Jesus is the Message - Acts 2:14-41
On Sunday, Pastor Michael preached on Acts 2:14-41, showing us that all who turn from their sin and trust in Jesus will be saved. To help us understand the passage, Michael walked us through three questions: What just happened? What does it mean? What should we do?
The passage describes Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. After the disciples miraculously spoke of God’s mighty works in a variety of languages, reaching the multitude of Jews before them in their own tongues, some mocked. Rather than attribute the miracle to the Holy Spirit, they claimed that the disciples were drunk with wine. It was after this that Peter spoke to the people. He explained from Scripture how the Lord had fulfilled prophecy that day, he shared the gospel, and he called the people to repentance.
What just happened? The miraculous event witnessed by the multitude was not the result of drunkenness. Rather, as Peter explained, this was in fulfillment of a prophecy uttered through the prophet Joel (see Joel 2:28-32). The Lord had poured out His Spirit upon people. The last days had begun, and we continue to live in the last days until Christ comes again. The promise stands that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (see Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32).
What does this mean? In his sermon, Peter shared the gospel with his listeners. According to the plan and foreknowledge of God, Jesus was delivered up and killed by the Jews (see Acts 2:23). God raised Him from the dead, just as David described in Psalm 16:8-11. Peter quoted this psalm and explained that David was not speaking of himself, but of the resurrection of the Christ. Peter also quoted Psalm 110:1, where David spoke of the ascended Lord who would sit at the right hand of the Father. Peter spoke boldly to the Jews. The same Jesus whom they crucified is both Lord and Christ.
What should we do? Many who heard Peter’s sermon were deeply convicted of their sin. They asked him what they should do. Acts 2:38-39 says (ESV),
"And Peter said to them, '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. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'"
This promise still stands today. The only way to receive God’s forgiveness is to repent. Repentance is a change of mind in which one comes to love the Lord and hate sin, which opposes Him. Repentance involves a sense of remorse over one’s own sin and a desire to walk in loving obedience to God. This is not the natural posture of the sinful human heart, but the Lord grants this repentance to those whom He calls.
The concept of repentance cannot be separated from that of faith. One cannot love God without embracing Christ as Lord. Likewise, one who is repentant of his or her sin will trust in Christ as Savior from the wrath he or she would deserve. As it has been said before, repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin.
Baptism, on the other hand, is not required for salvation, but it plays a very important role in the life of a believer. Through baptism, Christians publicly profess their faith in Christ and are visibly incorporated into His church. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. As such, people are to be baptized after placing their faith in Christ, rather than before. This is the pattern of the New Testament.
In this passage, we read of great news: Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved (see Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32). Let’s dwell on the glory of Jesus and call others to trust in Him.
Resources:
The Many Benefits of Sharing Jesus — Joe M. Allen III
6 Tips for Sharing Christ with Skeptics — Daniel Dewitt
Reflection Questions:
How does Peter’s boldness encourage or challenge you?
What is a proper motivation for sharing the gospel? What motivates you?
How might you call a friend or neighbor to repentance?
Listen to the Sermon: