Jesus Is Lord And Christ! pt 2

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

This week was our grocery shopping week. As always we go through the store gathering the things we need and head up to the checkout. Anyone who has ever gone grocery shopping and stood in line waiting to check out knows that check stands are dangerous. As you innocently stand in line waiting to check out, you glance around and are assaulted by all these tasty candies you don’t really want and definitely don’t need. Trying to maintain your willpower to resist that chocolate bar you glance away and are met by magazines trying to solve all the problems you never knew you had! Or better yet, magazines telling you all about people you don’t know, will probably never meet, and can definitely not relate to! I was reminded as we were shopping that American’s spend far too much time and money peering into the lives of the rich and famous. Can you imagine what a difference it would make if believers dedicated that same amount of time and commitment to knowing Christ?

As I mentioned last week, in Paul states that everything he has ever gained, as far as worldly accomplishments go, is worthless compared to knowing Christ! Paul says The highest honor and greatest gain is knowing Christ! It is as we pursue an intimate knowledge of Christ that we grow in the Christian life. This message that Peter is preaching on the day of Pentecost is all about Jesus Christ! As we study this message today, we are going to learn about Christ.

I want to note again that as Peter preaches this first message he has a definitive goal in mind. He is crafting everything to draw his listeners in and point them to his conclusion. His conclusion is the title of our message today. Jesus is Lord and Christ! To arrive at this conclusion Peter uses a series of quotations from Scripture accompanied by explanations.

ii. Enabled By The Word Of God 2:14-39

As Peter preaches this first message he has a definitive goal in mind. He is crafting everything to draw his listeners in and point them to his conclusion. His conclusion is the title of our message today. Jesus is Lord and Christ! To arrive at this conclusion Peter uses a series of quotations from Scripture accompanied by explanations. It is Peter’s knowledge of the Word of God that enables him to preach this message. For an Israelite, especially devout ones as many in his audience were, these prophecies were well known. For us today, not so much. I want to spend as much time as necessary for us to understand these quotations so that we fully grasp the significance of what Peter is preaching.

Our goal this morning is to arrive at the same conclusion as Peter, Jesus is Lord and Christ!

Knowing who Jesus is fuels life transformation and fruit production.

It is impossible to bring glory to Christ if we are unaware of Who He is.

With goal of gaining a greater understanding of Who Jesus is, join me in studying the Word of God this morning. In Peter’s sermon he points his listeners to two prophesies and a person. He begins with…

1. The Prophecy Of Joel vv. 14-21

Again, Peter’s audience would be familiar with this prophecy. As he connects it to Jesus and the events of Pentecost, everyone would have grasped what he was doing. It takes a little bit more work for us. Peter’s presentation is thought out very well. It is amazing how a common fisherman under the power of the Holy Spirit can put together such a powerful message. This highlights for us yet again that God can and does use anyone who is willing to yield completely to Him. Not word for word transcript of Peter’s sermon?Peter presents Joel’s prophecy by first introducing it and then repeating it. Look with me at…

a. The prophecy introduced vv. 14-16

As Peter begins his sermon his first desire is for Focused attention in v. 14. Peter raises his voice to be sure he is heard above the commotion over what is taking place. This is how you introduce a sermon! You want to get people’s attention. This is also necessary because everyone seems to be talking at once. I love the setup here. The Spirit comes on a feast day that requires Jews to return to Jerusalem. The disciples were commanded by Jesus to wait for the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. When the Spirit comes He enables the disciples to speak in languages they have never studied. This miraculous occurence attracts a crowd. As the crowd ponders what is taking place some mockers accuse the disciples of being drunk. This statement perfectly paves the way for Peter’s sermon! Our God is able to give us ample opportunity to talk of Him! It is our responsibility to be ready when the opportunity is given. Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, is ready. After calling for their attention he follows up with a Flat denial in v. 15.The mocking accusation made in v. 13 is flatly denied and declared to be false by Peter. He declares it to be false on the basis of simple logic. It is very unlikely for them to be drunk at 9:00 am. The assumption they had made was false. It is always dangerous to make assumptions without facts to back them up. Investigate before making statements. Also notice how Peter just mentions this is passing. He is not offering a defense against the accusation. He is using the accusation as a platform from which to preach Christ! This is a great example of taking an insult and making it an opportunity. Many of us would not see being accused of public drunkenness as an opportunity to preach Christ.Opportunities are sometimes presented through opposition. This is why we must be humble and respond carefully to opposition. After getting their attention and denying the accusation, Peter begins to give a Full explanation in v. 16.This is one of the shortest verses in Peter’s sermon, yet it has generated quite a bit of controversy. The controversy surrounds whether Peter is claiming a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy or simply making a comparison to what Joel prophesied. This is one of those passages where our hermeneutics, and the theological framework determined by those hermeneutics, play a major role. Because we hold to a normal (literal), grammatical, historical method of interpretation (or hermeneutic) we here at Grace Church are what is known as dispensationalists. One of the major ideas held by dispensationalists is that we see a clear Biblical distinction between Israel and the Church. This is one of those passages that are affected by this belief. If you believe that the church has replaced Israel, you are most likely going to see this as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. You then must spiritualize or explain away the other elements of his prophecy which are not fulfilled here. However, If you believe that the Church and Israel are distinct, you will most likely understand that Peter is making a comparison. This is not a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy because that prophecy is not for the church! It is for the nation of Israel and will be fulfilled at the end of the tribulation as the Millennial kingdom is being established. You’ll notice that with both positions I used the words “most likely”. That is because there are no set and established positions. Everything is on somewhat of a spectrum. Now, why do we say this is not a fulfillment? What exegetical clues are there in this passage? One of the biggest clues here is that Peter does not use the word “fulfillment”. This is especially noteworthy as we understand that he does use it in Ch. 1. Look back at 1:16. Peter is very clear when speaking of Judas that it is a fulfillment of Scripture. In 2:16 Peter is very careful not to state that. In fact, he seems to go to great lengths to include in his quotation things that were definitely not fulfilled at Pentecost. That’s what we learn as we look at Peter’s quotation. After introducing the prophecy Peter proceeds to repeat it. Look with me now at…

b. The prophecy stated vv. 17-21

The important thing to remember is that Peter is making a comparison not claiming fulfillment. Peter wants his audience to understand that this is what the coming of the Holy Spirit looks like.

There are two similarities between Pentecost and what Joel prophesied. The coming of the Holy Spirit, and calling on the Lord to be Saved.

What God is doing on the Day of Pentecost is similar to what He will do in the Millennial Kingdom. He will pour out His Spirit and there will be prophetic revelations of Him and His will. However, the similarities are not as important as the differences. In addition to His miraculous work in people, Joel reveals God's Miraculous work in creation in vv. 19-20.Here is where Peter goes far beyond the similarities between the two events to demonstrate the differences. I believe he does this in an deliberate effort to ensure Pentecost is not understood as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. There are three realms of God’s miraculous work in creation that Joel prophesies about. First is God’s miraculous work In heaven and on earth in v. 19. Here Peter deliberately goes beyond the scope of what took place at Pentecost to demonstrate that while there are similarities between what took place and Joel’s prophecy, this is not a fulfillment. There were no wonders in heaven and on earth when the Spirit came. While tongues of fire did appear, that was it. There was no blood or smoke. Again, I believe Peter quotes this to demonstrate the differences between the events. Revelation clearly reveals that these things will take place in Revelation. God’s miraculous work will also be seen In the sun and moon in v. 20a.Here is where Joel’s prophecy and Peter’s quotation get very specific. “Turned” is the Greek word μεταστρέφω (metastrepho) meaning change; alter; distort. To turn or become, to undergo a change or development. The sun is going to changed into, turned into darkness. The moon will become blood. Both of these things appear in during the tribulation.

We ended last week by noting that Peter’s quotation of Joel is a set up. He is reminding them of prophecy to set the stage for His declaration of Jesus as the Messiah.

These things did not happen on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit indwelt and then filled the disciples. If we merge Israel and the church and see Pentecost as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, we must spiritualize these events! They clearly didn’t happen at Pentecost. Just as clearly, they are meant as literal events. Understanding Peter’s reference here as a comparison of similar events best deals with these issues. To be fair, there is a third option advanced by some. That is understanding Joel’s prophecy as having a double fulfillment. The problem with double fulfillment is that we then have a prophecy given that has two meanings. Because of that difficulty I am not a fan of viewing any prophecy as having two fulfillments. The third miraculous work done by God in creation is seen In Christ’s return in v. 20b.Both Joel’s prophecy and the book of Revelation present Christ’s second coming taking place after these events. In Joel’s prophecy as quoted by Peter we see Christ’s second coming referred to as the day of the Lord. This is referring to a specific event. Having miraculously intervened in heaven, and on earth, and with the sun and moon, Christ returns to the earth. His return is referred to as “the great and awesome day of the Lord”. I love that description. This is what we are looking forward to! “Great” is the idea of being remarkable or out of the ordinary. Christ’s return will be anything but ordinary, Amen? AMEN! His return will also be “awesome”. This is the Greek word ἐπιφανής (epiphanēs) meaning splendid; glorious. It can also have the idea of being manifest or clearly revealed. Christ’s return will be awesome! It will be splendid and glorious! That moment when Christ is manifest, when our Lord is clearly revealed, that is a moment we long for! It is a moment that is still future. A moment we believe will take place by faith. Until that moment arrives, we have a job to do. The responsibility of believers is the same one given to the Apostles. Go make disciples! Be witness of Jesus Christ to the world beginning right here at home! This responsibility ties into the final part of Joel’s prophecy. Not only will God work miraculously in people and creation. Peter finally presents God’s Miraculous work in salvation in v. 21.This verse marks the second similarity between Joel’s prophecy and the day of Pentecost. When Joel’s prophecy is fulfilled it will mark a change with how God interacts with man. This was true of Pentecost as well. Just as salvation will come in the millennium through calling on the name of the Lord, salvation comes now to all who believe in Christ! There are two parts to this verse. First, Call on the name of the Lord in v. 21a.What does this mean? This word “call” carries with it the idea of a call with submission and deference. It is a recognition of need. We must look at ourselves and recognize that we are insufficient. No matter how good I am I will never bee good enough! No matter how hard I work I can never do enough! Most people believe that after they die their works are loaded up in a big cosmic balance and if they have done enough good deeds to outweigh their bad, they will get into heaven (S). The problem with this picture is that it assumes that we are capable of good works! Apart from Christ the best I can do is nothing better than a filthy rag! If you were to take my works before I knew Christ and put them into the balance the side labeled “good” would be empty (S)! When I call on the name of the Lord I am submitting myself to Him in recognition that I have no righteousness and therefore I need the righteousness of Christ! But what does it mean to call on the name of the Lord? “Name” is the Greek word ὄνομα (onoma) meaning name. A person’s attributes, nature, and very self understood as summarily comprehended in the person’s name. This word refers to the entirety of someone’s being. To call upon the name of the Lord is to believe He is who has revealed Himself to be. It involves submitting ourselves to all that God is. You cannot submit to someone you don’t believe in. Calling on the name of the Lord is an acceptance of our own unrighteousness and a recognition of and belief in all that God is. The one who does this is saved. We call on the name of the Lord and Be saved in v. 21b.Saved is always the idea of deliverance. Context determines what it is that we are to be delivered from. In both Joel’s prophecy and our lives today we are delivered from the wrath of God. Though God is loving and merciful He is also just and holy. His justice and holiness demand that sin be punished. His love and His mercy demanded an escape from that punishment. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, calling out to the Lord in submission to Him, we are delivered from the wrath of God! Those who trust in Christ will never face God’s wrath! Deliverance from the wrath of God is easy. Simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

What does all this have to do with Jesus being Lord and Christ? This is a set up. Peter is reminding his audience of prophecy. He is getting them to associate what the prophets had written hundreds of years in the past with what was taking place in the present. This is something that we are in even more need of today. The Jesus that we serve is the Messiah of prophecy! He has crushed the serpents had as Genesis foretold. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities as Isaiah prophesied. Jesus is the Messiah! Joel said that when the Holy Spirit is given “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”. While Joel’s specific prophecy has not yet come to pass, Peter says that we live in a similar time. The Holy Spirit came to indwell believers on the day of Pentecost. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!If you have not trusted in Christ, you need to understand that He paid the penalty for your sin!

That brings us to the second prophetic quotation Peter makes.

