Parallels between Acts
and the Old Testament
Nicole Fujino
Shavuot / Pentecost
Old Testament
Acts 2
Feast of "Weeks"
Feast of "Pentecost"
• Celebrated 7 weeks (50
days!) after Passover
(Lev 23:15-16)
• Celebrated 50 days after
Passover (2:1)
• Wheat Harvest (23:17)
• Commemorates the
giving of the Torah (from
God to Moses) on Mount
Sinai (Exod 19:20)
• Marks the giving of the
Holy Spirit from God to
Jesus' disciples (2:4)
• Now more commonly
known for this newer
Christian reference.
Importance?
• Jews:
Torah/Law is
considered one of the
most important gifts
from God.
• Christians:
Holy Spirit is
considered one of the
most important gifts
from God.
Peter Refers to Joel
Joel 2:28-32
Acts 2:17-21
28 Then afterward I will pour
out my spirit on all flesh…
30 I will show portents in the
heavens and on earth,
blood and fire and
columns of smoke…
31 The sun shall be turned
to darkness, and the
moon to blood, before the
great and terrible day of
the Lord comes…
17 In the last days it will be,
God declares, that I will
pour out my Spirit upon all
flesh…
19 And I will show portents in
the heaven above and the
signs on earth below, blood,
and fire, and smoky mist…
20 The sun shall be turned to
darkness and the moon to
blood before the coming on
the Lord’s great and
glorious day…
Peter Alludes to David
Psalm 16:8-11
Acts 2:25-28
8 I keep the Lord always before
me; because he is at my right
hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and
my soul rejoices; and my body
also rests secure.
10 For you do not give me up to
Sheol, or let your faithful one
see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life. In
your presence there is fullness
of joy; in your right hand are
pleasures forevermore.
25… I saw the Lord always before
me, for he is my right hand so
that I will not be shaken.
26 therefore my heart was glad,
and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover, my flesh will live in
hope.
27 For you will not abandon my
soul to Hades, or let your Holy
One experience corruption.
28 You have made known to me
the ways of life; you will make
me full of gladness with your
presence.
Importance of Peter’s Speech?
Urges listeners to accept Jesus as the Christ.
Promises the Holy Spirit and forgiveness to those
“far and far away”
Similar to Isaiah 57:19 "Peace, peace, to the far
and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal
them."