Acts - Week 4 (2:22-41)
Acts 2:22-41
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Acts 2:22-41
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Acts 2:22-41 〰️ Acts 2:22-41 〰️
Acts 2:22 picks up where we left off in v21, as Peter’s sermon continues. This passage is textbook preaching of the Gospel; Peter speaks of 1) who Jesus was and what He did (v22-24), 2) why they should believe (v25-36), and 3) what they should do (v37-40). And in v41, we read that “about three thousand people” repented, believed, and “were added to them.”
But it’s not all sunshine and roses, as Peter makes it clear that the Jews “used lawless people to nail him [Jesus] to a cross and kill him.” (v23). But this was not meant to be a condemnation of the Israelites, but a celebration of what Jesus did. Peter goes on to reference Israel’s beloved king from generations past. The Jews deeply loved and respected David as a partriarch of their faith and as someone who wholly loved God. Despite all his sins and brokenness, David is called a man after God’s own heart in 1 Samuel 13:14. So Peter’s quoting of David here was strategic for sharing the good news of Jesus with this particular audience. Peter speaks on Jesus’ descent into Hades. The Father did not abandon Him, but raised Him up as David prophesied in Psalm 16:10.
Peter then turns to the Israelites, telling them that there are multiple witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. We touched on this over Easter, but the Mosaic Law required that multiple witnesses be present for an account to be believed. A man was taken at his word during this time, and multiple credible witnesses (that is, those without a reputation for dishonesty) were accepted as the absolute truth. Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15 outline this law, which all of Israel followed, so it makes sense why Peter makes a point to mention the twelve’s testimonies. He then uses this as a driving point for why they should believe, and points to Jesus as the better David:
“For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies your footstool.’,
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (v34-36).
We then read that it was through these words, by the Spirit’s power, that the people “were pierced to the heart,” (v37) and asked what they should do in response. Peter replied, telling them to repent and be baptized so they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
There is a somewhat common belief that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in God’s people ceased with the original disciples. But here we clearly read of the promise of the Holy Spirit within those who believe— those whom “the Lord our God will call.” (v39). We read that this gift is for the present Israelites, their children (meaning succeeding generations), and all who are far off (Gentiles). Our understanding of this passage is slightly different with hindsight, as we know that the gift of salvation is for all people, not just Israel (Acts 10:9-16, Ephesians 3:1-7).
So, for us today, we can read this passage as a pseudo-blueprint for how we can share the Gospel. Peter’s sermon can be split into three sections: 1) logical appeal, 2) testimony and evidence, and 3) how to respond. As we live our lives and share the saving work of Christ, we can rest in knowing that, ultimately, it is “the Lord our God [who] will call” us to Him. We need only to respond in faith!
Discussion Questions
Could someone read Acts 2:1-21 for us?
What stood out to you from the passage?
Does this passage remind you of another part of Scripture?
Do you have any questions?
What claims does Peter make of Jesus in this passage?
How were these significant to the original audience, and how are they significant to us today?
What does it mean that the people were “pierced to the heart” in v37?
Why is conviction an essential part of genuine repentance?
What chain of events do we see for those coming to faith in v37-39?
What does this promise us, 2000+ years later?