College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Acts 2:14-36
c.
The sermon of Peter. Acts 2:14-36.
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men
THE TOMB OF DAVID
The whole group of buildings is called Neby Daud, which signifies the Sanctuary of the Sepulchre of the Prophet David.
Peter could say in his day: his tomb is with us unto this day. Persons could go to view the place where David was buried. And so today we are shown in the city of Jerusalem these buildings as the tomb of David. Whether or not this tomb does indeed contain the dust of the king of Israel we know that he both died and was buried, but of the one he spoke He is alive forevermore. Only kings and prophets were buried in cities. (1 Kings 2:10; 1 Kings 16:6; 1 Samuel 25:1; 1 Samuel 25:28.)
of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words:
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is but the third hour of the day;
but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:
And it shall be in the last days, saith God,
I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:
Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days
Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.
And I will show wonders in the heaven above,
And signs on the earth beneath;
Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the day of the Lord come,
That great and notable day:
And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know;
him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:
whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
For David saith concerning him,
I beheld the Lord always before my face;
For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
Moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope:
Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades,
Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption.
Thou madest known unto me the ways of life;
Thou shalt make me full of gladness with thy countenance.
Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.
Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;
he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.
For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself,
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.
Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
Acts 2:14-16 Evidently the jeering of the mockers was loud and distinct enough to be heard by the apostles, for we now find Peter standing forth among the twelve and giving answer to their charge. His first words are a bold denial of the accusation and then follows his two-fold reply; These are not drunken, as ye suppose because:
1.
It is only nine o-'clock in the morning; whoever heard of men drunk at this hour on a sacred feast day? The drunken charge could not have been true for it was a strict violation of Jewish law to drink intoxicants on a feast day.
2.
This which ye behold is a fulfillment of prophecy. This is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel. Then he quotes the words of the prophet. We shall notice their import and meaning according to the verses:
Acts 2:17-18 The last days spoken of in these verses must be associated with the context for their meaning. The words of Joel, like those of a number of other prophets have to do with Judah and Jerusalem, hence we can say that the last days have reference to the last days of Judah as a tribe (the term Judah has reference also, at times, to the whole nation of Israel) and to the last days of Jerusalem as a city. The exact fulfillment of these words becomes apparent when we realize that it was only thirty-five or forty years from the day Peter spoke to the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the nation of Israel.
52.
How do the words of Peter concerning the time of day answer the charge of the mockers?
53.
To what period of time do the words, the last days, refer, as used in Acts 2:17?
The pouring forth of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh was potentially accomplished upon the day of Pentecost. It is impossible to claim more than this. The reference to all flesh doubtless contemplated the reception of the Holy Spirit by both Jew and Gentile. To say that all flesh upon this day received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is an absurdity in view of the fact that all present were Jews. How then can it be said that these words of the prophet can here find fulfillment? It seems best to say that because the apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit, they were enabled to carry the gospel to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, and through obedience to the gospel both Jew and Gentile received, as a gift from God, the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). Thus could it be said that all flesh received the Holy Spirit through what occurred on Pentecost.
We next find the promise of prophesying and visions. How can these be connected with the day of Pentecost and the events of that day? The answer is found in realizing that through the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the apostles were given the power that upon whomsoever they laid their hands they could impart to those persons certain spiritual powers called spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). These gifts included prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, etc. The statement in Acts 2:17-18 relative to the prophesying and visions can then be understood as the spiritual gifts imparted by the apostles to the persons named.
This all came about as a result of the Holy Spirit baptism.
54.
How can it be said that upon the day of Pentecost the words of Joel were fulfilled, i.e. the fulfillment of his words: I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh?
55.
When were these last days consummated?
56.
How were the prophesyings and visions connected with the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:19-21 Many and various are the remarks upon these verses. We will not enter the arena of controversy, but will content ourselves by stating that it seems altogether probable that the words of these verses could very well be applied to the day of the Pentecostal feast. Note the expressions and how their fulfillment can be found in the celebration:
1.
I will show wonders in the heavens above, and signs on the earth beneath. then follows the description of the wonders and signs. Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord come, that great and notable day: And it shall be that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
One explanation of Acts 2:19-21 is: The blood and fire, and vapor of smoke, were surely found upon the day of this feast. The blood must have flowed from the altars like rivers, as the thousands of animals were sacrificed. The fire and vapor of smoke ascended from the altars as the same sacrifices were burned. As the great billows of smoke filled the air in Jerusalem the sun was quite literally turned into darkness, being hidden because of the smoke-encumbered atmosphere. The moon viewed through the smoke appeared as the color of blood. All this took place before the preaching of the first gospel sermon; the preaching of this message of redemption made this day of Pentecost the day of the Lord. And then it could be said that Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How this calling upon the name of the Lord took place may best be understood by reading the rest of the chapter.
Peter's answer to the accusation of the drunkenness formed a springboard for the rest of his message. Having shown that the events happening were in fulfillment of the prophet's words, he now continues his message, and immediately brings forward the burden of his inspired utterance. Those who stood before him must have now understood that he and the eleven were indeed inspired, and the message they proclaimed was one from God. There must have been but one question in the mind of every thoughtful Jew: We must indeed confess that these men are speaking under divine leadership, but what is the purpose? What is the reason behind all this? Surely there must be more to this occasion than a mere declaration unto various nations in their various languages -the mighty works of God-'. This question is now answered by the apostle Peter. We might say in our own words that the intent of this divine splendor was to prepare the way for the declaration of Jesus as Christ and Lord.
Acts 2:22-24 These verses contain the theme and proposition of the message. Acts 2:25-36 are but a development and enlargement of the facts stated in Acts 2:22-24. Consider the facts in these verses: Ye men of Israel, hear these words. A preparatory remark which called attention to the importance of what was to follow: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man approved of God by mighty works and wonders and signs, which were performed through the power of God, in their very midst. They who stood before Peter, especially those dwellers in Judea, had witnessed many of the miracles wrought by Jesus, and therefore well knew the words of Peter were the truth. The real purpose of these works, wonders and signs had evidently escaped the perception of those who beheld them, for Peter now gives to those acts of power their full meaning. These things were done that they might believe and know that God's approval was upon this man; that God had singled Him out above others, upon whom to place His sanction and seal. This to the mind of the Jew could be nothing else than a description of the Messiah, or Christ.
57.
Where were the wonders and signs, spoken of in prophecy, fulfilled?
58.
From your open Bible read the 19th and 20th verses and then from memory show how these things were fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, with special note concerning the day of the Lord.
59.
Following the answer of the charge of drunkenness, what natural question would be in the mind of every thinking Jew?
60.
What was the real purpose behind all of this divine splendor?
61.
In which verses do we have the theme and proposition for the message of Peter? What would you say the theme is? The proposition?
Next come the words that struck conviction and intense personal guilt to the hearts of all who heard. That this Nazarene was One who was mighty in word and deed could hardly be denied; but what had happened to Him? Yes, that was the question; and all those on that day knew what had happened. It must have been a much talked of fact, that this Jesus of Nazareth had been crucified outside the city of Zion a few short weeks ago. But none had thought of its terrible import until these words spoken by God's direction fell upon their understanding. Peter now says that God Himself had directed the death of this one, and yet they (the Jews) were personally responsible for the despicable deed. More than this God raised Him from the dead. Such a one could not be held by the bonds of death; through the power of God, He tore away the bonds of death and came forth the triumphant victor over death and the grave. What shocking news, they had crucified the Messiah! And yet God had foreordained it to be so. Still more astounding, He is now raised from the dead.
There were four facts stated by Peter in the opening words of his message: (1) Jesus was approved of God by mighty works, wonders and signs. (2) He was crucified by the Jews, using the lawless hands of the Romans. (3) God had predetermined this. (4) God raised this Holy One from the dead. Of these four facts, the first two needed no proof for they could not be gainsayed; the last two needed further evidence for verification.
