An Analysis of Peter's Sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2)
The Day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2, marks a pivotal moment in the history of redemption. Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and ten days after His ascension, the apostles and other disciples were gathered together when suddenly, "there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting" (Acts 2:2). Cloven tongues as of fire sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, beginning to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:3-4). This miraculous outpouring drew a vast multitude from every nation under heaven, who were confounded because every man heard them speak in his own language (Acts 2:5-6). Amidst the amazement and wonder, some mocked, saying, "These men are full of new wine" (Acts 2:13). It was at this crucial juncture that Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and delivered what stands as the inaugural sermon of the Christian church, a Spirit-empowered proclamation that would lay the very foundation for the spread of the Gospel. This sermon, rich in Old Testament prophecy and bold in its declaration of Christ's Lordship, offers a profound model for evangelism and theological truth.
The Context and Peter's Authority
Peter's sermon begins with an immediate refutation of the accusation of drunkenness. He declares, "For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day" (Acts 2:15). With this swift dismissal, he pivots directly to the true explanation of the phenomenon: it is the fulfillment of prophecy. Peter quotes from the prophet Joel, stating, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16). He then recites Joel 2:28-32, emphasizing God's promise to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, leading to visions, dreams, and prophecy, and culminating in the declaration that "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." By linking the present miraculous event to ancient prophecy, Peter establishes divine authority for his message. He positions himself not as a mere man, but as an apostle empowered by the very Spirit now manifested among them, interpreting God's unfolding plan. This immediate connection to the Old Testament Scriptures was crucial for his Jewish audience, grounding the new spiritual reality in the familiar promises of their heritage.
The Proclamation of Jesus Christ
The core of Peter's sermon is an unvarnished proclamation of Jesus of Nazareth, presenting Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Peter systematically builds his case, moving from Jesus' life to His death, resurrection, and ultimate exaltation.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Peter highlights Jesus' divine attestation through His public ministry, emphasizing that God Himself bore witness to Jesus through the supernatural works performed. He then addresses the crucifixion, a stumbling block for many Jews, with stark honesty:
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
This verse masterfully balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God's eternal plan included Christ's sacrifice, yet the perpetrators were fully accountable for their "wicked hands."
The sermon then pivots to its central, triumphant truth: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter declares:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
He bolsters this claim with prophetic evidence from the Psalms, quoting Psalms 16:8-11. Peter meticulously explains that David, the author of the Psalm, could not have been speaking of himself, for his sepulchre was still among them (Acts 2:29). Instead, David, "being a prophet," spoke "of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption" (Acts 2:31). This powerful argument demonstrates Jesus' unique fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Peter then adds undeniable eyewitness testimony: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses" (Acts 2:32).
Following the resurrection, Peter proclaims Jesus' Ascension and Exaltation. He explains that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they were witnessing was a direct result of Christ's glorification:
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
He further cites Psalms 110:1 – "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool" – arguing that David was not speaking of himself, but of one greater, the Messiah, who would be enthroned at God's right hand (Acts 2:34-35).
Peter brings his Christological argument to its forceful, undeniable conclusion:
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
This declaration is the crescendo of the sermon, presenting Jesus not merely as a prophet or a good man, but as the sovereign Lord and the promised Messiah whom they, the very audience, had rejected and crucified.
The Call to Repentance and Salvation
The impact of Peter's Spirit-anointed words was immediate and profound. The crowd was "pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37), deeply convicted by their sin of crucifying the Messiah. Their response was a desperate cry: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter's answer was clear, direct, and foundational to the Gospel message:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This verse outlines the essential steps for salvation and discipleship:
- Repentance: A change of mind leading to a change of direction, turning away from sin and toward God.
- Baptism: A public identification with Jesus Christ, symbolizing cleansing and new life.
- Remission of sins: The forgiveness and removal of guilt, made possible through Christ's atoning work.
- The gift of the Holy Ghost: The indwelling presence of the Spirit, promised to all believers, empowering them for a new life.
Peter emphasizes the universal scope of this promise: "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39). This extended the hope of salvation beyond the immediate Jewish audience to future generations and even to Gentiles ("all that are afar off"), foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel. He concluded with a final urgent exhortation, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40), urging them to separate from the unbelief and wickedness of their time.
The Immediate Impact and Legacy
The power of Peter's sermon, empowered by the Holy Spirit, bore astonishing fruit. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). This single sermon marked the birth of the Christian church, a dramatic and undeniable demonstration of God's power. These new believers immediately devoted themselves to the core practices of the nascent community:
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Peter's sermon serves as a timeless model for Gospel proclamation:
Conclusion
Peter's sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2 is a masterpiece of Spirit-filled evangelism. It is Biblically grounded, Christ-centered, and powerfully convicting. From refuting accusations to unfolding ancient prophecies and boldly declaring Jesus as both Lord and Christ, Peter presented an irrefutable case for the Gospel. The sermon's immediate result—the conversion of three thousand souls—attests to its divine origin and power. It stands as a foundational text for understanding the early church's message and mission, providing a clear example for believers throughout history on how to faithfully and effectively proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need of salvation. The clarity, courage, and conviction displayed by Peter, a man once timid, now emboldened by the Holy Spirit, underscore the transformative power available to all who yield to God's calling and proclaim His truth.