Lesson Five: Peter's Sermon

Acts 2:22-47

Key Verse

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

— Acts 2:36

Textual Questions Read Acts 2:22-47

Lesson Questions

Read Acts 2:22-47 carefully before answering these questions.

1. List the things the Jews knew and the things they did not know. 2:22-24

2. What would happen to the soul and flesh of the one David spoke of? 2:25-28

3. How did Peter show that David was not speaking of himself? 2:29

4. Of what did Peter say David prophesied? 2:30-31

5. David was used as the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus (2:25-31). Who are the next witnesses? 2:32

6. Where was Jesus? What had He received? What had he done? 2:33

7. What had David not done? What had David said? 2:34-35

8. What was the house of Israel to know assuredly (believe confidently)? 2:36

9. How did they react? What were they told? 2:37-40

10. List the things that resulted from this sermon? 2:41-42

11. What were the people doing? 2:43-47. What was the Lord doing? 2:47

Thought Questions

A. In this first gospel sermon, what did Peter set out to prove? How did he prove it?

B. "Therefore" in 2:30,33,36 introduces conclusions, what conclusions did Peter reach?

C. In Acts 2, there is evidence on earth that Jesus was in heaven, what was that evidence?

D. When the Jews ask the question in 2:37, what did they want to know?

E. How did the inspired apostle Peter answer their question?

F. List things recorded in Acts 2 which happened for the first time.

Supplementary Materials

The Structure of Peter's Sermon Peter's sermon in Acts 2 is the first gospel sermon ever preached. It provides a model for gospel preaching:

Verses	Section	Content
2:14-21	Introduction	Explained the miraculous events as fulfillment of Joel's prophecy
2:22-24	The Facts	Jesus' miracles, death, and resurrection — things they knew
2:25-31	Proof #1	David prophesied the resurrection (Psalm 16:8-11)
2:32	Proof #2	Apostles were eyewitnesses of the resurrection
2:33-35	Proof #3	The outpouring of the Spirit proved Jesus was in heaven; David prophesied Christ's exaltation (Psalm 110:1)
2:36	Conclusion	"God hath made that same Jesus... both Lord and Christ"
2:37	Response	"Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
2:38-40	The Answer	"Repent, and be baptized... for the remission of sins"

The Three "Therefores" of Acts 2 The word "therefore" introduces a conclusion based on preceding evidence. Peter uses this word three times to build his case:

Verse	Evidence Given	Conclusion Reached
2:30	David was a prophet; God swore	David foresaw and spoke of
to raise up Christ to sit on his	Christ's resurrection throne
2:33	Jesus was exalted to God's right	Jesus poured out what they saw
hand; received the promise of the	and heard (the Spirit) Holy Spirit
2:36	All the preceding evidence	Jesus is both Lord and
from prophecy and	Christ! eyewitness

The Response Required: Acts 2:38

When convicted of their sin, the people asked, "What shall we do?" (2:37). Peter's inspired answer in verse 38 is foundational:

"Repent" — A change of mind leading to a change of life; turning from sin to God
"Be baptized every one of you" — Immersion in water; an individual response required of each person
"In the name of Jesus Christ" — By His authority; in obedience to His command
"For the remission of sins" — The purpose: forgiveness of sins (Greek: eis = "unto" or "for the purpose of")
"Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" — The promise given to the obedient

Note: They had already heard the gospel (2:14-36) and believed it (2:37 — "pricked in their heart"). Peter now commands repentance and baptism. About 3,000 obeyed that day (2:41).

The Early Church: Acts 2:42-47

The closing verses of Acts 2 provide a beautiful picture of the first Christians: Practice Description Apostles' doctrine Teaching and instruction from the apostles (2:42) Fellowship Sharing together; partnership in the work (2:42, 44-45) Breaking of bread The Lord's Supper (2:42); also eating together (2:46) Prayers Corporate prayer; communication with God (2:42) Unity "All that believed were together" — one in heart and purpose (2:44) Generosity Selling possessions to help those in need (2:44-45) Temple attendance "Daily with one accord in the temple" (2:46) Joy and simplicity "Gladness and singleness of heart" (2:46) Praising God Worship and gratitude expressed to God (2:47) Favor with people Their lives attracted others to the faith (2:47) Growth "The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (2:47)

Key Cross-References

Reference	Acts Verse	Connection
Psalm 16:8-11	Acts 2:25-28	David's prophecy of the resurrection
2 Sam. 7:12-13	Acts 2:30	God's oath to David about his descendant
Psalm 110:1	Acts 2:34-35	"Sit thou at my right hand"
Mark 16:16	Acts 2:38	Belief and baptism for salvation
1 Cor. 12:13	Acts 2:41, 47	Baptized into one body (the church)

"Firsts" in Acts 2 Acts 2 records many things happening for the first time:

First time the Holy Spirit was poured out as promised
First gospel sermon preached
First time people asked what to do to be saved under the new covenant
First time people were baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ"
First time people were "added" to the church
First time the church is seen functioning as a body
First time "the Lord added to the church"

This is the birthday of the church! Everything before Acts 2 points forward to this day; everything after Acts 2 looks back to it.