Acts - The Sermon Part 1

Last week Jay introduced you to the reason we have people who are speaking other languages, it was to help all those visitors in Jerusalem understand that Jesus is the expected Messiah, the son of David.

Now, there is an interesting detail that will catch the readers attention

Only if you are Jewish or an Israelite though…

Acts 2:14, “But Peter, standing with the eleven, raise his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Judeans (Jews) and all who live in Jerusalem, listen…” Acts 2:22, “Men of Israel, listen…”

There are two things to consider here:

Peter is addressing Judeans, Jerusalemites, and Israelites…

You might think, ‘Yeah, and…’

Well, it is a big deal.

The Judean’s and Jerusalemites have been divided from Israelites for more than 500 years.

If you remember from a few weeks ago, there were people in town from all over the region

All spoke different languages and dialects

He is addressing the tribes, all the brothers, as a unified group!

It is the first move to bring the family together

All through Messiah Jesus

Thus, you need to speak different languages to get this sermon out!

I want you to notice something…The disciples are given the ability to speak in different languages

The people are NOT required to learn the language of Judea

More on that later…

Let’s take a look at how Peter understands Jesus and his mission:

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man having been shown from God to you by powers and wonders and signs which God did through him in your midst. As you yourselves know, this one, by the purpose and foreknowledge of God, was given up, having been taken by the hands of lawless men, having been fastened, y’all killed. He whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. Acts 2:22-24

Containing myself is so difficult… :-)

Like what?

How about power, wonders, and signs that God did THROUGH him…

How about the ‘Jews, Jerusalemites, Israelites,’ to whom Peter is speaking, are labeled as the ones who ‘killed Jesus?’

Do you realize how many Jews have been killed because of that idea?

You know, something interesting happens when you KEEP READING!

These same people to whom Peter is speaking repent, are baptized, and become followers of Jesus!

How about the idea that some hold that Jesus did not go to the place of the dead (Sheol/Hades)?

Then how did he escape it, using a picture of bursting from the belly of death?

But, I am not going to spend a bunch of time there…

For David says concerning [Jesus], “I set Yahweh as my opposite always, because of my right hand (Yahweh), I shall not stagger. Therefore, my heart was glad, and my glory rejoiced. Also, my flesh will settle with trust. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol. You will not give your covenant loyal loving kindness to see a a pit. You will make me know life’s way. Your presence is a satiating joy. An enduring pleasure at your right hand.” Acts 2:25-28

I want you to imagine hearing this opening message in your own language.

Glad heart

Rejoicing

Your body settled with trust

The presence of God is a fulfilling joy

An enduring pleasure

Acts 2 is powerful because the movement is outward, toward the hearer the gift bends toward the listener The divine action honors the other’s world The message reaches to where they are

What if we participated in the wonder of Acts 2?

What if we could communicate with humility, attentiveness, and such love that one could say…

“Somehow, in this moment… I was heard… I could hear…”

Acts - The Sermon Part 1