Acts 2: 14-41

The Spirit Is For You!

Peter Addresses the Crowd

This “sermon” is the first by one of Jesus’ followers recorded in the bible. It should be of particular interest to those seeking to understand God, as it clearly touches on every important aspect of Christianity. Read and dissect each part of this message, and you will clearly see what the Christian faith is all about. Share with those who need to know. Peter presents these key points:

-Jesus did miracles and was unlike any other person who ever lived (verse 22) "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

-Jesus was a real, historical person. He suffered, died, and was raised from the dead

(verse 23-24) “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

-Jewish prophets made specific prophecies about Jesus before he was born, giving proof that the Bible is God’s Word (verses 16-21-spoken by the prophet Joel, and 25-28-said by David about him).

-Jesus is Lord-Ruler of all, God in human body-the Messiah, the promised Deliver of Israel (verse 36) “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

-Trust in Jesus, not yourself, for salvation (verse 38) Peter replied, “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.”

-God wants to dwell in you through the Holy Spirit (verse 38-39)…"The promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

-The rest of the world is headed for disaster apart from God. Don’t get entangled by its corruption (verse 40) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from the corrupt generation.”

Read/Listen to Acts 2: 14-41 

The First Sermon After Pentecost. Acts 2:14-18, 21-24, 36-41

Today we see our first sermon after the Holy Spirit filled the apostles. Peter is delivering this message of hope, explaining what happened to Jesus,

“But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip…So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”” (Acts 2: 23-24, 34)

I love what happens next! Verse 37 says, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” I’m sure Peter was a good speaker. He chose his words well and probably paused at all the right moments, but what happens next is totally the work of the Holy Spirit.

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. (Acts 2:38,41)”

Can you imagine 3000 people repenting of their sins and accepting Christ after hearing you deliver the gospel message? That could only happen under the power of God. When I read passages like this I feel peace knowing it’s not up to me to save the world, it’s just up to me to do what God calls me to do.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Acts 2:14-18, 21-24, 36-41