Acts 2:25-32 Acts 2:25-32 contain scriptural proof for facts three and four. The easiest way to convince any Jew God had predetermined an event was to refer to the Old Testament scriptures and there show a prophetic word that would apply to the point under dispute.
62.
Why would the words of Peter as found in Acts 2:22-24 strike conviction to the hearts of those that heard?
63.
State from memory in your own words, the four facts that Peter gave in the opening words of his message.
64.
What purpose can be assigned to Acts 2:25-32?
65.
What is the procedure used by Peter in convincing the Jews of points 3 and 4?
This procedure is here used by Peter, The Psalmist David is called in to witness that God had previously determined that a certain person would be raised from the dead. Acts 2:25-27 contain the words of David written prophetically some five hundred to seven hundred years before Christ, In this quotation from this Psalm of David we note in Acts 2:25-26 introductory remarks to the real point of the prophecy contained in Acts 2:27. The first person is here used by David in referring to the Christ, Note his words:
I beheld the Lord always before my face; for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope.
Since the person spoken of is the Christ, we can say that the words of these verses have to do with His pre-existence. While in this state, He beheld the Lord always before His face, for Jehovah was very near to Him, and was His strength. This nearness, and harmony caused His heart to be glad and also resulted in words of rejoicing. Then looking forward to His earthly advent He could say, because of His previous perfect harmony with the Father, that when He became flesh that He could live or dwell in hope. This leads us to the theme of the prophecy; That although the spirit of the Christ would depart from the body, yet it would not remain in the place of the departed spirits, i.e. in Hades; neither would the flesh or body of the Holy One of God see corruption. This is speaking of a resurrection, of a return of the spirit to the body ere the body could decay. Thus were the two facts of the pre-determination of God and the resurrection of the Christ established in one concerted effort.
Peter has yet to make the direct application of this proof to Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 2:28 refers to the fact that the ways of the life of the Christ while on earth were directed by Jehovah. because He thus allowed Himself to be directed, He could look forward to the gladness of beholding His Father's face in glory.
The thought that in this prophecy David was describing a resurrection from the dead was undeniable. The only question remaining in the mind of the Jewish multitude was Of whom speaketh the prophet, of himself, or of some other? Since the Psalmist had used the first person, it was necessary to first show that this prophecy did not refer to David. Of this Peter now speaks: It was a well known fact that David both died and was buried, and his tomb could be witnessed by any interested. So it could never be said the resurrection prophecy found its fulfillment in the prophet. The solution is found in the prophetic office David held; he being a prophet could speak accurately of future events. David knew that God had made a promise to him, and in this promise God had said that from his loins there would come One who would occupy the eternal throne in heaven. He knowing these facts, then spoke as he did in Psalm Sixteen. In this Psalm David spoke of the resurrection of the Christ; that neither was He left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. To what purpose was the resurrection here spoken of? The answer is very evident; because only such a resurrected, glorified being could occupy this promised throne.
66.
Explain in your own words the application of Acts 2:25-26 to the Christ.
67.
Show how the two points, three and four, are established in one concerted effort.
68.
Explain Acts 2:28.
It now begins to be more and more manifest to those listening that it was predicted of the Christ:
(1) He would die. (2) Yet His spirit would not remain in Hades. (3) Nor would His body decay. (4) Furthermore, He was to be raised to sit on the heavenly throne at the right hand of God.
Acts 2:33 The ultimate conclusion has been reached and Peter now enforces the thought that must have been in the mind of every thinking Jew. Jesus had fulfilled every other qualification of the Christ, there only remains the exaltation at the right hand of the Father. This, Peter says of Jesus in no uncertain terms, note:
Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and then in connection with His exalted position and in direct relation to the present circumstances of the day of Pentecost, Peter states that upon being thus enthroned Jesus received the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. The demonstration of the Holy Spirit's action on the day of Pentecost was a result of the sending forth of this promised Comforter by none other than Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ.
The following have a fulfillment in only one person, Jesus of Nazareth, for:
(1) He was crucified. (2) His body did not decay in the tomb. (3) His spirit did not remain in Hades. (4) He is spoken of as raised by God from the dead.
