Acts Part 09

In Acts 2:14, Peter stood up with the eleven apostles and raised his voice to address the people. He began by refuting the claim that the disciples were drunk, explaining that it was only the third hour of the day, about 9:00 a.m. Peter then explained what the people were witnessing and what it meant.

His sermon drew directly from Scripture, using prophecy to explain the giving of the Holy Spirit and to establish that Jesus was the Lord and Christ. Peter quoted from Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11, and Psalm 110:1. He explained that Jesus had performed miracles, wonders, and signs among the people, that He had been put to death, and that God had raised Him from the dead. Peter concluded with the strong affirmation that God had made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter began in verse 16 by explaining that what the people were witnessing had been spoken of by the prophet Joel. Joel prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit, allowing sons and daughters to prophesy, young men to see visions, and old men to dream dreams. God would pour out His Spirit upon His servants, both men and women. Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32, including the promise that 

“whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The events of Pentecost represented a partial fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. The larger fulfillment is still to come, including the outpouring of God’s Spirit during the Millennium, pictured by the fall Holy Days and the greater spiritual harvest.

The Church is built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Peter demonstrated this foundation by using the Old Testament to explain who Jesus was and what God was accomplishing through Him.

Peter’s quotation of Joel begins by explaining the giving of the Holy Spirit, but it ends with the promise of salvation to those who call on the name of the Lord. This statement introduces the crucial point of Peter’s sermon: the identity of Jesus as Lord. Paul later quotes the same passage in Romans 10:13 to explain that the promise extends to both Jews and Gentiles. Calling on the Lord’s name is connected with repentance and turning to God.

Peter boldly addressed the people, telling them to hear his words. He reminded them that God had attested to Jesus of Nazareth through miracles, wonders, and signs performed among them, events that many had seen or knew about. Although these three terms are related, each emphasizes a different aspect of Christ’s works:

• Miracles: The Greek word dunamis refers to miraculous power, might, or strength. The feeding of five thousand is an example.
• Wonders: The Greek word teras means a wonder or marvel. Jesus calming the storm is an example.
• Signs: The Greek word semeion refers to a sign, indication, mark, or token. The resurrection of Lazarus is an example.

These works demonstrated God's power through Jesus and provided evidence of His identity.

Peter then addressed the responsibility of those who had participated in Jesus’ death. Christ’s death had occurred according to God’s determined purpose and foreknowledge, yet the people had taken Him by lawless hands, crucified Him, and put Him to death. Peter emphasized that God raised Jesus up because it was not possible for death to hold Him.

The resurrection was the greatest confirmation that Jesus had not been left in the grave. Peter returned to Scripture to show that this was what God had foretold through David.

In verse 25, Peter quoted Psalm 16:8-11, which speaks of the Lord being at God’s right hand and of His Holy One not being left in Hades or seeing corruption. Peter explained that this prophecy could not ultimately refer to David himself. David had died and been buried, and his tomb remained among them. David was a prophet who knew that God had sworn an oath to raise up the Christ from the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, to sit on his throne.

David therefore spoke prophetically about the resurrection of Christ. Jesus’ soul was not left in Hades, and His flesh did not see corruption. Peter declared that God had raised Jesus, and the apostles were witnesses of this fact.

Acts of the Apostles is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Darris McNeely. Recordings from the 2022–2023 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.