Day 219 of 365 · Week 32 · The Proverbs of Solomon
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Peter’s Sermon and the Response
Acts 2:14-41
Scripture · Acts 2:14-41
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day! 16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord. 21And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 22Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. 23He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. 24But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip. 25David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope, 27because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. 28You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’ 29Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. 33Exalted, then, 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. 34For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand 35until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!” 37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.” 41Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter stands up and delivers a powerful sermon, explaining the significance of what has just happened and calling the people to repentance and faith in Jesus. The response is overwhelming, as thousands are added to the Church that day.
Exegesis and Study
Peter’s Bold Proclamation: Peter’s sermon at Pentecost is a bold declaration of the gospel, rooted in Scripture and centered on the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus Christ. He explains that the events of Pentecost are the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and that Jesus, whom the people had crucified, is both Lord and Messiah. This message cuts to the heart of the listeners, leading them to ask, “What shall we do?”
Call to Repentance and Baptism: Peter’s call to repentance, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Spirit is the beginning of the Church’s evangelistic mission. The promise of the Holy Spirit is extended to all who repent and believe, signaling the inclusive nature of God’s salvation. The fact that about 3,000 people were added to the Church that day demonstrates the power of the gospel to transform lives.
Practical Application
Sharing the Gospel with Boldness: Peter’s sermon at Pentecost serves as a model for sharing the gospel with clarity and boldness. We are called to proclaim the truth about Jesus, even in the face of opposition or misunderstanding. Practically, this means being prepared to share our faith at any moment, trusting the Holy Spirit to give us the words to speak and the courage to speak them.
Repentance as a Way of Life: Peter’s call to repentance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing posture of the heart. As believers, we are continually called to turn away from sin and turn toward God, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us more and more into the image of Christ. This involves a daily commitment to self- examination, confession, and renewal in the power of the Spirit.
Prayer Guide
Pray for Boldness in Evangelism: Ask God to give you the same boldness that Peter had in proclaiming the gospel. Pray for opportunities to share your faith with others and for the wisdom and courage to speak the truth in love.
Pray for a Repentant Heart: Reflect on the importance of repentance in your walk with God. Pray for a heart that is quick to repent and open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, continually turning away from sin and toward God’s will.
Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche. A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.