Acts 2:34
For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand
For David did not ascend into heaven
This phrase emphasizes the humanity and mortality of David, Israel's revered king. The Greek word for "ascend" (ἀναβαίνω, anabainō) implies a physical rising or going up. In the context of the early church, this statement clarifies that David, despite his greatness, did not physically ascend to heaven. This serves to distinguish David from Jesus, who, according to Christian belief, did ascend into heaven. Historically, this distinction is crucial as it underscores the unique divinity and messianic role of Jesus, setting Him apart from all other figures in Jewish history.

but he himself says
This phrase introduces a direct quotation from David, highlighting the authority and prophetic nature of his words. The Greek word for "says" (λέγει, legei) is in the present tense, suggesting that David's words are timeless and continually relevant. This reflects the belief that the Scriptures are living and active, speaking to each generation with fresh relevance. The use of David's own words serves to validate the argument being made by Peter in his sermon, as he appeals to the shared respect for David among his Jewish audience.

'The Lord said to my Lord
This is a quotation from Psalm 110:1, a psalm attributed to David. The phrase "The Lord" (κύριος, kyrios) refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The second "my Lord" (κύριος, kyrios) is understood by Christians to refer to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The dual use of "Lord" in this context is significant; it indicates a conversation between God the Father and God the Son, affirming the divinity of Jesus. This interpretation is foundational in Christian theology, as it supports the doctrine of the Trinity and the pre-existence of Christ.

Sit at My right hand
In ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting at the right hand of a king was a position of honor and authority. The Greek word for "sit" (κάθημαι, kathēmai) implies a settled, ongoing position, indicating permanence and stability. The "right hand" symbolizes power and favor. In the context of this verse, it signifies Jesus' exaltation and His role as co-ruler with God. This imagery is powerful, as it conveys the belief that Jesus, having completed His earthly mission, is now reigning in glory, interceding for believers, and awaiting the time of His return. This assurance of Christ's authority and ongoing work provides hope and encouragement to Christians, affirming their faith in His ultimate victory and sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The revered king of Israel, known for his psalms and his heart for God. In this verse, David is quoted to emphasize the prophetic nature of his writings.

2. The Lord (Yahweh)
Refers to God the Father, who speaks to the Messiah in the quoted Psalm.

3. My Lord (Adonai)
Refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whom David acknowledges as his Lord, indicating the divine nature of Christ.

4. Heaven
The dwelling place of God, where Jesus ascended after His resurrection, unlike David who did not ascend.

5. Psalm 110:1
The Old Testament scripture being quoted, which is a messianic psalm attributed to David, pointing to the authority and divinity of the Messiah.
Teaching Points
Understanding Prophecy
Recognize the importance of Old Testament prophecies in affirming the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:34 shows how David, through the Holy Spirit, foresaw the Messiah's exaltation.

Christ's Authority
Acknowledge Jesus' divine authority as He sits at the right hand of God. This position signifies power, honor, and the completion of His redemptive work.

The Role of Scripture
Appreciate the unity and consistency of Scripture. The New Testament often references the Old Testament to reveal the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ.

Faith in the Ascended Christ
Trust in the living and reigning Christ who intercedes for us. His ascension assures us of His ongoing work and presence in our lives.

Witnessing with Confidence
Like Peter, use Scripture to confidently share the gospel, knowing that it is rooted in God's eternal plan and promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the context of Psalm 110:1 enhance our comprehension of Acts 2:34?

2. In what ways does the ascension of Christ to the right hand of God impact our daily faith and trust in Him?

3. How can we use the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament to strengthen our witness to others?

4. What does Christ's position at the right hand of God teach us about His role and authority in our lives today?

5. How can we apply the confidence and boldness of Peter's sermon in Acts 2 to our own sharing of the gospel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 110:1
The direct source of the quote, highlighting the messianic prophecy about Jesus sitting at the right hand of God.

Hebrews 1:13
Reinforces the authority of Christ by referencing the same Psalm, emphasizing His superiority over angels.

Matthew 22:44
Jesus uses this verse to challenge the Pharisees' understanding of the Messiah, affirming His own identity as both David's descendant and Lord.

