The explanation of the signs of Pentecost.
Recall what those sensible signs had been. We may not think that the sound of the wind was still heard, and it seems hardly likely that the tongues of flame continued to rest on the heads of the disciples. But the ability to speak in foreign languages was the sign that chiefly arrested the people's attention, and this may have continued throughout the day. Some of the audience had, no doubt, also seen the "tongues of flame." St. Peter here makes three distinct points.
I. GOD HAS EXALTED JESUS OF NAZARETH. This Jesus, to whom he had been so distinctly referring. Here is an advance to a conclusion from the facts which the apostles witnessed. They declared the facts of resurrection and ascension. St. Peter now says—Admit the facts, and what follows? Surely this: God has acknowledged, accepted, and exalted Jesus, so affirming his Messiahship, and entrusting him with Lordship in the new spiritual kingdom (Acts 2:35). In no sublime way could the Divine attestation of Jesus have been given.
II. GOD HAS FULFILLED THE PROMISES MADE THROUGH CHRIST. Give, from the closing chapters of St. John's Gospel, the promises of the Spirit as Teacher and Comforter. The truth of our Savior rested on the fulfillment of those assurances. Peter bids the people see, in Pentecostal signs, the fulfillment of both the general promise of the Spirit given through ancient prophets, and the special and precise promises of the Holy Ghost given through the Lord Jesus.
III. SHOW THE GIFT OF THE SPIRIT IS THE FINAL SEAL OF CHRIST'S CLAIM. He is given because Jesus is glorified. As exalted, as entrusted with holy authority and power, the Lord Jesus has "shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." The Spirit witnesses to Christ, and especially to his present claim, as Lord, to the allegiance of every heart, the surrender of every will, and the obedience of every life.—R.T.