聖靈降臨

五旬節那天,門徒聚集在一起。 忽然,天上發出一陣響聲,好像狂風呼嘯而過,充滿了他們所在的房子, 又有火焰般的舌頭顯現出來,分別落在各人的頭上。 大家都被聖靈充滿,得到聖靈所賜的才能,說起別的語言來。

當時耶路撒冷住著從各國回來的虔誠的猶太人。 眾人聽見這陣響聲便趕過來,聽見門徒在說他們各自的語言,都十分納悶, 驚詫地說:「看啊!這些說話的不都是加利利人嗎? 怎麼會說我們各自的語言呢? 我們這裡有帕提亞人、瑪代人、以攔人,以及住在美索不達米亞、猶太、加帕多迦、本都、亞細亞、 10 弗呂迦、旁非利亞、埃及和靠近古利奈的利比亞的人,還有從羅馬來的猶太人和改信猶太教的人、 11 克里特人和阿拉伯人。我們都聽見他們在用我們各自的語言訴說上帝的偉大!」 12 他們都大感驚奇和困惑,彼此議論說:「這到底是怎麼回事?」

13 有些人就譏笑說:「他們不過是被新酒灌醉了!」

彼得講道

14 彼得和其他十一位使徒都站起來,他大聲對眾人說:「各位猶太同胞和住在耶路撒冷的人啊,請留心聽!我告訴你們這是怎麼回事。 15 你們以為這些人是醉了,其實不是,因為現在才早上九點鐘。 16 你們眼前看見的正是先知約珥所說的,

17 『上帝說,在末後的日子,
我要將我的靈澆灌所有的人,
你們的兒女要說預言,
青年要見異象,
老人要做異夢。
18 那時,我要將我的靈澆灌我的奴僕和婢女,
他們都要說預言。
19 在天上,我要顯異兆;
在地上,我要行神蹟,有血、有火、有濃煙。
20 太陽要變得昏暗,
月亮要變得血紅。
這都要發生在主偉大榮耀的日子來臨以前。
21 那時,凡求告主名的,都必得救。』

22 「各位以色列人啊,請留心聽。上帝藉著拿撒勒人耶穌在你們中間行了異能、奇事和神蹟,以證明拿撒勒人耶穌是祂派來的。這是你們都知道的。 23 上帝照著自己的計劃和預知把耶穌交在你們手裡,你們藉著邪惡之人的手把祂釘死在十字架上了。 24 但上帝為祂解除了死亡的痛苦,使祂從死裡復活,因為祂不可能被死亡拘禁。 25 論到耶穌,大衛曾說,

『我看見主常在我面前,
祂在我右邊,我必不動搖。
26 因此我的心歡喜,我的口頌讚,
我的身體也要活在盼望中。
27 因為你不會把我的靈魂撇在陰間,
也不會讓你的聖者身體朽壞。
28 你已把生命之路指示我,
叫我在你面前充滿喜樂。』

29 「弟兄們,我肯定地對你們說,先祖大衛死了,埋葬了,他的墳墓至今還在這裡。 30 大衛是先知,知道上帝曾起誓要從他的後裔中選立一人繼承他的王位。 31 他預先知道這事,講到基督的復活,說,『祂的靈魂不會被撇在陰間,祂的身體也不會朽壞』。 32 上帝已經使這位耶穌復活了!我們都是這件事的見證人。 33 現在祂升到上帝的右邊,從天父領受了所應許的聖靈,並將聖靈澆灌下來,你們今天也耳聞目睹了。 34 大衛並沒有升到天上,但他曾說,

『主對我主說,
你坐在我的右邊,
35 等我使你的仇敵成為你的腳凳。』

36 「所以,全體以色列人啊!你們應當確實地知道,上帝已經立這位被你們釘在十字架上的耶穌為主,為基督了。」

37 他們聽了彼得的話,覺得扎心,就對彼得和其他使徒說:「弟兄們,我們該怎麼辦呢?」 38 彼得說:「你們每一個人都要悔改,奉耶穌基督的名受洗,使你們的罪得到赦免,你們就必領受上帝所賜的聖靈。 39 因為這應許是給你們和你們的兒女,以及遠方的人,就是所有被主——我們的上帝呼召的人。」