Ephesians 1:20-22
Describes Christ's exaltation and authority at the right hand of God, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 110:1.
The Day of Pentecost, and its Immediate GiftsP.C. Barker Acts 2:1-41
The Spirit Speaking Through the Voice of an ApostleR.A. Redford Acts 2:14-36
Truths from Peter's SermonW. Clarkson Acts 2:14-36
A New Style of Religious MinistryD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 2:14-40
A Sermon to Prick the ConscienceJ. C. Jones.Acts 2:14-40
A Varied Ministry Blessed by the Holy SpiritC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:14-40
Different Styles of PreachingW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 2:14-40
Elements of Power in Peter's SermonHomiletic MonthlyActs 2:14-40
Peter's Impulsiveness Useful Because Wisely DirectedW. H. Blake.Acts 2:14-40
Plain PreachingActs 2:14-40
Preaching on the Day of PentecostJ. Thompson, A. M.Acts 2:14-40
St. Peter to the MultitudeD. Fraser, D. D.Acts 2:14-40
St. Peter's First SermonG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 2:14-40
The First Apostolic Appeal to the MultitudeW. Hudson.Acts 2:14-40
The First SermonDean Vaughan.Acts 2:14-40
The Power of the Human VoiceJ. Parker.Acts 2:14-40
The SceneW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 2:14-40
Bonds Which Could not HoldActs 2:22-36
Christ Crucified According to the Determinate Counsel and Foreknowledge of GodJ. Beaumont, D. D.Acts 2:22-36
Christ Still Escaping from EntombmentC. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Acts 2:22-36
MiraclesPrincipal J. W. Dawson.Acts 2:22-36
Personal PreachingActs 2:22-36
The Connection of the Christian EventsE. Johnson Acts 2:22-36
The Effect of Pentecost Upon PeterJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 2:22-36
The First Christian ApologyJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Acts 2:22-36
The Gospel in its SimplicityW. Hudson.Acts 2:22-36
The Inevitableness of Christ's ResurrectionJ. Jowett, M. A.Acts 2:22-36
The Miracles of Christ Appealed to on the Day of PentecostExpository OutlinesActs 2:22-36
The Nature and Quality of the Death Christ Died Upon the CrossJ. Flavel.Acts 2:22-36
The Necessity of Christ's ResurrectionW. Gladden, D. D.Acts 2:22-36
The ResurrectionR. South, D. D.Acts 2:22-36
The Resurrection InevitableCanon Liddon.Acts 2:22-36
The First Argument for the ResurrectionR. Tuck Acts 2:29-36
Jesus as LordS. Pearson, M. A.Acts 2:33-36
The Ascension and its MeaningW. Hudson.Acts 2:33-36
The Effusion of the SpiritE. T. Priest.Acts 2:33-36
The Exaltation of ChristW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 2:33-36
The Lordship of ChristJ. Donne, D. D.Acts 2:33-36
The Name Above Every NameA. Maclaren, D. DActs 2:33-36
The Right Hand of GodD. Whitby, D. D.Acts 2:33-36
People
Arabians, David, Elam, Elamites, Israelites, Joel, Parthians, Peter
Places
Asia, Cappadocia, Crete, Cyrene, Egypt, Jerusalem, Judea, Libya, Mesopotamia, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Pontus, Rome
Topics
Ascend, Ascended, David, Didn't, Heaven, Heavens, Says, Seated, Sit, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 2:34

     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     5100   Melchizedek
     8729   enemies, of Christ

