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Sermon Introduction

The disciples waited for the promise of the Spirit, and the Spirit came powerfully, which opened the opportunity to proclaim. Peter preached what the Scriptures say about the Christ (Acts 2:1-15). Peter proclaimed to the crowd David’s words from the Psalms pertaining to the resurrection (Acts 2:25-28). Peter would then would announce that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ whom the crowd crucified.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Acts 2:36-41

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified”. 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 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. 39 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”. 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Notes

The disciples waited for the promise of the Spirit, and the Spirit came powerfully, which opened the opportunity to proclaim. Peter preached what the Scriptures say about the Christ (Acts 2:1-15). Peter proclaimed to the crowd David’s words from the Psalms pertaining to the resurrection (Acts 2:25-28). Peter would then would announce that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ whom the crowd crucified.

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36).

1. Repentance and Baptism

   Dread came over the listeners, which led them to ask Peter and the apostles about what they should do. Peter gave a clear and confident reply that they should repent, and then be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; each one would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

   
   37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 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 (Acts 2:37-38).

   Application: The Lord Jesus instructed His disciples to be witnesses concerning His resurrection, which was the fulfillment of Scripture (Luke 24:44-46). He also instructed the disciples to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His name (Luke 24:27). We must follow the directive of the Lord to His disciples, and preach the gospel according to His instructions.
   

2. Holy Spirit

   Peter explained that those who repent and are baptized in water shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which God promised to all whom He called (Acts 2:38-39). The promise of the Spirit was not only for the apostles but to all who repent for the forgiveness of sin.

   39 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” (Acts 2:39).

   Application: Aside from being a witness of the Lord’s death and resurrection, Peter proclaimed repentance. Moreover, he introduced the Holy Spirit to his listeners. Let us also introduce the Holy Spirit as the promise of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit is God who empowers believers in all generations. Moreover, He is our divine companion.

3. Words of Witness

   Peter devoted more time to explain what he witnessed about the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who received his witness were baptized. Of course, it means that they repented of their sins. Three thousand were added to their number that day.

   
   40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls (Acts 2:40-41).

   Application: As Peter devoted more time in explaining what he witnessed about Christ, we should invest time in explaining to others about Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. Moreover, we must urge people to not follow the wickedness in the world.

Highlights of the Chapter

1. When the listeners asked Peter what they should do, Peter replied with repent and be baptized. When people ask us what they should do after they hear the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, our reply must be to repent and be baptized.

2. The Holy Spirit is God’s promise to His first disciples, but the promise was not limited to the disciples of that generation. The Holy Spirit is for all whom the Father called to Himself in all generations and in every place. It is important to note there is no record among the three thousand new believers that they experienced the same sign gifts as Peter and the others.

3. Peter devoted more time in explaining what he witnessed about the Lord Jesus Christ. He urged them to save themselves. It does not mean that they could save themselves without Christ, but it meant that they should repent and be baptized.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What did the people ask Peter after they were pierced to the heart?

2. How did Peter reply to the answer?

3. What did Peter explain about the Holy Spirit?