40 然後,彼得還講了許多話警戒、勸勉他們,說:「你們要保守自己脫離這邪惡的世代。」

41 結果,那天約有三千人相信了他傳的道,接受了洗禮。 42 他們都一心遵守使徒的教導,一起團契、掰餅、禱告。

43 大家都滿心敬畏上帝。使徒又行了很多神蹟奇事。 44 信徒聚在一起,共用所有的東西。 45 他們把田產家業變賣了,按照各人的需要把錢分給大家。 46 他們天天同心合意地聚集在聖殿裡敬拜上帝,又在各人家中擘餅聚會,以歡喜、慷慨的心分享食物, 47 讚美上帝,受到眾人的喜愛。主使得救的人數與日俱增。

Chapter 2

The Coming of the Spirit. [a]When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.(A) And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind,[b] and it filled the entire house in which they were.(B) Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,[c] which parted and came to rest on each one of them.(C) And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,[d] as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.(D)

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?(E) Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”(F) 12 They were all astounded and bewildered, and said to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others said, scoffing, “They have had too much new wine.”(G)

II. The Mission in Jerusalem

Peter’s Speech at Pentecost. 14 [e]Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

17 ‘It will come to pass in the last days,’ God says,
    ‘that I will pour out a portion of my spirit
    upon all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    your young men shall see visions,
    your old men shall dream dreams.(H)
18 Indeed, upon my servants and my handmaids
    I will pour out a portion of my spirit in those days,
        and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will work wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below:
        blood, fire, and a cloud of smoke.
20 The sun shall be turned to darkness,
    and the moon to blood,
        before the coming of the great and splendid day of the Lord,
21 and it shall be that everyone shall be saved who calls on the name of the Lord.’(I)

22 You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.(J) 23 This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.(K) 24 But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.(L) 25 For David says of him:

‘I saw the Lord ever before me,(M)
    with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
26 Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
    my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
27 because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
    nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.(N)
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

29 My brothers, one can confidently say to you about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day. 30 But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne,(O) 31 he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption.(P) 32 God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. 33 Exalted at the right hand of God,[f] he received the promise of the holy Spirit from the Father and poured it forth, as you [both] see and hear.(Q) 34 For David did not go up into heaven, but he himself said:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand(R)
35     until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

36 Therefore let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”(S)

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?”(T) 38 Peter [said] to them, “Repent and be baptized,[g] 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.(U) 39 For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”(V) 40 He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”(W) 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.(X)

Communal Life.[h] 42 (Y)They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.(Z) 43 Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.(AA) 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common;(AB) 45 they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Footnotes

  1. 2:1–41 Luke’s pentecostal narrative consists of an introduction (Acts 2:1–13), a speech ascribed to Peter declaring the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic significance (Acts 2:14–36), and a favorable response from the audience (Acts 2:37–41). It is likely that the narrative telescopes events that took place over a period of time and on a less dramatic scale. The Twelve were not originally in a position to proclaim publicly the messianic office of Jesus without incurring immediate reprisal from those religious authorities in Jerusalem who had brought about Jesus’ death precisely to stem the rising tide in his favor.
  2. 2:2 There came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind: wind and spirit are associated in Jn 3:8. The sound of a great rush of wind would herald a new action of God in the history of salvation.
  3. 2:3 Tongues as of fire: see Ex 19:18 where fire symbolizes the presence of God to initiate the covenant on Sinai. Here the holy Spirit acts upon the apostles, preparing them to proclaim the new covenant with its unique gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38).
  4. 2:4 To speak in different tongues: ecstatic prayer in praise of God, interpreted in Acts 2:6, 11 as speaking in foreign languages, symbolizing the worldwide mission of the church.
  5. 2:14–36 The first of six discourses in Acts (along with Acts 3:12–26; 4:8–12; 5:29–32; 10:34–43; 13:16–41) dealing with the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic import. Five of these are attributed to Peter, the final one to Paul. Modern scholars term these discourses in Acts the “kerygma,” the Greek word for proclamation (cf. 1 Cor 15:11).
  6. 2:33 At the right hand of God: or “by the right hand of God.”
  7. 2:38 Repent and be baptized: repentance is a positive concept, a change of mind and heart toward God reflected in the actual goodness of one’s life. It is in accord with the apostolic teaching derived from Jesus (Acts 2:42) and ultimately recorded in the four gospels. Luke presents baptism in Acts as the expected response to the apostolic preaching about Jesus and associates it with the conferring of the Spirit (Acts 1:5; 10:44–48; 11:16).
  8. 2:42–47 The first of three summary passages (along with Acts 4:32–37; 5:12–16) that outline, somewhat idyllically, the chief characteristics of the Jerusalem community: adherence to the teachings of the Twelve and the centering of its religious life in the eucharistic liturgy (Acts 2:42); a system of distribution of goods that led wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs of the community’s poor required it (Acts 2:44 and the note on Acts 4:32–37); and continued attendance at the temple, since in this initial stage there was little or no thought of any dividing line between Christianity and Judaism (Acts 2:46).

