What people need to know about Jesus (Acts 2:14-40) P4

Introductory information

Jesus had told his disciples and followers to wait for the Holy Spirit before they began preaching

The Holy Spirit just filled the 12 Apostles and other followers of Jesus

They began speaking in the languages of different Jewish groups that were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost

This had just drawn the crowds attention, stirring up various opinions about what was happening

READ

Question to consider as we read:

What do we need to tell people about Jesus?

Acts 2:14–40 (ESV)

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him, “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

EXAMINE

What are some key points in this passage?

Acts 2:15–17 ESV

15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;

Peter brings order and clarifies what is happening

He corrects some in the crowd and explains what is happening to those who are confused

He reminds them of the promises of God

He tells them these promises are being fulfilled right in front of them

Acts 2:22–23 ESV

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

Peter confronts them about their sin and rejection of Jesus

He points out the opportunity that God had given them to see and believe

Acts 2:32–33 ESV

32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

Peter explains who Jesus really is

He points to the things they are currently experiencing as evidence

Jesus is both Savior and King

Acts 2:37–40 ESV

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

Peter explains the need for repentance

Not just agreement or belief - but a change of heart and behavior

Peter is making a clear connection between the reality of Jesus’ identity and the only appropriate response to it: receive and submit

Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

“Jesus Christ never asks anyone to define his position or to understand a creed, but “Who am I to you?” Jesus Christ makes the whole of human destiny depend on a man’s relationship to himself.” - Oswald Chambers

Luke 9:20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

APPLY

[Pose the following questions for group discussion, offering the suggested answers below only if the group has nothing to say or drifts too far off topic]

What are the “big ideas” you see in this passage?

Suggested “big ideas”

The authority (Kingship) of Jesus is an essential element of the gospel message

Following Jesus means receiving Him as the person who sets the rules, boundaries, and values for your life

This necessarily means turning away from following your own path (a.k.a. repentance)

How do these ideas apply in your life?

Suggested application

Repentance and submission to Jesus, must be part of what I tell other people about Him

The authority of Jesus in my life is just as beautiful and life-giving as His love and mercy

What is your next step?

Suggested next step

Submit myself daily to the leading of Jesus as my Lord

Encourage others to do the same

REFLECT

Prayer Point

Pray that God would give us opportunity to share this whole gospel with others

Devotional Question

How might you need to receive the authority of Jesus in your life right now?