Study 5. Acts 2:14-42

 3. Peter says that the babble of languages is a sign of something greater than drunkenness. What does the sign demonstrate (see 2:15-21)? 

God's work. Fulfillment of prophecy of the Spirit's outpouring, and the opportunity for salvation.

 

4. Next Peter recounts the key facts of Jesus’ life (see 2:22-24). 

a. How could the Jews have known that Jesus was a special person sent by God (see 2:22)? 

 'mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst'

b. How did Israel respond to Jesus (see 2:23)? 

'you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men'. The teachers of the Law had acted contrary to the Law in causing Jesus to be killed by Gentiles.

'delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God' cf. Acts 4:28 -  a powerful affirmation that God's permissive/decretive will is often fulfilled through the breaking of His revealed/prescriptive/preceptive will.

 

c. What was the crucial event of Jesus’ career, and what did it prove (see 2:24,36)? (Notice that the word 'therefore' in 2:36 points to the conclusion of Peter’s reasoning in 2:22-36.) 

The Resurrection confirms His identity as Lord and Christ.

Now exalted, and having received from the Father 'the promise of the Spirit', Jesus now pours out the Spirit in this dramatic way.

 

For Thought and Discussion: Peter addresses his first sermon to Jews (see Acts 2:5,14,22). Why is this important for us to remember (recall 1:8)? 

The gospel is offered first to Jews in Jerusalem.

Those who crucified their Messiah are graciously given the chance to make amends for their action.

 

For Thought and Discussion: The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to proclaim the gospel. Are you empowered and equipped for evangelism? If so, how can you use that power? If not, should you be equipped, and how can you be equipped? 

 1:8 tells us about the necessity of power from the Spirit. We too, need the Spirit's power operating in and through us. This brings us to last week's discussion on the necessity of being continually filled with the Spirit.

Optional Application: Is 2:22-24 a helpful framework for your evangelism? Could you explain these facts to someone who didn’t know the gospel? If not, how can you become able to do so?

The way the Gospel is presented should change according to the audience. In this case Peter presented it to those who were directly involved in Jesus' death. cf. Paul in Athens (Acts 17:22ff)

The power, death and Resurrection of Christ remains a central feature, unchanging.

5. How did the Resurrection prove that Jesus is … 

Christ (see 2:25-33)?  David had prophesied that the Christ would be raised. 'it was not possible' that He not be raised.

Lord (see 2:34-35)?  Resturrection was followed by ascension to the Father's place of favour, with authority over enemies and to pour out the Spirit.

 

6. According to Peter, what does Jesus have to do with the miraculous speaking the Jews have heard (see 2:16,33)? 

God (= Jesus) has poured out His Spirit as promised. 

 

7. Hearing all this, the Jews are “cut to the heart” (2:37). Why would Peter’s message (see 2:22-24,36) affect a Jewish audience like this?

• He had quoted the OT Scriptures 3 OT passages (Joel 2:28-32, Ps 16:8-11 and Ps 110:1) are cited. This provided a foundation to interpret the events of Pentecost.
• He had accused them of going against the clear evidence of Jesus' Messiahship (v.22-23)
• He had claimed that Jesus had risen from the dead (v.24)
• He had referred to the miraculous sign of tongues (v.33)
  

The gist of Peter's message:

1. Repent

2. Be baptized for forgiveness of sins

3. Receive the Spirit

4. Be saved from this 'crooked generation'

There is both a free offer of salvation ('for you and for all who are far off')

 as well as overarching Divine sovereignty ('everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself')