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Where in Jerusalem Were the Disciples... 77

With this understanding we can now see a great wealth of meaning in these few words of
Scripture.

The arrival of YEHOVAH’s spirit took place some time before nine in the morning (see
verse 15), just long enough for it to be “noised abroad” (2:6 -- KJV), and for an enormous crowd to
gather. There would be ample time for this between the morning services and nine o’clock.

If we closely read the record of verses 1-14 it will be clearly seen that the events contained
therein happened all in one and the same locality -- for there is no change of location. Wherever the
disciples were when they began to speak in other (heteros -- different) languages, and where the as-
tonished multitude assembled and listened to the first Gospel address ever preached “with the Holy
Ghost come down from heaven,” that was the very same place where the YEHOVAH’s holy spirit
came upon them.

Regarding the phrase “Now when this was noised abroad,” it should be realized that this is
not to be taken as meaning a rumor of this tremendous event was spread abroad because the verb
rendered “noised abroad” in the KJV is never used in the sense of a rumor. The truth is that the
sound like a mighty wind was heard by the entire city of Jerusalem! All the devout Jews in the city
would, upon hearing this supernatural sound, rush to the Temple. In this connection the force of the
words of Acts 2:2 should be specially noted: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a
rushing mighty wind (or Breath) and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”

This awe-inspiring event was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, who wrote –

A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that rendereth
recompense to His enemies. Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came
she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as
soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children (Isaiah 66:6-8).

The subject of this passage is the birth of another nation. Zion is represented as being in tra-
vail, and as bringing forth children. It is quite clear, therefore, that the “nation” here mentioned by
the prophet is that “holy nation” of which Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:9 -- a nation composed of all who
have been “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God” (1:23-25).

And beyond all question the “one day” foretold here is that great day of Pentecost, which
was the birthday of that marvelous “nation,” the like of which had never been seen in the world be-
fore.

The predicted “noise from the city” is, of course, the “sound from heaven as of a rushing
mighty wind” that we have just discussed. And the predicted “Voice from the temple” was fulfilled
when “Peter standing up with the eleven lifted up his voice, and said unto them” -- (verse 14). When
they all spoke in different languages, under the influence of YEHOVAH’s holy spirit, proclaiming
the wonderful truth of the resurrection of the Messiah from the dead, then was a nation “born at
once.”

The Berean Voice March-April 2003