Praise be to you, O L-rd;
teach me your decrees.
13With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
17Do good to your servant, and I will live;
I will obey your word.
18Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed
and who stray from your commands.
22Remove from me scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors. (NIV)
These words were inspired by the Ruach HaKodesh. How can men set the Torah up in opposition to the Ruach, which evokes the same love that comes from an understanding of what pleases YHVH Elohim? The desire for guidance provided by the Torah through the Ruach is a G-d given desire. Together, the Torah and the Ruach provide joy through obedience.
The Word (Torah) of YHVH, both the Living and the Written, work together in the life of a believer. The Ruach empowers us to live out the Torah and the Torah is the specific instructions in which the Ruach leads us to walk.
We see a G-dly harmony here between the Torah and the Ruach HaKodesh. The spirit of G-d without the Word of G-d is contentless, and the Word of G-d without the Spirit of G-d is powerless.
Through bothwe are to glorify YHVH Elohim. This is what brings meaning to all our actions as a believer, to fulfill the commandments and by being obedient to the Ruach HaKodesh and the Torah in our faith our lives have eternal meaning that transcends space and time. This is the true meaning of Acts 2.
Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart