Acts 2:1- 38
Tuesday, 4 January 2022
“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.” -Acts 2:38
Today we read of Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost, the first recorded Christian sermon which was remarkable in many ways. At the arrest of Jesus, Peter denied his Lord (Matthew 26:33-75), but now he is standing strong and speaking with boldness and authority. The Holy Spirit had empowered Peter to an extent that he became a completely changed person. A coward Peter became a bold Peter and the Holy Spirit enabled him to speak a sermon which launched the first church and added 3000 souls with a single sermon. What a powerful sermon it would have been!
Though Jesus’ last commandment is to go, preach and make disciples (Matthew 28:19 -20), many believers are perplexed not knowing what to speak and how to speak. Let Peter’s sermon be an encouragement for all who have the strong desire to proclaim the truth to the lost world.
Peter did not preach religion, a religious system or even a creed, but he preached a living Person, the Person who is God’s own Son and the work which He accomplished for guilty men and women. In addition to the gospel message, Peter clearly announced about the end time and the steps to be taken by each person for their salvation. Let’s see the main points of Peter’s sermon in terms of what God has done in His Son for the salvation of men and women.
He preached Christ’s incarnation, V22 – His incarnation was intended to give a Savior to the mankind. Without Incarnation, Christ could not really die, and the cross is meaningless. Praise the Lord for that moment in which “the Word became flesh.”
He preached Christ’s crucifixion, V23 – His crucifixion is not His weakness but God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge. It was a substitute for the ungodly. The death of Jesus is a triumph against sin, which had hindered the entrance into heaven.
He preached Christ’s resurrection, V24 & 32 – His resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer. Peter showed that it was predicted in the Old Testament, Vs.25-28. It validates who Jesus claimed to be – the Son of God and Messiah. His resurrection proves that God has the power to raise us from the dead. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Christ will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life.
He preached Christ’s ascension, V33 – His glorious ascension signifies the completion of His work on earth. Our Lord Jesus gave us a hope by promising that “when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3)
He preached Christ’s exaltation, Vs.33 & 36 – What a triumphant conclusion this was to a great sermon! Thank God we proclaim a living and glorious Lord. Only the Lord Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.
Acts 2:37 says: ‘Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter replies in three simple steps:
Repent – turn away from your sinful way of life to God’s way.
Be Baptized – in water and bury your old self.
Receive the Holy Spirit – as Jesus promised and to live a holy life.
The Gospel has the powerful truths of God that can bring Salvation to all who respond! 1 Cor.1:18 reminds us: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Think on: Today Peter’s message is preached to you! Would you respond to the powerful truths, and receive the word?