Coming of the Holy Spirit

When (A)the Day of Pentecost had fully come, (B)they were all [a]with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and (C)it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And (D)they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began (E)to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Crowd’s Response

And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, (F)devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the (G)multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak (H)Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own [c]language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and (I)Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and [d]Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Peter’s Sermon(J)

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, (K)since it is only [e]the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And(L) it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
(M)That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and (N)your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
(O)And they shall prophesy.
19 (P)I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20 (Q)The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
21 And it shall come to pass
That (R)whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you (S)by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, (T)being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, (U)you [f]have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 (V)whom God raised up, having [g]loosed the [h]pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:

(W)‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see (X)corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you (Y)of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, (Z)and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, [i]according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, (AA)that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 (AB)This Jesus God has raised up, (AC)of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore (AD)being exalted [j]to (AE)the right hand of God, and (AF)having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He (AG)poured out this which you now see and hear.

34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:

(AH)‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they heard this, (AI)they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, (AJ)“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [k]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and (AK)to your children, and (AL)to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

A Vital Church Grows

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this [l]perverse generation.” 41 Then those who [m]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 (AM)And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ [n]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and (AN)many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and (AO)had all things in common, 45 and [o]sold their possessions and goods, and (AP)divided[p] them among all, as anyone had need.

46 (AQ)So continuing daily with one accord (AR)in the temple, and (AS)breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And (AT)the Lord added [q]to the church daily those who were being saved.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 2:1 NU together
  2. Acts 2:3 Or tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each
  3. Acts 2:8 dialect
  4. Acts 2:11 Arabians
  5. Acts 2:15 9 a.m.
  6. Acts 2:23 NU omits have taken
  7. Acts 2:24 destroyed or abolished
  8. Acts 2:24 Lit. birth pangs
  9. Acts 2:30 NU He would seat one on his throne,
  10. Acts 2:33 Possibly by
  11. Acts 2:38 forgiveness
  12. Acts 2:40 crooked
  13. Acts 2:41 NU omits gladly
  14. Acts 2:42 teaching
  15. Acts 2:45 would sell
  16. Acts 2:45 distributed
  17. Acts 2:47 NU omits to the church

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost(A) came, they were all together(B) in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.(C) They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit(D) and began to speak in other tongues[a](E) as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing(F) Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed,(G) they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?(H) Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,(I) Pontus(J) and Asia,[b](K) 10 Phrygia(L) and Pamphylia,(M) Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene;(N) visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”(O)

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!(P) 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.(Q)
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,(R)
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy.(S)
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,(T)
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood(U)
    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
    on the name of the Lord(V) will be saved.’[c](W)

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth(X) was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs,(Y) which God did among you through him,(Z) as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge;(AA) and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross.(AB) 24 But God raised him from the dead,(AC) freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.(AD) 25 David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    you will not let your holy one see decay.(AE)
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[e](AF)

29 “Fellow Israelites,(AG) I can tell you confidently that the patriarch(AH) David died and was buried,(AI) and his tomb is here(AJ) to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.(AK) 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.(AL) 32 God has raised this Jesus to life,(AM) and we are all witnesses(AN) of it. 33 Exalted(AO) to the right hand of God,(AP) he has received from the Father(AQ) the promised Holy Spirit(AR) and has poured out(AS) what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’[f](AT)

