Peter's Sermon At Pentecost Series

ACTS 2:14-18

PETER'S SERMON AT PENTECOST

[1 Peter 1:10-20 / Matthew 24:29-30]

Careless, scoffing comments prompted the first Christian sermon. Some of the people who heard the exuberant praise of the Spirit-filled believers asked, “What does this mean?” But not all. Others mocked, saying, “They are full of new wine.” That got Peter’s attention. The criticism was out of line and Peter wanted those who had made it to know how absurd it was. Not the best topic paragraph for an opening of a sermon! And yet, it started Peter preaching about what really happened. Once he started, Peter was caught up by the Spirit’s power. [Another miracle Pentecost produced is the miracle of preaching. Ogilvie, L. J., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Acts (Vol. 28, p. 68). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.]

This miraculous gushing forth of the Spirit was designed to awaken them all to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and to join themselves in faith to Him and His church (CIT). In His message Peter explains the significance of each person being able to understand the apostles in their own language (Acts 2:6) and that it is the fulfilling of the scripture, and the fruit of Christ’s resurrection and ascension[, and consequently the proof of both]. Then in the power of the Spirit’s coming Peter proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ (in verses 22-36).

I. A SIGN EXPLAINED, 14-15.

II. A SCRIPTURE FULFILLED, 16-20

III. A SOLICITATION /INVITATION PROCLAIMED, 21.

The outpouring of the Spirit in Jerusalem on Pentecost was being misunderstood. It was a sign that needed to be explained, and the restored, empowered and anointed Peter was up to the opportunity as verses 14 & 15 reveal. “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. [15] For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

The first hour was calculated from the time of sunrise, around 6:00 a.m., which makes the third hour about 9:00 a.m. [The third hour was the time of prayer in the outer court of the temple.] It was customary to fast on feast days until at least the fourth hour. Thus the alleged drunkenness was most unlikely. It was far too early for them to have had any opportunity to drink to excess.

II. A SCRIPTURE FULFILLED, 16-20.

Peter next explains the phenomena of the multiplicity of the languages being heard which resulted in such a large gathering being drawn around the disciples. The outpouring the Holy Spirit had produced the prophetic praise which the crowds had observed. This forth-telling by believers was exactly what the prophet Joel had predicted would occur. Peter proclaims the prophetic importance of this phenomena in verse 16. “But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:”

The incredible expositor Peter who had quoted from the Psalms in Acts 1 would now quote from Joel in Acts 2 for his next message. This fisherman became a scholar by hanging out with Jesus. If you want to be one whom the Lord uses, be like Peter. Hang out or walk with Jesus, and inevitably, you will get a firm grasp on the Word because Jesus will have a firm grasp on you. [Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 623). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.]

Having established the Scriptural basis for what was happening, Peter went on to utilize and exemplify the very gift that was being given starting in verse 17. “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;

[The quotation is from the Greek Old Testament text of the prophet Joel 2:28–32.] Peter’s use [addition] of the words “in the last days” (Isa. 2:2; Hos. 3:5; Mic. 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1; 1 Pet. 1:20; 1 John 2:18) makes explicit that Joel is referring to the last times promised by God. These days are ushered in by the Messiah (Isa. 2:2) who fulfilled all preparatory provisions for the initialing of the final age of God’s kingdom on earth. Peter therefore interprets Joel’s words as referring to the new covenant in contrast to the former days of the old covenant (Heb. 8:7; 9:1). These last days began with Jesus’ first advent and will end with his second.

In Joel, God’s full and final restoration of His people involves inner transformation by His Spirit (Joel 2:28–29). The solemnity and importance of the prophecy is emphasized by the adding of “God declares” at the quotation’s beginning. For Peter, what Joel said is what God said. It is God who “will pour out My Spirit.” The pouring out of God’s Spirit contrasts the mere drops of all the preceding era or covenant. God’s plan is that there would be a more plentiful and extensive gushing forth of the Spirit of Grace from on high than had ever yet been. The prophets of the Old Testament had been filled with the Holy Spirit, and it was said of the people of Israel that God gave them His good Spirit to instruct them (Neh. 9:20). But now the Spirit will be poured out, not only upon the Jews, but “upon all flesh,” Gentiles as well as Jews, though Peter himself did not yet fully understand it (11:17).