Obediently Preaching Christ

But again, this was a partial fulfillment, not the ultimate.

Now, because Peter quoted it and declared that what they were seeing was what Joel had spoken about, people have assumed that it was the complete fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel.

But again, Peter didn't say it was the fulfillment of the prophecy, this was just the beginning of the outpouring of God's Spirit.

The complete fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy pertains to the End Times and the nation of Israel, when the LORD will restore to them a position of divine favor and blessing, as His firstborn.

Just before the portion of Joel in Acts 2, we read...

Joel 2:27, Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. NKJV

The Church is not Israel, and Israel is not the Church.

Joel 2:30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.

Joel 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.

Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls. NKJV

This portion of the prophecy about Israel is yet to be fulfilled.

IV. Jesus took the pains of death.

Read Acts 2:22-24

As Peter was beginning his sermon, he immediately went to the heart of the matter, and that is Jesus. If Jesus is not preached, the sermon would have been worthless.

Murray Capill said, “We don’t just want to preach true information about Christ;

“We want to present Him to people in the most compelling way we can so that they come to love, praise, trust, and desire to know Him better.” (Murray Capill)

Ultimately, of course, only the Spirit of God can impress the facts of the gospel on people’s hearts in a life-changing way.

Paul said in Colossians 1:28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. NKJV

Notice Peter said Jesus was a Man attested (proven) by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst”.

John 10:25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me.

John 10:26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. NKJV

Then notice Peter said, “Being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God”

Peter knew and proclaimed that Jesus’ death was the plan of God from the beginning of time. This same Peter said…

1 Peter 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,

1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

1 Peter 1:20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you