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord(AU) and Messiah.”(AV)

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”(AW)

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,(AX) every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.(AY) And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(AZ) 39 The promise is for you and your children(BA) and for all who are far off(BB)—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”(BC) 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number(BD) that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching(BE) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread(BF) and to prayer.(BG) 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.(BH) 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.(BI) 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.(BJ) 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.(BK) They broke bread(BL) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.(BM) And the Lord added to their number(BN) daily those who were being saved.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 2:4 Or languages; also in verse 11
  2. Acts 2:9 That is, the Roman province by that name
  3. Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
  4. Acts 2:23 Or of those not having the law (that is, Gentiles)
  5. Acts 2:28 Psalm 16:8-11 (see Septuagint)
  6. Acts 2:35 Psalm 110:1

Pogorârea Sfântului Duh

În Ziua(A) Cincizecimii, erau(B) toţi împreună în acelaşi loc. Deodată, a venit din cer un sunet ca vâjâitul unui vânt puternic şi a(C) umplut toată casa unde şedeau ei. Nişte limbi ca de foc au fost văzute împărţindu-se printre ei şi s-au aşezat câte una pe fiecare din ei. Şi toţi s-au(D) umplut de Duh Sfânt şi au început să vorbească(E) în alte limbi, după cum le dădea Duhul să vorbească. Şi se aflau atunci în Ierusalim iudei, oameni cucernici din toate neamurile care sunt sub cer. Când s-a auzit sunetul acela, mulţimea s-a adunat şi a rămas încremenită, pentru că fiecare îi auzea vorbind în limba lui. Toţi se mirau, se minunau şi ziceau unii către alţii: „Toţi aceştia care vorbesc nu sunt galileeni(F)? Cum dar îi auzim vorbind fiecăruia din noi în limba noastră, în care ne-am născut? Parţi, mezi, elamiţi, locuitori din Mesopotamia, Iudeea, Capadocia, Pont, Asia, 10 Frigia, Pamfilia, Egipt, părţile Libiei dinspre Cirene, oaspeţi din Roma, iudei sau prozeliţi, 11 cretani şi arabi, îi auzim vorbind în limbile noastre lucrurile minunate ale lui Dumnezeu!” 12 Toţi erau uimiţi, nu ştiau ce să creadă şi ziceau unii către alţii: „Ce vrea să zică aceasta?” 13 Dar alţii îşi băteau joc şi ziceau: „Sunt plini de must!” 14 Atunci, Petru s-a sculat în picioare cu cei unsprezece, a ridicat glasul şi le-a zis: „Bărbaţi iudei şi voi toţi cei care locuiţi în Ierusalim, să ştiţi lucrul acesta şi ascultaţi cuvintele mele! 15 Oamenii aceştia nu sunt beţi, cum vă închipuiţi voi, căci(G) nu este decât al treilea ceas din zi. 16 Ci aceasta este ce a fost spus prin prorocul Ioel: 17 ‘În(H) zilele de pe urmă, zice Dumnezeu, voi(I) turna din Duhul Meu peste orice făptură; feciorii voştri şi fetele(J) voastre vor proroci, tinerii voştri vor avea vedenii şi bătrânii voştri vor visa visuri! 18 Da, chiar şi peste robii Mei şi peste roabele Mele voi turna, în zilele acelea, din Duhul Meu şi(K) vor proroci. 19 Voi(L) face să se arate semne sus în cer şi minuni jos pe pământ, sânge, foc şi un vârtej de fum; 20 soarele(M) se va preface în întuneric, şi luna în sânge înainte ca să vină ziua Domnului, ziua aceea mare şi strălucită. 21 Atunci, oricine(N) va chema Numele Domnului va fi mântuit.’

