What Did They Hear?




Acts 2:14-36
http://www.esvbible.org/Acts2:14-36

In the New Testament narrative Peter’s story is so very compelling. We meet the young fisherman as Jesus invites him to become a follower, a Disciple. Peter accepts that invitation and his life is forever changed. During his three years with Jesus we find Peter to be the impetuous one. He’s the guy who wants to join Jesus on the walking on the water during a storm. He’s the guy who volunteers to build a couple of shelters on the mount of Transfiguration. And he’s the guy who cuts off the ear of a soldier during Jesus’ arrest. Now he’s the guy who delivers a sermon that changes lives. Imagine that moment when all that you had learned during your childhood about the Old Testament suddenly pops into focus because of what you had learned from Jesus. Of course that moment of instant clarity would inspire this epic sermon. Peter is speaking to a largely Jewish crowd apparently and he deftly brings the Old Testament prophecy, King David, and the redeeming work of Jesus together in a brilliant exposition of the faith.

For the Jewish audience to whom he speaks, Peter uses the words of the prophet Joel to explain what is happening to all of them. These people would have accepted the words of Joel without question and knew that these were holy Words. For Peter to connect the arrival of the Holy Spirit with these prophetic words was magnificent and inspired. He then ties the reign of King David with the Kingdom of God that has arrived in the Person of Jesus Christ. Even the crucifixion is tied to God’s purpose and plan. He leans in on the fact that the grave, while it did still hold the body of their great King David, Jesus was already free from the bondage of the grave. He had been resurrected just as King David had prophesied! The perfection of this message cannot be overstated.

Throughout the book of Acts we will witness miracle after miracle. This sermon is certainly one of them. I hope that Peter holds a seminar when we get to heaven because I would love to hear him talk about this moment. This had to be the greatest “ah ha” moment of all time.

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