Acts Part 10

In Acts 2:22, Peter explained that Jesus had been exalted to the right hand of God and had received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father. Jesus had then poured out the Spirit, which the people could now see and hear manifested among the disciples.

Peter next quoted Psalm 110:1, 

"The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.'”

David had not ascended into heaven, so Peter showed that this passage referred to someone greater than David. Jesus Himself had used this same Scripture when speaking with the Pharisees in Matthew 22:41-46. He asked how David could call the Christ “Lord” if the Christ was merely his son. The Pharisees could not answer Him.

Peter used this prophecy to demonstrate that Jesus was the promised Christ and the Lord who had been exalted to God’s right hand. He concluded his sermon with a direct and powerful statement in verse 36. 

“Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 

Peter made the significance of Jesus’ death clear to his listeners. The One they had crucified was the very Lord and Christ promised in Scripture.

When the people heard Peter’s words, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other Apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” They had heard the truth about Jesus Christ and understood the significance of what had happened. Their response showed that Peter’s message had reached them, and they wanted to know what they needed to do. Peter then gave an answer that establishes the essential steps of repentance and baptism.

Peter answered, 

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 

The Greek word for repent is metanoeō, meaning to change one’s mind or purpose. Repentance involves turning away from sin, thinking differently, and changing the direction of one’s life.

Peter then instructed them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism involves full immersion in water. The Greek word baptizō (G907) means to submerge or immerse, literally to dip under.

Being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is essential to this process. Acts 19:1-7 provides another example. Paul encountered disciples who had received John’s baptism but had not understood the full significance of baptism in Jesus’ name. After Paul explained that John had pointed people toward Christ, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and received the Holy Spirit when Paul laid hands on them.

Baptism is for the remission of sins, meaning the forgiveness and full pardon of sin. Sin is missing the mark, and God’s law defines that mark. 1 John 3:4 explains, 

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”

These are key elements in the baptism counseling process. A person must consider whether they have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, relying on His name for the remission of sins. It is also necessary to accept Jesus Christ’s leadership over one’s life and to present that life as a spiritual sacrifice to God and Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20).

The laying on of hands is also part of the process through which a person receives the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. The Spirit goes from an external guiding force to an internal transformative power (John 14:17).  

Peter explained that the promise of the Holy Spirit was for those listening, their children, and those who were far off, as many as the Lord God would call. The promise and calling or invitation extend to the children of those who respond to God’s calling. This can also apply to grandchildren or other family members of one who responds to God’s invitation. The promise was not limited to the people gathered in Jerusalem that day. It extended to those whom God would call in the future.

Peter’s sermon began by explaining the miraculous events of Pentecost, but it ultimately pointed the people toward Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

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.