On the day of Pentecost, St Peter shared the gospel and 3000 Jews believed. Only a short message comprising of 23 verses from Acts 2:14 to 2:36 and the listeners were cut to the heart. This first sermon of Peter clearly demonstrated the power of God in the gospel for salvation to everyone who believes. What are the essential facts in this gospel sermon ? Four major facts could be gleaned from it.
- That Jesus Is Both God And Man.
In Acts 2:22, Peter attested to the fact that the Jewish listeners had seen or known all the miracles, wonders and signs of Jesus, whom God worked through Him, when He came as a man among them. And in Acts 2:34-36, fully aware that the Jews were familiar with OT Scripture, Peter mentioned that King David proclaimed the Messiah to be equal to God by quoting from Psalms. And he ended the sermon by declaring that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.
- That Jesus Died On The Cross According To God’s Sovereign Plan.
In Acts 2:23, Peter said that Jesus was handed over by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge and was put to death by nailing Him to the cross with the help of wicked men.
- That God Raised Jesus On The Third Day.
From Acts 2:24 to 33, Peter quoted Psalms 16 and explained that King David was speaking of the Resurrection of the Messiah whose body would not see corruption beyond 3 days. And he and the other apostles were witnesses of His Resurrection and Ascension.
- That Jesus Is Now In Heaven And The Holy Spirit Had Come As Promised.
In Acts 2:33, Peter said this,”…exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” The Jews would know of the prophecy of Joel, mentioned in Acts 2:16-21, after the Messiah had come.
