Acts 1&2 Notes

Here are some of my thoughts from just reading through the passage:
1. In Acts 1:3 I wanted to point out the theme of the number 40. This number is used throughout the Bible, so I thought that its presence even here was very interesting. Does anyone have any idea to the importance behind the number forty and why it is repeated so often in the text?
2. Acts 1:7-8 brings up the idea that there are some things that mankind is not supposed to know about God's plan. We will never know the time, but should trust in the Holy Spirit and act as witnesses to to world so that we may share what He has done.
3. Acts 2:2 marks a turning point. The Holy Spirit comes upon them and works a change in them.
4. Acts 2:6 This shows the power of the Spirit. He brings many men together and unites them under one banner. Even to the point that men of different tongues can understand one another.
5. Acts 1:26 Matthias is chosen through very careful prayer, and seeking of God's will. (Ditto what Ashley said).
6. Acts 1:10-11 Are the two white robed men angels? Prophecy of the second coming? Jesus coming back the way He left?
7. Acts 2:11 This made me think of how we use our gifts. Without questions, without hesitation these men were using their gifts to glorify Christ. I think often today we hesitate and do not have that immediate reaction of wanting to share about God's greatness and His mighty works.
8. Acts 2:28 (And proceeding verses) Notice the giant change there has been in Peter now that the Holy Spirit is upon him. He used to deny Christ and get upset over Jesus questioning his love (John 21), and things like that but here he is quoting scriptures. He has grown up a lot spiritually.
9. Acts 1:14 The New Testament church sure had a devotion to prayer. This appears to be the first real big difference between the church today and the church then. They gathered together and DEVOTED themselves to prayer.
10. Acts 2:12-13 Contrasting views are present in these verses. There are always going to be two different views of boldness in Christ's name. There will be those that the Spirit moves to believe you and support your view, but there will also be those who think ill of you. (Amazed/Perplexed, vs. thinking you are a drunkard).
11. Acts 2:22 Defines this early church as witnesses of Jesus raised from the tomb. We too are witnesses of a sort. We witness God's power every day in our lives. His strength sustains us in hard times. We too could identify ourselves as witnesses to the wonderful and mighty power of God, our Creator.
12. What exactly is meant by chapter 2 verse 36?
13. Acts 2:38-19 These verses present a promise. We are promised the Holy Spirit. All who are called children of God are promised the Spirit, so that includes us. This is a promise that relates to our own lives. How have we received the Spirit. How have we seen the Spirit working in our lives?
14. 2:41 3,000 souls added. What rapid growth for the church then. How fast is the church spreading the news today? Are we as bold at proclaiming truth that numbers this large come to know Him in such a short time?
15. 2:42 Once again it is repeated that these people devoted themselves to prayer. The repetition surely emphasizes the idea of devotion to prayer, and therefore highlights its importance.
16. 2:43 "Awe came upon every soul" when was the last time you just stood in awe of Christ. I think often the fast pace of the society around us discourages us from thinking about how wonderful the God we serve is. If we simply took time each day to stank in awe of Him, and just empty ourselves of ourselves, and fill our minds with thoughts only of Him. When I read this phrase it struck me how little time we spend simply with out souls in awe of God. This I think is another big difference between the church today and the church then.
17. 2:44 "They had all things in common" when they gathered together as a people in awe of Christ they were united. This is unity at its finest. They had ALL things in common. When the members of the Church are completely focused on Christ our desires become more in line with Christ's desires. So therefore when those "senses are well atuned" then we become alike in what we wish for. UNITY!!
18. 2:45 They were selfless and sharing. No longer tied to the world, but storing up their treasure in heaven rather than on Earth.
19. 2:46 "Glad and generous hearts" This gladness can only mean Joy. Joy and contentment which can only be found in Christ. Their hearts were generous. How great of an example is this?!?
20. 2:47 The key here is that they were praising God. True praise. No focus on self, only Him, the one who truly matters!

Sorry that the first bit of this is out of order, but I was doing in the car. I just got home recently, and I found that my Ipad had mixed them up. It is so late/early that I decided it would be more valuable to simply finish them and type them up than try to sort through them. I'll have to do my devotional on these chapters later, but here are the notes from my read through of the chapter at least. Love you guys. Man Acts is convicting. :) These were too long to post in the comments so here you are.