The Church is Born
Acts 2:14-41 … Peter explained what the miracle of tongues meant and preached his first sermon. First, he gave Scriptural proof regarding the Pentecost experience. He presented an introduction, vv. 14-16 Peter recited his
message text, vv. 17-21 The people in this crowd knew the Scriptures and they just experienced something like the text prophesied. Peter’s text was Joel 2:28-32. The key verse in the passage is 21—”whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” He was setting them up for the Holy Spirit. Second, Peter gave Scriptural proof regarding Jesus Christ as Messiah. He spoke of His ministry, death and resurrection, vv. 22-24 He first established their guilt—“you … know”. He told the paradox of God’s plan in rejection. He affirmed God’s resurrection after crucifixion. He employed the resurrection to argue He is Messiah, vv. 25-31 He argued from Scripture—“For David says”. Peter made it clear the prophecy is not of David. He declared the prophecy is about Jesus. He maintained exultation proves Jesus is Messiah, vv. 32-36 Jesus resurrected and then ascended to be exalted. You crucified Him; God made Him Lord. And verse 36 makes it clear that Jesus Christ is Lord. Peter used apologetic logic to reel them in as they bit the hook, i.e. fishers of men. Third, Peter gave an invitation seeking a response by the crowd, vv. 37-41 When the people expressed conviction: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”, Peter gave invitation to repent and be baptized. The word “for” in verse 38 has the idea of based on forgiveness rather than to gain forgiveness. They responded, 3,000 of them! A powerful beginning to the Church of Jesus Christ!
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