Acts 2:1-41

     7505   Jews, the

Acts 2:14-41

     7703   apologetics
     8712   denial of Christ

Acts 2:22-36

     2206   Jesus, the Christ

Acts 2:22-39

     6678   justification, Christ's work

Acts 2:29-36

     5369   kingship, divine

Acts 2:31-36

     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher

Acts 2:32-35

     2069   Christ, pre-eminence

Acts 2:32-36

     5849   exaltation

Acts 2:33-34

     1210   God, human descriptions

Acts 2:33-36

     5396   lordship, of Christ
     7756   preaching, content

Acts 2:33-39

     6704   peace, divine NT

Acts 2:34-35

     4010   creation, renewal
     9125   footstool

Acts 2:34-36

     1230   God, the Lord
     5151   feet

Library
November 25 Evening
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.--ACTS 2:21. Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, and he reared up altars for Baal. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.--And
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 3 Evening
Things which are despised, hath God chosen.--I COR. 1:28. Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? Jesus, . . . saw two brethren, . . . casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me.--Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 4. "They were all Filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4).
"They were all filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4). Blessed secret of spiritual purity, victory and joy, of physical life and healing, and all power for service. Filled with the Spirit there is no room for self or sin, for fret or care. Filled with the Spirit we repel the elements of disease that are in the air as the red-hot iron repels the water that touches it. Filled with the Spirit we are always ready for service, and Satan turns away when he finds the Holy Ghost enrobing us in His garments
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Pentecost
Text: Acts 2, 1-13. 1 And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Monday
Text: Acts 2, 14-28. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works. This and the following epistle text are too long to consider here, as they contain so many beautiful quotations from the Old Testament, which should not be passed over too briefly. Hence their discussion is reserved for their proper place.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Tuesday
Text: Acts 2, 29-36. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Name Above Every Name
'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.'--ACTS ii. 36. It is no part of my purpose at this time to consider the special circumstances under which these words were spoken, nor even to enter upon an exposition of their whole scope. I select them for one reason, the occurrence in them of the three names by which we designate our Saviour--Jesus, Lord, Christ. To us they are very little more than three proper
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Fourfold Cord
'And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.' --ACTS ii. 42. The Early Church was not a pattern for us, and the idea of its greatly superior purity is very largely a delusion. But still, though that be true, the occasional glimpses that we get at intervals in the early chapters of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles do present a very instructive and beautiful picture of what a Christian society may be, and therefore of what Christian
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Pure Church an Increasing Church
'And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.'--ACTS ii. 47. 'And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved.'--(R. V.) You observe that the principal alterations of these words in the Revised Version are two: the one the omission of 'the church,' the other the substitution of 'were being saved' for 'such as should be saved.' The former of these changes has an interest as suggesting that at the early period referred to the name of 'the church' had not yet been
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments
'And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
'A rushing mighty wind.' ... 'Cloven tongues like as of fire.' ... 'I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' --ACTS ii. 2, 3, 17. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One.'--1 JOHN ii. 20. Wind, fire, water, oil,--these four are constant Scriptural symbols for the Spirit of God. We have them all in these fragments of verses which I have taken for my text now, and which I have isolated from their context for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. I think that perhaps we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Peter's First Sermon
'This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, 35. Until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Historical and Spiritual Causes of the Death of Christ
"Him, being by the determined will and foreknowledge of God given up, through the hand of lawless men, ye affixed to a cross and slew."--ACTS II. 23. St. Paul places this in the very forefront of that gospel which, as it had been delivered to him, so he in his turn had delivered to the Corinthians, that "Christ died for our sins." Neglecting all, deeper interpretations of this, it is at least clear that in the apostle's mind there was the closest and most intimate connexion between the death of
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
Eccles. 4:9-12 -- "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe be to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Among the many reasons assignable for the sad decay of true Christianity, perhaps the neglecting
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Great Assize
[i.e., The Last Judgment -- GL] [21] "We shall all stand before the judgement-seat of Christ." Rom. 14:10. 1. How many circumstances concur to raise the awfulness of the present solemnity! -- The general concourse of people of every age, sex, rank, and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly gathered together, not only from the neighboring, but from distant, parts; criminals, speedily to be brought forth and having no way to escape; officers, waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Means of Grace
"Ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them." Mal. 3:7. I. 1. But are there any ordinances now, since life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel? Are there, under the Christian dispensation, any means ordained of God, as the usual channels of his grace? This question could never have been proposed in the apostolical church, unless by one who openly avowed himself to be a Heathen; the whole body of Christians being agreed, that Christ had ordained certain outward means,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Pricked in their Heart
Peter's discourse was not distinguished by any special rhetorical display: he used not the words of man's wisdom or eloquence. It was not an oration, but it was a heart-moving argument, entreaty, and exhortation. He gave his hearers a simple, well-reasoned, Scriptural discourse, sustained by the facts of experience; and every passage of it pointed to the Lord Jesus. It was in these respects a model of what a sermon ought to be as to its contents. His plea was personally addressed to the people who
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Baptism of the Spirit
And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.' (Acts ii. 2, 4.) The Holy Ghost is the active force in all spiritual life. It is, therefore, important that we should realize the close connexion between the experience of Holiness and that 'Promise of the Father' for which the early disciples were to wait. All followers of Jesus should realize, as truly as the disciples did on that historic day, that their day of Pentecost
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Promises of the Christian Home.
"The promise is unto you, and to your children." ACTS II., 39. "Parent who plantedst in the joy of love, Yet hast not gather'd fruit,--save rankling thorns, Or Sodom's bitter apples,--hast thou read Heaven's promise to the seeker? Thou may'st bring Those o'er whose cradle thou didst watch with pride, And lay them at thy Savior's feet, for lo! His shadow falling on the wayward soul, May give it holy health. And when thou kneel'st Low at the pavement of sweet Mercy's gate, Beseeching for thine erring
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
This is subject enough for volumes. There is scarcely a text in the Bible but what has been perverted by some one confused by the fogs of Babylon. Perhaps you can not find two individuals in the whole of sectism that see "eye to eye" upon the whole truth. To mention all the erroneous teachings of apostates would be almost impossible. However we believe it to be compatible with this work and to the glory of God to mention and refute a few of the false doctrines that have been most effectual in obscuring
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Its Effects.
Among the effects and benefits which in this life accompany and flow from being filled with the Holy Ghost, may be mentioned the following:-- 1. Courage. "Oh, I could not do so and so--I have not the courage," is a reply frequently made by Christian people when asked to undertake some piece of service or other for the Master. The first point to be settled is, "Is that the Master's will for me?" If so, lack of courage is a confession to the lack of the "Fullness of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit-filled
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian?
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

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