Then indeed this one must be the Christ of God. He now is at the right hand of the Father. This conclusion Peter drives home in these words filled with meaning:
This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Peter had said previously that God had raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:24) but in the intervening verses He tells us why He was raised from the dead. He here gives to us the proof of His resurrection, We know God raised Him from the dead, says Peter, for we all (we apostles) are witnesses of His resurrection.
69.
What relation does Acts 2:29 have to the prophecy of David?
70.
What connection is there between the promise God made to David and the resurrection of the Christ?
71.
Show how what was predicted of the Christ found its fulfillment in Jesus.
Acts 2:34-35 The final word of prophetic proof is found in verses thirty-four and thirty-five. Peter here shows that what he had said of the Christ could never have been said of David, for he never made an ascent into heaven. Further than that, David denied any thought of himself ascending into heaven when he said (in Psalms 110:1) that Jehovah was speaking to David's Lord (which could be none other than the Christ), when He invited Him to sit at His right hand till His enemies were subdued, This word from the Psalmist of the exaltation of the Christ and the evident application of it to the experience of Jesus gives a mighty background and foundation of power, for the words of Peter's climactic conclusion. Hear him:
Acts 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
The impact of these words can hardly be imagined by you and me. The one for whom all the Jews of ages past had longed and prayed had now arrived, only to be crucified by the very ones for whom He came.
Now, shall we rethink Peter's sermon in outline form? Notice:
Introduction of the sermon. Acts 2:14-21. Peter's answer to the drunken charge:
1.
A call to attention as to the import of what is to be said. Acts 2:14.
2.
Peter's first answer based upon the time of the day. Acts 2:15.
3.
Peter's second answer, based upon the fact that the events of the day were happening in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. Acts 2:16-21.
Theme of the sermon:. A demonstration of Jesus as the Christ. Development of the sermon. Acts 2:22-35.
1.
The mighty works, wonders, and signs of Jesus demonstrate God's approval. Acts 2:22.
2.
His death was predetermined by Jehovah and carried out through the lawless hands of the Romans, prompted by the hate of the Jews. Acts 2:23.
3.
God raised Him from the dead. Acts 2:24.
4.
David spoke in great detail of the resurrection and exaltation of the Christ, which finds its fulfillment not in David, but only in Jesus. Acts 2:25-31.
5.
Jesus was raised from the dead. This fact was attested by eyewitnesses. Acts 2:32.
6.
Jesus was exalted for the express purpose of receiving the Holy Spirit. Jesus in this exalted position now gives the Holy Spirit to the apostles in this special manifestation. Acts 2:33.
7.
David spoke of this exaltation in another Psalm (Psalms 110:1) when he himself had not ascended into heaven but referred to his Lord as being asked by the Lord to sit at His right hand till all his enemies were subdued. Acts 2:34.
72.
What connection does the manifestation of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost have with the exaltation of the Christ?
73.
Explain Acts 2:34-35.
74.
Show how Acts 2:34-35 form a background for the thought of Acts 2:36.
Conclusion of the sermon. Acts 2:36. Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, i.e. because:
1.
Jesus was approved of God. Acts 2:22
2.
The prediction of the death of the Christ finds an exact fulfillment in Him. Acts 2:23.
3.
God has raised Him from the dead, even as David said of the Christ. Acts 2:24-28.
4.
More than this, Jesus is now exalted even as David spoke of the Christ. Acts 2:29-31.
5.
We apostles are eye-witnesses of the resurrected Jesus. Acts 2:32.
6.
The out-pouring of the Holy Spirit here on the day of Pentecost, comes from this Jesus because of His exaltation. Acts 2:33.
7.
Finally, David spoke not of himself when he described the Lord (Jehovah), speaking to my Lord (the Christ) asking Him to sit at His right hand till all His enemies were subdued, but rather of the Christ which finds its fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth. Acts 2:34.
We say then, in view of all this, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
75.
Why did the words of Acts 2:36 cause such an impact on those who heard?
76.
From memory give the outline of Peter's message.