Cuvântarea lui Petru

22 Bărbaţi israeliţi, ascultaţi cuvintele acestea! Pe Isus din Nazaret, om adeverit de Dumnezeu înaintea voastră prin(O) minunile, semnele şi lucrările pline de putere pe care le-a făcut Dumnezeu prin El în mijlocul vostru, după cum bine ştiţi, 23 pe Omul acesta, dat(P) în mâinile(Q) voastre, după sfatul hotărât şi după ştiinţa mai dinainte a lui Dumnezeu, voi L-aţi răstignit şi L-aţi omorât prin mâna celor fărădelege. 24 Dar(R) Dumnezeu L-a înviat, dezlegându-I legăturile morţii, pentru că nu era cu putinţă să fie ţinut de ea. 25 Căci David zice despre El:

‘Eu aveam(S) totdeauna pe Domnul înaintea mea, pentru că El este la dreapta mea, ca să nu mă clatin.

26 De aceea, mi se bucură inima şi mi se veseleşte limba; chiar şi trupul mi se va odihni în nădejde, 27 căci nu-mi vei lăsa sufletul în Locuinţa morţilor şi nu vei îngădui ca Sfântul Tău să vadă putrezirea. 28 Mi-ai făcut cunoscut căile vieţii şi Mă vei umple de bucurie cu starea Ta de faţă.’ 29 Cât despre(T) patriarhul David, să-mi fie îngăduit, fraţilor, să vă spun fără sfială că a murit şi a fost îngropat, şi mormântul lui este în mijlocul nostru până în ziua de azi. 30 Fiindcă David era proroc şi(U) ştia că Dumnezeu îi făgăduise cu jurământ că va ridica pe unul din urmaşii săi pe scaunul lui de domnie, 31 despre învierea lui Hristos a prorocit şi a vorbit el, când a zis că(V) sufletul lui nu va fi lăsat în Locuinţa morţilor şi trupul lui nu va vedea putrezirea. 32 Dumnezeu a înviat pe(W) acest Isus, şi noi(X) toţi suntem martori ai Lui. 33 Şi acum, odată ce S-a înălţat(Y) prin dreapta lui Dumnezeu şi a primit(Z) de la Tatăl făgăduinţa Duhului Sfânt(AA), a turnat ce vedeţi şi auziţi. 34 Căci David nu s-a suit în ceruri, ci el singur zice: ‘Domnul a zis(AB) Domnului meu: «Şezi la dreapta Mea 35 până ce voi pune pe vrăjmaşii Tăi sub picioarele Tale».’ 36 Să ştie bine dar, toată casa lui Israel, că Dumnezeu a(AC) făcut Domn şi Hristos pe acest Isus, pe care L-aţi răstignit voi.”

Cei dintâi creştini

37 După ce au auzit aceste cuvinte, ei au(AD) rămas străpunşi în inimă şi au zis lui Petru şi celorlalţi apostoli: „Fraţilor, ce să facem?” 38 „Pocăiţi-vă(AE)”, le-a zis Petru, „şi fiecare din voi să fie botezat în Numele lui Isus Hristos, spre iertarea păcatelor voastre, apoi, veţi primi darul Sfântului Duh. 39 Căci făgăduinţa aceasta este pentru voi, pentru(AF) copiii voştri şi pentru(AG) toţi cei ce sunt departe acum, în oricât de mare număr îi va chema Domnul, Dumnezeul nostru.” 40 Şi, cu multe alte cuvinte, mărturisea, îi îndemna şi zicea: „Mântuiţi-vă din mijlocul acestui neam ticălos”. 41 Cei ce au primit propovăduirea lui au fost botezaţi, şi în ziua aceea, la numărul ucenicilor s-au adăugat aproape trei mii de suflete. 42 Ei(AH) stăruiau în învăţătura apostolilor, în legătura frăţească, în frângerea pâinii şi în rugăciuni. 43 Fiecare era plin de frică, şi prin apostoli se făceau multe(AI) minuni şi semne. 44 Toţi cei ce credeau erau împreună la un loc şi aveau(AJ) toate de obşte. 45 Îşi vindeau ogoarele şi averile, şi banii îi împărţeau(AK) între toţi, după nevoile fiecăruia. 46 Toţi(AL) împreună erau nelipsiţi de la Templu în(AM) fiecare zi, frângeau(AN) pâinea acasă şi luau hrana cu bucurie şi curăţie de inimă. 47 Ei lăudau pe Dumnezeu şi erau plăcuţi(AO) înaintea întregului norod. Şi Domnul(AP) adăuga în fiecare zi la numărul lor pe cei ce erau mântuiţi.