Peter addresses the crowd
The
Passage: Acts 2:14-39
Structure:
A. 2:14-21, I will pour out my Spirit
B. 2:22-24,
Jesus which you crucified – God raised Him up,
C. 2:25-28,
Prophecy of David
D. 2:29-31,
Descendant of the throne
E. 2:32,
God raised this Jesus
D’. 2:33,
Exalted to the right hand of God
C’. 2:34-35,
Prophecy of David
B’. 2:36, God
has made Him both Lord and Messiah, Jesus which you crucified
A’. 2:37-39,
you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
Historical
and geographical context: This is the second part of the larger story (ch. 2). We need not need to discuss context at
length. Just a short reminder – everything happened in Jerusalem, but NOT at
the Temple.
Theology:
The role of St.
Peter – Note that St. Peter being reinstalled into the ministry (John 21) after
his denial plays a very active role at the starting point of the church
development. He “speaks” in an official capacity more than anybody. His address
toward 120 led to the election and ordination of St. Matthias. He speaks to the
crowds at the Day of Pentecost. He shares the Gospel in a such a way that the
sick is restored (ch. 3). He defends the faith in resurrected Jesus in front of
the Great Gathering (Sanhedrin). Not surprisingly, people sometimes see him as
the head of the church. Yet, we need to remember that it is Jesus who is the
head of the body, which is the Church (Col. 1:18) and he had to be corrected by
St. Paul on a number of issues (cp. Gal. 2:11-16). Also, what Jesus promised to
St. Peter (Matt. 16:19) is given to the apostles (Jn. 20:22-23).
Usage of the
Scripture in Peter’s sermon. The sermon as we have it is not everything what
St. Peter said (cp. 2:40). Out of what we have about a half is dedicated to the
Scriptural passages. He simply states the facts of Scriptures from Joel
(2:28-32a) and Psalms (16:8-11; 110:1) and lets the Holy Spirit do the job of
convincing the hears of men (AC V).
Presence of
the Son (Second person of the Trinity) in the OT history. Seeing how St. Peter
build his sermon, note that he takes the words of king David as speaking about
Theophany of the Son (esp. v.25 – Ps. 16:8). Jesus is the incarnation of the
Son who is the creator (Col. 1:15-16) and the God who speaks and acts within
the period of OT history.
The mystery
of salvation – on one hand we are promised that “everyone who calls on the name
of the LORD shall be saved” (v. 21). On the other we know that people come to
church, get baptized, even confirmed, and yet fall away. What we need to say is
that God in Christ has reconciled world to Himself (2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 1:20).
Salvation is available for everyone regardless of nationality, sex, or social
status. It is complete by the Cross and there is nothing people can add to it.
But they can reject the message, neglect the means of grace, and – as a result
of continual push back of the Lord’s pursuits – fall away.
Other
themes:
No comments:
Post a Comment