We, The Church: Acts 2:22-36: The Messiah is Here and We Can Prove It!

Introduction

Peter’s discussion with the critics is often seen as a sermon. However, it is far less than a sermon as we would describe it in today’s terms. Rather, it is an apology against the misunderstanding and criticism of those who were skeptical to the movings of God, through the Holy Spirit. Peter, as an eye-witness, seeks to clarify the misunderstanding of those who are blind to the work of God through Jesus Christ.

Peter uses two techniques in his apology—two techniques we will be wise to implement in our own testimony concerning Jesus Christ:

Prophetic fulfillment and biblical authority—Acts 2:14-21.

Experiential credibility (Acts 2:32, c.f. Acts 1:8)

Notice, how these two are perfectly in harmony with one another and there is no confusion between the two. That is, the prophetic utterances are fulfilled by the personal experience. By Peter’s example, this is the apostolic method of interpreting Scripture.

It is when the contextual, prophetic message is fulfilled with some modern-day event or encounter. Now, it is important to note the advantage of the New Testament church. Much of their writings were prescriptive and not descriptive. Much of our writing is descriptive and not prescriptive. This, you can tell by observing the distinct differences within the Old and New Testament. They are night and day from each other. Therefore, we are not, as much as they, looking to have that which was spoken fulfilled. Rather, we are simply seeking to understand how to live in that which has been done for us through Jesus Christ.

4 Actions God Take

Premise: We have received the Holy Spirit, because Jesus rose from the dead.

God endorsed Jesus (Acts 2:22).

Jesus prearranged or determined a plan for Jesus (Acts 2:23).

God released, raised, and brought Jesus back to life (Acts 2:24, 32).

God made Jesus Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

Peter’s Use of Scripture

Joel 2:28–32, c.f. Acts 2:16-21

Claim: The Pentecostal experience is actually a reality—the fact that God has poured out His Spirit in the last days of the age.

Psalm 16:8–11, c.f. Acts 2:25-28

Claim: The resurrection proves that Jesus is the descendant that sits on the throne of David (Acts 2:25-31).

Psalm 110:1, c.f. Acts 2:34

Claim: God honored Jesus by resurrecting Him (Acts 2:32-35).

What Does This Mean?

Peter has already demonstrated that the last days had arrived. This was the point of the earlier part of the message. However, he wants to reveal why these are the last days. And his answer is the Messiah has been resurrected.

If the king has arrived, this means the end of oppression has arrived and Israel is released to be the light she was always intended to be.

God’s restoration and deliverance effort was satisfied through Jesus Christ.

God’s publicly shamed the oppressors of Israel through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Colossians 2:15 “15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”

Mercy: What does this mean to us: We are a part of the kingdom of God and we benefit from the restoration of God’s people (Romans 11:25-36).