2. The Prophecy Of David vv. 22-35

Peter’s format in presenting the prophecy of Joel and David is similar with one vital difference. While Peter introduces and states both Joel and David’s prophecies, he only interprets David’s. This is another indication that David’s prophecy was fulfilled and could be interpreted from its fulfillment, while Joel’s was not. As with Peter’s quotation of Joel’s prophecy, we first have…

a. The prophecy introduced vv. 22-24

Peter has just declared that this is what the coming of the Holy Spirit looks like. They are not drunk, they are spirit filled! For the Jews this would immediately make them ask, “if the Holy Spirit has come, where is the Messiah?” Peter answers this question with a three-part declaration concerning Jesus. He first discusses…

i. Jesus’ identity v. 22

Men of Israel. This is who Peter is addressing. That is who is present for this miracle and this message. That is who the early church is made up of. Peter commands them to hear his words. Not just listen to them, but to listen with intention. “Words” here is the Greek word logos. In John ch. 1 Jesus is referred to as the Logos of God. Peter commands them to hear a logos about the Divine Logos! Peter wants there to be no misunderstanding and so he is very clear on who he is talking about. Jesus, from Nazareth (called a Nazarene), a man. Peter stresses that Jesus was a man, then in the next breath he declares Him to be more than a man! While Jesus is a man, He is not only a man. He is more than a man because God demonstrated Him to be so. “Attested” is the Greek word ἀποδείκνυμαι (apodeiknymai) meaning proclaim; declare; show forth. To be exhibited, to be or become displayed in a manner accessible to or observable by the public.

Interesting that Peter asks them to hear a logos about the Divine Logos!

Jesus, from Nazareth (called a Nazarene), a man.

Attested – ἀποδείκνυμαι apodeiknymai proclaim; declare; show forth. To be exhibited – to be or become displayed in a manner accessible to or observable by the public. Verb, perfect, passive, substantival participle, singular, accusative, masculine.

This is what John’s Gospel is all about. Presenting Jesus as Divine through the miracles that He performed. How was Jesus displayed? Peter gives us three ways; miracles, wonders, and signs. “Miracles” is the Greek word δύναμις (dynamis) meaning power. A miracle especially understood as the manifestation of great power. A great example of this is in (S).

Mark 4:38–41 NKJV

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

To have the wind and sea obey you, that is power! The disciples ask a perfect question here. Who is this? This is no ordinary man! He commands the wind and sea with authority and they obey!

The creation always obeys the creator.

We could learn a vital lesson from that. “Wonders” is the Greek word τέρας (teras) meaning wonder or marvel. A wondrous event, any amazing or wonderful occurrence. Jesus first miracle is recorded for us in . Let’s just look at vv. 7-10 (S).

John 2:7–10 NKJV

Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

Talk about a wondrous event! The very chemical properties of water were transformed into wine! Both of these examples we just cited could also be included in Peter’s third category. “Signs” is the Greek word σημεῖον (sēmeion) referring to a sign miracle. A marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent. All of Jesus’ miracles are signs of who He is. But some were more definitive than others. (S).

“Signs” is the Greek word σημεῖον (sēmeion) referring to a sign miracle. A marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent. God used displays of power, incredible events, and miraculous and supernatural activity to publicly declare that Jesus was Lord and Christ!

Matthew 12:10–14 NKJV

And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—that they might accuse Him. Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.

God used displays of power, incredible events, and miraculous and supernatural activity to publicly declare that Jesus was Lord and Christ! Peter says that these things were done in their midst and that they were familiar with these occurrences. Jesus fed thousands of people by multiplying small portions of food. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead! This is Jesus’ identity. He is a man, but He is also God. He is the God-man! This Jesus, the man from Nazareth declared to be the Messiah of prophecy through the miracles He performed, had a specific purpose. Peter discusses this by giving us…

Peter says that these things were done in their mids and that they were familiar with these occurences. Jesus fed thousands of people by multiplying small portions of food. He healed the sick, gave sight tot he blind, and raised the dead! This is Jesus’ idetity. He is a man, but He is also God. He is the God-man! This Jesus, the man from Nazareth declared to be the Messiah of prophecy through the miracles He performed, had a specific purpose. Peter discusses this by giving us…

How was Jesus displayed? Miracles – δύναμις dynamis power. Miracle ⇔ power – a miracle especially understood as the manifestation of great power. Noun, instrumental dative, plural, feminine.

Wonders – τέρας teras wonder; marvel. Wondrous event – any amazing or wonderful occurrence; especially used of something seemingly preternatural. Noun, instrumental dative, plural, neuter.

Signs – σημεῖον sēmeion sign; sign miracle. Miracle ⇔ sign – a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent; often with an emphasis on communicating a message. Noun, instrumental dative, plural, neuter.

This is Jesus’ idetity. He is a man, but He is also God. He is the God-man!

ii. Jesus’ intention v. 23

This is an incredible verse. Present here in these few phrases is the sovereignty of God right alongside the responsibility of man. God’s sovereignty is seen in His purpose and foreknowledge concerning Christ, while man’s responsibility is seen in their decision to crucify and put Christ to death! God delivered Christ up, but they crucified Him! “Delivered” is the idea of being given over or surrendered. Jesus, this God-man, was given over to the people by the purpose and foreknowledge of God. God’s purpose here is referred to as the “determined purpose”. “Determined” is the Greek Word ὁρίζω (horizō) meaning appoint; determine; designate. To be planned. To be or become definitely decided and delineated in outcome or nature. The redemption of man accomplished through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a plan put together on the spur of the moment! God is not flying by the seat of His pants keeping His fingers crossed that it will all work out okay! He has a definitively determined plan that is working towards a specific outcome.

Determined – ὁρίζω horizō appoint; determine; designate. To be determined (planned) – to be or become definitely decided and delineated in outcome or nature. Verb, perfect, passive, attributive participle, singular, dative, feminine.

This outcome is His purpose. “Purpose” is the Greek word βουλή (boulē) meaning plan; purpose. Thought-out plan. A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished; especially as the result of intent consideration. God has a definite plan. One that is perfectly thought out and therefore impossible for us to fully grasp. As finite beings we are incapable of fully understanding a perfect plan composed by an infinite God! All we can know of God’s plan is what He has revealed to us in His Word. This determined purpose of God, this perfect plan, has been chosen and enacted through His foreknowledge. “Foreknowledge” is the Greek word πρόγνωσις (prognōsis) meaning foreknowledge. Forethought; planning or plotting in advance of acting. There are a lot of various ideas out there about what foreknowledge is and what role it plays in redemption. In this passage the discussion is not the role of foreknowledge in redemption, it is its role in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Personally, I separate between God’s omniscience and His foreknowledge. Omniscience is God knowing everything. He knows all things past, present, and future. Beyond that, He also knows every possible decision you will ever make. I believe that foreknowledge is God’s consideration of all possible plans and futures and Him choosing which one He will allow to take place. The important thing to remember is that God chose the plan that cost Him the most. This is what Paul says in (S).

Romans 8:32 NKJV

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

God the Father delivered up His Son for us!

That is the plan that He has chosen! This is the greatness of His love! He Sacrificed Christ! Because this has been His plan all along, we have the testimony of concerning Christ (S).

Revelation 13:8 NKJV

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Foreknowledge – πρόγνωσις prognōsis foreknowledge. Forethought – planning or plotting in advance of acting. Noun, instrumental dative, singular, feminine.

Christ is called the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world! He did not spare His own Son! God has sovereignly determined the plan by which He will reconcile sinners to Himself. That plan involved delivering Jesus up to be crucified. The sovereignty of God is seen in His plan. However, Just because this is the plan that God has chosen does not remove the responsibility or culpability of those who crucified Christ! God knowing what would happen and planning the death of Christ does not mean that He caused the death of Christ. Men still chose. The still took Christ, crucified Him, and put Him to death. And they are accountable for those actions. Thomas Constable puts it this way,

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Peter’s proclamation 2:22–36

The ultimate cause of Jesus’ death was God’s plan and foreknowledge, but the secondary cause was the antagonism of godless Jewish and Roman men. Really the sins of every human being put Jesus on the cross.

“Lawless” reflects the reality that the trial of Jesus was actually an illegal trial. The trial being held in the middle of the night and right before the feast violated Jewish laws. It also had an illegal verdict because the Jews were not permitted to put anyone to death. Furthermore, the Roman soldiers were the instruments by which the will of the Jews was carried out and they were men outside the Mosaic Law. In every way, the hands that crucified Jesus and put Him to death were literally lawless. They took Christ and they crucified Him. They nailed Him to a cross. They sentenced Him to a death that was reserved for thieves and murderers! Jesus took Barabbas’ place and was crucified between two thieves. Yet Scripture reveals to us that this is the purpose for which Christ came! Paul tells us that Christ came to save sinners in (S).

1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

This is purpose for which Christ came!

Luke’s gospel records these words of Jesus in (S).

