Peter Preaches

Listen

The section between 14a and 21, could be very important if you are struggling with what just happened. Crucifixion and resurrection. In that section Peter demands that the Israelites listen to him. The day of Pentecost has come upon them and there is so much that is causing people to wonder and suggest away the miracles. So, Peter takes a moment and uses the prophet Joel's words to remind them of what the Bible says will happen. Don’t we at times need a reminder that the Bible says what it says? Right?

So then he ,Peter, goes on to preach. Acts 2:22 (NRSV)

22 “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— Acts 2:23–24 (NRSV)

23 this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24 But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.

Notice that Peter tells the people listening that God knew ahead of time that they were going to crucify His Son, and even more than that, that it was His plan. Remember that Jesus said, John 19:11 (NRSV)

11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” Doesn’t this tell you that if the Father did not plan this crucifixion, this would have been a moment when the Father could have chosen to not grant such authority. Peter uses a couple of Psalms here, quotes from David, concerning the promises that Jesus was resting on. Acts 2:25–26 (NRSV)

25 For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;

26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. Acts 2:27–28 (NRSV)

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption.

28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

Hope, we talked about this just the other day, hope and faith can be exchangeable; interchangeable. Can we have faith without hope, or hope without faith? No, David had hope in the Lord not abandoning him to Hades, and it was because of his faith.

Peter then hammers the message home, Acts 2:29 (NRSV)

29 “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. What does Peter mean by this? David declares in his Psalms that his body would not see decay. These words, by David, go beyond his own life’s experience to declare a belief. Peter is applying this to Jesus, God’s greater son.

Acts 2:30–32 (NRSV)

30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,

‘He was not abandoned to Hades,

nor did his flesh experience corruption.’

32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.

So, what should we glean from the experience of Peter’s sermon? 1. Salvation is written into your life, if you want to examine your salvation, examine your life.

2. We should have hope, not in ourselves but in the words of God. If you need a boost today, listen to the words of God, and believe.

Remember, often times we look to these disciples and prophets as though they are more capable than we are, but remember that Peter denied Christ three times before Christ died; even while Jesus was still with Him. How could Peter be stronger now than he was then? The helper.

If you want to be a Christian, and one with power to move mountains, receive the helper.