Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

Acts 2:14-36

Notice the Preacher!

One thing you have to admit is that this is NOT the same man we saw app. 6 weeks ago! What happened?! While Jesus was taken into custody, beaten and waiting in the courtyard of the high priest; Peter is confronted by a servant girl who identified him as one of the disciples. Peter felt ‘bullied’ by a little girl, his Galilean accent gave him away as a disciple of Jesus and he adamantly denied knowing Jesus 3 times even to the point of ‘cursing like a sailor’. As soon as the eyes of Jesus met Peters, the cock crowed and he remembered the words of his Lord, the Lord whom he just denied…and went out to weep bitterly. But now…see the power of God and what He can do with a humble/teachable life upon whom He pours out His Spirit!

Peter is back on track! – [on mission]

Several weeks [6-7] prior to this Peter made the conscious decision to go back to his former profession; “I’m going fishing [John 21:3] and thereby influencing some of the other disciples as they too chose to go back. The time of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection was confusing to them as was their understanding of the kingdom of God. When these times come upon saints it can be very tempting to go back to a life that is predictable, simple, comfortable and safe. But the safest place for any saint is in the will of God. Jesus lovingly confronted Peter. “…Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" [John 21:15]. Three [3] times Jesus asks this question to Peter possibly reminding him of his three [3] denials. To each response Jesus commands Peter to "Feed My sheep.” So now here he is, waiting on the Lord, filled with the Spirit!

Peter is bold!

He stands up and addresses the crowd refutes the mocking charge that ‘they are full of new wine”. Here is takes the lead and uses this occasion to speak the truth in love. The impulsiveness for which he was known for has been honed for redemptive purposes. With no ‘sermon prep’ [no use of commentaries, studies in systematic theology, sermon manuscript and scheduling a future date] etc] he answers on the spot. Peter is clear in his sermon about the Person and work of Christ. He calls sin for what is is…sin. Notice the phrases ‘as you yourselves also know’ confronting them with their full knowledge of the signs and wonder performed by the Lord Jesus Christ. And ‘you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;’ accusing the religious leaders and the mob [some of whom may have been present at Pentecost] of their collaboration with the Roman authorities. And finally with "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Peter message is pointed fully intending to expose their guilt of rejecting the Messiah.

Peter is back in the Scriptures!

Peter is using OT quotes as he addresses the gathering. It would appear that the time between fishing and waiting that Peter spent time prayerfully reflecting on the Word of God. His use of these passages reveals he was familiar specifically with the Prophets and Psalms. Additionally, his use is not casual as he makes a direct connection of their use AND their fulfillment here at Pentecost. This was not an accident! One would have to be very familiar with these portions of Scripture in order to recognize this

The result? He is preaching – teaching and applying God’s Word to his audience!

Additionally, Peter demonstrates to us that the Gospel can be communicated by using the OT. Many of us today are acquainted with John 3:16 or the ‘Romans Road’. That is good! But please don’t overlook how the OT Scriptures can be effectively used to share Christ!

The Point of his Message!

This is a work of God…not man!

Peter again is denying that they are drunk with ‘new wine’ as it is only 9am. They are not under the influence/controlled by wine. Nor was this event orchestrated by man. They are filled with the Holy Spirit. They are controlled by the Holy Spirit. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit with the ability to speak the ‘wonderful works of God’ in a language they had never studied or learned before! This was a miracle.

Joel’ Prophecy

For the most part, Peter’ audience is primarily Jewish [with the exception of proselytes of vs. 10]. By referencing Joel as a prophet, King David as well as OT Scriptures, this would have stood out to his Jewish audience. This does not mean that all Jewish people accepted/obeyed what they taught. It just means that this was their culture and would have far more respect than any other source cited that was not distinctly Jewish.

The phrases ‘in the last days’ [vs. 17] and ‘the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD’ [vs. 20] are prophetic and relate to the end times. This prophecy has been partially fulfilled here at Pentecost and it has both good news and bad news.

The good news; this would be consistent with Jesus’ teaching of the kingdom of God being at hand. For the first time in redemptive history God has poured out His Spirit upon man! Not just anybody and everybody. But upon those who name Christ as their Lord. Notice the references to ‘all flesh, your sons, your daughters, your young men, your old men, My menservants and My maidservants…I will pour out My Spirit in those days’. There may a reference to Gentiles with the phrase ‘all flesh’; it would be feasible in light of Cornelius in Acts 10-11 as the apostles recognized that ‘God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life’.  The references to ‘prophecy, visions and dreams’. This is special revelation in which God is speaking to His people. There is no distinction between age, male and female, class status. This portion of Joel’ prophecy is fulfilled.

The bad news; The Day of the LORD also encompasses the wrath of God. This will be a time when God judges sin and rebellion. Notice vs. 19, 20. The Day of the LORD is dreaded by unrepentant man as it will require of him to give an account to his Creator. Indeed the wages of sin is death. The first advent of Jesus marked the beginning of ‘the last days’. For those living in open rebellion against the LORD, time is NOT a friend. Notice the signs and wonders that will mark this day both in the heavens and the earth.  There is only one hope for mankind to escape such judgment. [1 Timothy 3:1-5 and 2 Peter 3:4)

Heavy emphasis on the Resurrection of Christ!

Peter’ sermon places a heavy emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I count at least seven (7) such references. Important to note that many of us today focus on the death of Jesus on the cross. We often say ‘Jesus died for your sins’. However, a careful reading of the Book of Acts reveals the apostolic message consistently focuses on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps we too should maintain this emphasis when sharing presenting the Gospel!

David’s prophecy.

Peter is quoting and expounding Psalm 16:8-11 and 110:1 to prove his point that Jesus is the Messiah and that He has risen from the dead. Jesus performed miracles to an extent unprecedented. This fact was well known to most in this region. He argues that Jesus was approved by God the Father, that this was part of God’s plan with the phrase "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God’. Peter made the comparison that although King David died and was buried, Jesus died and yet has risen from the grave just as Scripture has foretold. Peter also went further to say that this Jesus has been highly exalted sitting to the right hand of the Father. Jesus is God. God the Son prays to the Father send the Holy Spirit. God the Father sends God the Spirit. Jesus promised this and this is what they now have witnessed as he says… He poured out this which you now see and hear.

Therefore…

In hermeneutics, one interpretive principle is to ask yourself what the therefore…is there for? It causes you to look back at what was just said. So in light of Jesus Christ being the Messiah, the Holy Spirit being poured out on His own, Jesus being raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of the Father… Peter says Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." This realization is terrifying. It was colossal mistake to reject Jesus ‘whom you crucified’.. A mistake that comes with terrible consequences. The most horrific words that any human being will ever hear is ‘depart from Me for I never knew you’. We have to end this portion of the sermon on a dark note because the text demands it. Truly it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. God is that holy and He takes sin seriously. So should we!

There is a ray of hope found in vs. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.' The text is NOT saying that all people will be saved. We know that many have and will continue to reject Christ. That is why Jesus said it is a wide path and many go down that that road. Jesus said to enter the narrow gate. Jesus is that narrow gate and the few that find it never die. Again the reference to ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD’ may be alluding to Gentiles as well as Jewish people who turn to Christ for salvation. The most exciting words anyone will ever hear are ‘Well done thy good and faithful servant’.

Peter will bring his audience to a point where they must respond to this charge. Neutrality is a myth. How will they respond? What does conversion look like? How will this affect the early church in Jerusalem?

Next time in Acts 2:37-47 “Repentance at Pentecost; Genuine Conversion”.