Luke 5:31–32 NKJV

Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. Have you answered the call? Jesus repeatedly stated that He came to do the Father’s will. The determined purpose of God, the plan sovereignty chosen, was for Christ to be crucified and put to death. Peter has presented who Christ is, he has discussed God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, just before he quotes David’s prophecy, he mentions…

Sovereignty and responsibility (choice? accountability?) in 1 verse. God delivered Christ up, but they crucified Him.

iii. Jesus’ resurrection v. 24

The resurrection of Jesus is attributed to all three persons of the trinity at one time or another. Here, God the father is said to have raised Him up. Throughout history there have been many claims that Jesus didn’t really die. From the idea that He just passed out, to the belief that someone took His place, many deny the death of Christ. When we consider verses like this one, their denial of Christ’s literal death makes no sense. If Jesus didn’t die, then God “raising Him up” is impossible. To paraphrase Paul’s argument from , if the dead don’t rise, Christ is not risen, if Christ is not risen we are miserable liars who have no hope. Let me take that a step further. If Christ is not risen we cannot trust the Bible. The unified message of Scripture is that Jesus rose from the dead. If that is not true than the message of the Bible is unreliable. If we cannot trust what it says about Jesus resurrection, how can we trust what is says about Him dying in our place? How can we trust the atonement? How can we trust anything else that Scripture reveals? We can’t! The resurrection is central to the message of the gospel and it is central to the authority of Scripture!

Rather than give arguments for the reality of the resurrection. Peter simply states it as a fact. What we will see next week is that then supports the reality of the resurrection by demonstrating how it fulfills prophecy. The next phrase of this verse states that God loosed the pains of death. In raising Christ up the pains of death have been loosed. “Loosed” is the Greek word λύω (lyō) meaning loose; untie; release. To undo, cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect. Notice very carefully what this verse is and is not saying. It is not that our bodies will not die. It is that the pains of death have been loosed. This is best explain in (S).

In raising Christ up the pains of death have been loosed.

Notice very carefully what this verse is and is not saying. It is not that our bodies will not die. It is that the pains of death have been loosed. This is best explain in (S).

Loosed – λύω lyō loose; untie; release. To undo – to cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect. Verb, aorist, active, instrumental participle, singular, nominative, masculine.

1 Corinthians 15:53–57 NKJV

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The incorruptible and immortal are put on after death. The victory over death is that the death of the body is not final! The sting of death is sin, the strength of sin is the law, but we have victory over these things in Christ! O death where is your sting? It is gone because of the resurrection of Christ!

The pains of death have been loosed in Christ.

As Peter continues he gives us the reason the pains of death have been loosed. It is not possible for death to hold Christ! Death is not strong enough. Death couldn’t hold Him because He is God! I love this expression. “It was not possible.” Jesus is God and as such His power is infinite. Death cannot hold the infinite God captive! Jesus is the resurrection and the life! In Him is life! It is impossible for death to hold the author of life! Having made these shocking statements Peter moves on to David’s prophecy to prove that what he has been saying is supported by Scripture. We will look at that next week.

It is not possible for death to hold Christ! Death is not strong enough. Death couldn’t hold Him because He is God!

Conclusion

Having made these shocking statements Peter moves on to David’s prophecy to prove that what he has been saying is supported by Scripture.

Peter has made three declarations about Jesus Christ. He has declared His identity as both man and divine. He has declared that the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ took place according to the plan and purpose of God. He has declared that Jesus was raised in victory over death. What do these three declarations mean for you and me?

Hebrews tells us that because Jesus was a man He was “in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” This gives us a High Priest who understands our weakness so that when we come to His throne of grace we find mercy and grace to help us (4:15-16)! God’s provision of mercy and grace for our daily lives is directly connected to the humanity of Christ! Yet He is also God. The miracles He performed demonstrate His deity. The deity of Christ ensures that not only is He willing to save, He is able to save!

In v. 23 Peter states that everything Jesus endured was according to the purpose and plan of God. This affirms the sovereignty of God over every aspect of life. What you face in this life is part of the plan and purpose of God. When we depend on Him we will not face overwhelming temptation, we will have joy, contentment, peace, and fulfillment! However, the fact that our lives are under God’s control does not relieve us of responsibility for our actions. Those who crucified Christ were still accountable though it was God’s plan. We can never blame God for our sin. Though it is difficult to reconcile in our minds, we must always affirm the balance between God’s sovereignty and our responsibility.

The resurrection of Christ means that we too will rise. Death is not something for the believer in Jesus Christ to fear. says that all who are Christ’s will be made alive at His coming (vv. 22-23). The ability to live without fear of death enables us to preach Christ with boldness. Philippians tells us that we can know the power of Christ’s resurrection (3:10). The same power that raised Christ is active in you and me.

Because Jesus is the God-man; because everything happens according to the purpose and plan of God; because death has been defeated through the resurrection of Christ; do three things.

Live in victory over sin.

Share Jesus Christ with boldness.

Run your race faithfully until Christ returns.

b. The prophecy stated vv. 25-28

#510 “Jesus Is All The World To Me” (v. 2)

i. God’s present care vv. 25-26

1. God our help v. 25

It is important to remember that Peter is talking about Jesus. Here he directly applies David’s prophecy to Jesus. He states that what David foretold, was about Jesus!

David foresaw that Christ would always be with him preventing any fear.

2. God our hope v. 26

In context, the flesh resting in hope seems to be looking forward to the resurrection of our bodies to receive glorified ones. This hope is based on the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

We rejoice, we utter gladness and rest in hope.

God is with us and will resurrect us.

Peter directly applies this hope to Christ.

ii. God’s future victory vv. 27-28

1. Victory over death v. 27

The Father will not abandon Christ to death. He will not permit His Holy One to see corruption. It is the designation “Holy One” that demonstrates this goes beyond David.

Holy One – ὅσιος hosios holy; pious; righteous. Holy one (person) – a person who is morally pure; though possibly not to the exclusion of ritual purity. Adjective (subject), accusative, singular, masculine.

Only Christ is truly righteous and morally pure.

Victory over dullness v. 28

2. Victory over dullness v. 28

Ways = path or road. Course of conduct.

Presence is literally face.

God makes us to know the way we should go. He gives us the path to follow that will lead us to life. All other paths lead to death.

When we stand in His presence, there will be complete and total joy.

c. The prophecy interpreted vv. 29-36

The fact that the prophecy of David is interpreted while Joel’s is not gives further evidence that this is not a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.

i. The resurrection of Christ vv. 29-32

1. The resurrection unreceived v. 29

The resurrection unreceived v. 29

Brethren = since this is the first day of the church, Peter is not using this as we would among beleivers today. Also, those he is addressing are not yet beleivers. He is addressing fellow Jews! That is why they are called brethren.

Peter’s argument here is that since David is not raised, since his body saw corruption, he cannot be talking about Himself. David has not yet received the resurrection.

2. The resurrection unfolded vv. 30-31

a. In light of the promise v. 30

In light of the promise v. 30

David was a prophet.

This word “prophet” is the same word used of Joel.

God swore His promise to David with an oath. This is not a promise that will be unfulfilled!

According to Peter, David understood that the covenant made with him was for the Messiah to come from his lineage! Yet He also understood that in order to fulfill the promise to crush the serpents head in Genesis, the Messiah had to pay the penalty for sin. The only solution then, was the resurrection. It is also important to remember that David wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

b. In light of the prophecy v. 31

Peter is explaining what Psalm 16 is talking about.

God revealed to David the prophetic reality that Christ would be resurrected. He was not left in hell, His flesh was not corrupted.

3. The resurrection unveiled v. 32

God is again credited with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those listening to Peter preach can know for certain Jesus is raised because the disciples are eyewitnesses! Witnesses is the Greek word from which we get martyr.

ii. The exaltation of Christ vv. 33-36

1. Evidence for exaltation v. 33 (spirit poured out)

Christ received the Spirit from the Father and poured Him out on the disciples.

This outpouring of the Holy Spirit is evidence of Jesus exaltation. He promised to send a comforter and told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Now He has come!

2. Explanation of exaltation vv. 34-35

Peter’s point in v. 34 is that David cannot be talking about himself since he never ascended to heaven. David has not yet received his glorified body. This promise is not for him, it is about Christ!

Quotation of .

3. Expression of exaltation v. 36

How can they know without a doubt? Because they are talking to eyewitnesses!

Eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Conclusion

a. The revelation of His person vv. 36

i. Jesus the crucified v. 36a

ii. The Lord of glory v. 36b

iii. The Christ, the Son of God v. 36c

b. The response to His person vv. 37-39

i. A vital question v. 37

ii. A vivid response v. 38

Repent and be baptized, Holy Spirit comes. Deal with Baptismal regeneration at this point?

esp. v. 17. Baptism is not part of the gospel.

the gospel is the power of God for salvation.

If baptism is not part of the gospel and belief in the gospel is what saves, then baptism is not necessary for salvation.

What must I do to be saved? Believe!

iii. A valuable understanding v. 39

Conclusion

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