The Pilgrim Path---Acts 2: 14—35

PETER’S SERMON at PENTECOST / Part ONE

Please get your Bible, and consider these thoughts on the Apostle Peter’s Sermon at the great episode of Pentecost in Acts chapter two:

---verse 14---Peter stand with the other apostles: an explanation is needed for the “marvel” of Gospel proclamation---and telling of the mighty works of God---in every language assembled.

---verse 15---People “are not drunk”---“it is too early in the morning”---But it happens to be the “dawn” of the Spirit’s coming in great power!

---verse 16---Prophecy is being fulfilled---this is what Peter wants his hearers to understand: The very text of the Old Testament is “coming to life” right before their eyes! The Prophet Joel is seeing dramatic fulfillment in their day!

---verse 17---Ponder it: “the outpouring of the Holy Spirit”---just as spoken of by the Prophet Joel---upon all flesh---upon your sons and daughters---upon young men and old men!

---verse 18---Prophesying by male and female servants---as the Spirit descends…

---verse 19---Particular wonders in the heavens above---and on the earth below---blood, fire, vapor of smoke…

---verse 20---Perilous darkness---the moon to blood? *** There are “signs” in nature in verses 19 and 20---that did not occur at Pentecost---that no doubt---will occur before the Day of Judgment (see Second Peter---“the day of the LORD, the great and magnificent day”).

---verse 21---Promise most glorious: Everyone calling ---running to the LORD Jesus Christ will be redeemed---they will be saved eternally! Thanks be to God!

---verse 22---Ponder this: Jesus of Nazareth was “attested” by God---by mighty works and signs!

---verse 23---Planned: ALL that happened regarding Jesus of Nazareth---All of it---Was put in place by the LORD God Almighty---But you hearers---YOU---crucified Him---and killed Him by the hands of lawless men…

---verse 24---Powerless---Powerless! DEATH could not “hold” Jesus! God raised Him Up!

---verse 25---Prophetically: This amazing Jesus Christ “was” seen by King David,

Verses 25—28 of Acts chapter Two--- are from Psalm 16: 8—11, below:

I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;

Therefore, my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.

For you will not abandon my soul to Hades or let your Holy One see corruption.

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.

---verse 29---Precious Brothers---Patriarch David died---his tomb is with us until today…

---verse 30---Prophetically---King David knew that God swore to one of his own---that He would sit upon his throne---everlastingly (Second Samuel 7).

---verse 31---Peering through time---King David “saw” the Christ “raised” from the dead---never seeing corruption in the flesh…

---verse 32---Personally---“We apostles profess and declare to you, this Jesus---God has raised from the Dead!” My ---my, what a change. These men are not afraid anymore. Empowered and emboldened by the Holy Spirit.

---verse 33---Promoted by the Father to His right Hand (The LORD Jesus)---the Very Promise of the Spirit---is what “you see and hear this day!”

---verses 34 & 35---Patriarch David did not ascend to heaven, but he declares,

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

*** A descendant of David’s would be his LORD---and He would be---both God and Man---this person is Jesus Christ our Savior---whom Peter declares---and “offers” at Pentecost. Do YOU know Him?

From Simon Kistemaker: As long as Jesus was not yet glorified, the Holy spirit would not come, for Jesus Himself was the divine presence in their midst (John 7: 39). But when Jesus was glorified, he breathed on them the Holy Spirit in anticipation of Pentecost. In the interim between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost, they experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence. With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the church assumed its own identity separate from Judaism. In harmony with Jesus’ command to the apostles to begin in Jerusalem, Peter proclaimed Christ’s gospel first in the holy city. Later he preached the Good News in Samaria and Caesarea, and in these places the Holy Spirit was poured out. The result has been that from its inception Christ’s church is a universal church, for every Christian confesses these words:

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy catholic (universal) church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting. Amen.

THE APOSTLES' CREED

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason