Gospel series 1

 

The Gospel according to Peter.

Acts 2:23-42   - please read the verses before reading my summary.

Peter’s audience were Jews from many parts of the world. The people were astounded that locals could describe the wonderful works of God in many languages. Indeed it was the power of the Holy Spirit indicating that the Gospel was not restricted to the Hebrew language or the Jewish people.

Verse 23  - Peter then focuses the attention of the people on Jesus. Many of these people had seen Jesus crucified. Peter says God had a bigger and better plan. The life of Jesus was verified as God directed, by many signs and wonders.

God used even the combined rejection of Him by Jews and Gentiles to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 2 and Isaiah 53. God has the habit of turning bad situations into good outcomes  -- the death of Jesus of Nazareth becoming the means of human salvation and God’s final glory.

Peter  emphasises that this seeming disaster has been overcome by Jesus rising from among the dead, never to die again.

1       God raised Him from the dead – He was sinless

2       God foretold His resurrection in Psalm 16

3       God had a plan for David’s promised heir

4       God established witnesses of the living Lord Jesus

5       God has exalted Jesus to the place of highest honour

6       God has verified the Old Testament scriptures, as fulfilled in Jesus the Christ

7       God has established Jesus forever as :

       LORD – superior to all, greater than the prophets, greater than Moses, Lord over all people!

        Messiah – Christ- anointed to fulfill the great plans of God

 

Now the question of relevance – for three years the crowds had listened to and admired Jesus of Nazareth. Now their indolence became guilt and they must either receive or reject Him.

Peter issues the command “ Repent and be baptised in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Peter gives no options  - the  only way to be on right terms with God was total commitment to the risen Jesus Christ..

    And so it was that many took the humble place of repentance (I was wrong, God was right) and rested their hope for forgiveness and future purpose in Jesus Christ the Lord.  It created peace, togetherness, prayerfulness. But most of all the focus of the disciples was Jesus who before He died took some bread, broke it and said “do this in remembrance of Me”.

Their devotion was no longer to the temple, to Moses, to the law .It was to the living Lord Jesus Christ.

 

From this day forward, things would be different.

 

Peter’s third recorded message is to the Gentiles – stay tuned.