SUBJ: The
Gospel message delivered by Peter on the day of Pentecost with the
emphasis on what was occurring in context with the effect to be noted on
both ministry and those who heard it.
AIM: That we
might be the more aware of and be looking to that ministry in our lives
and especially in our witness.
INTR: We
would be careful to note that even in significant events such as
Pentecost that the essentials of the Gospel message remain intact, and
those things are evident in the words of Peter here.
1. We would
first be reminded that this day found the disciples obeying the Lord and
waiting.
2. We would note the manner in which the work of the Spirit
was ushered in (remembering similar events in the Old Testament).
3.
We would further note that, in typical fashion, the witnesses to these
things were looking for an explanation other than what was happening.
Peter simply counters with the Gospel and exalts Christ in the midst.
They really had no explanation for the language issue.
THESIS: The Holy Spirit is eternal and
as such has always been functioning in concert with the Godhead. Here He
becomes the force wherein the visible evidence of the work of God is
brought into view in those who become subject to the Gospel message and
the Lordship of Christ.
I. The events explained (vv. 14-21)
1.
It is typical that men look for a human explanation for divine phenomena
such as creation, crossing the Red Sea and others. They supposed them to
be drunken.
2. The was a matter of prophecy and we note how closely
all is related to the prophecies of old.
1) The quote is almost
verbatim from Joel 2:28-32.
2) There is a mixture of things to be
understood.
3) Consider that the sun was darkened while He was on the
cross.
4) There appears to be an overview that encompassed all until
the day of judgment.
5) Much came to pass during the Apostolic era
and continues to this day.
3. But it is especially to be noted that
"whosoever calleth upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
II.
Sovereignty and salvation (vv. 22-24)
1. We would ever rehearse the
earthly ministry of Christ and Peter does so here.
1) It is important
that we see that Peter called out those who were eyewitnesses to His
ministry, were involved in or complicit in the crucifixion of Christ.
2) They could not deny what they had seen and done.
2. Peter would
confirm two things to them:
1) That the determinate foreknowledge of
God delivered Him up to suffer, to die, and to be resurrected and
exalted. (We consider that all that was done to Him was ordained
before).
2) That YOU have taken and by wicked hands have crucified
and slain - they were fully chargeable in all that was done to Him.
3) For He made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
3. Peter
declared His resurrection to them having loosed the pains of death
because there were no grounds to hold Him.
1) We fully understand the
exacting measure of the justice of God.
2) Peter is declaring that
the reason of death that was upon Him is now gone.
3) And, as the
Lamb of God so are the sins of those who call upon the name of the Lord.
III. The prophecy of David (vv. 25-32)
1. Peter again goes to the
prophecies of old - we do well to stay with what is plainly stated and
stay away from speculation. He quotes form Psalm 16:8-11.
2. The
things read there are most assuring and were, no doubt, an expression of
David's heart under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
1) But it was
the Spirit of Christ in David writing things that would be fully
realized in Christ.
2) The declaration of verse 27 does not lend
itself to anything but that which is witnessed in the death and
resurrection of Christ.
3) David died and was buried, and his body
saw corruption.
4) David saw the resurrection of Christ
IV.
The exaltation of Christ (vv. 32-36)
1. Jesus declared to be risen by
us who have witnessed Him alive (v. 32)
2. Having received the
promise of the Father:
1) See again Joel 2.
2) They were witnesses
to that promise being manifested.
3. Declared to be exalted - the
Lord said unto my Lord is from Psalm 110:1 wherein David testified of
the exaltation of Christ Jesus and therefore it is not David seated
there!
4. He is declared to be both Lord and Christ
V. The
effect on them and us (vv. 37-41)
1. We might immediately think that
this is a wonderful message and impossible to resist.
2. Yet, it
required that they be pricked in their hearts before they reacted:
1)
It was by the work of the Holy Spirit both preaching and brining to life
that enabled understanding and the gravity of what had been said.
2)
It the work of the Spirit to reveal their need and move them to
repentance.
3. They were directed to repentance and baptism because
of that repentance.
4. Three thousand of them gladly received the
word and were baptized.
5. They were the addition of the Lord.
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