The Power Of Peter’s First Sermon Series

THE POWER OF PETER’S FIRST SERMON

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 2:14-41

Key Verse: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 10:19-20; Luke 24:49; John 16:7-8; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

INTRODUCTION:

The sermon Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost was no ordinary message; it was a divine outpouring of truth empowered by the Holy Spirit. Just days earlier, Peter had denied Jesus three times out of fear. Yet after being filled with the Holy Spirit, this same Peter stood boldly before a great multitude and proclaimed the gospel with power and authority.

This transformation shows that true preaching power does not come from human eloquence or intellectual preparation, but from the infilling of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit speaks through a vessel, His words carry conviction that no human argument can resist.

The church today must return to the pattern of Spirit-filled preaching—messages that are birthed in prayer, saturated with Scripture, and delivered under divine anointing. Only then can the Word bring repentance, revival, and salvation as it did on the Day of Pentecost.

1. PETER SPOKE UNDER DIVINE INSPIRATION

Peter’s message was not rehearsed or intellectually crafted; it flowed from divine inspiration and empowerment.

a) Boldness from the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:13)

The same Peter who once feared men became fearless because the Spirit emboldened him to speak for Christ. Spirit-filled preaching produces holy courage.

b) The Word Was Inspired, Not Just Spoken (2 Timothy 3:16)

The Scriptures Peter quoted were inspired, showing that true messages must align with God’s Word and be led by His Spirit.

c) God Speaks Through Yielded Vessels (Matthew 10:19-20)

Jesus promised that the Spirit would give utterance to those who yield. Peter’s sermon fulfilled this promise as the Spirit took over his tongue.

d) The Message Was Christ-Centred (Acts 2:22-24)

Peter exalted Christ; His death, resurrection, and lordship. Spirit-inspired preaching always lifts up Jesus.

Biblical Example: Moses spoke under divine inspiration before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1-2). God’s words in his mouth carried divine authority that broke the power of Egypt.

2. THE SERMON WAS ROOTED IN SCRIPTURE

Peter’s message was powerful because it was grounded in the Word of God, not personal opinion.

a) He Quoted Joel’s Prophecy (Acts 2:16-21)

Peter connected the Pentecost experience to prophecy, showing that God’s Word was being fulfilled.

b) The Word Interprets the Move of God (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Peter explained the supernatural manifestation through Scripture, giving biblical clarity to what was happening.

c) Scripture Carries Conviction (Hebrews 4:12)

The Word of God pierced the hearts of his listeners, exposing sin and prompting repentance.

d) Spirit and Word Must Work Together (John 6:63)

The Spirit gives life to the Word, and the Word reveals the will of the Spirit. Their partnership produces lasting transformation.

Biblical Example: Jesus used Scripture to explain His mission to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27). The Word made their hearts burn within them.

3. THE MESSAGE BROUGHT DEEP CONVICTION

The outcome of Peter’s sermon was not entertainment but conviction leading to repentance.

a) The Listeners Were Cut to the Heart (Acts 2:37)

The Spirit took the words of Peter and drove them deep into the conscience of the hearers.

b) True Conviction Leads to Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Godly sorrow, not mere emotion, leads to genuine transformation.

c) The Spirit Convicts, Not the Preacher (John 16:8)

The preacher is only a vessel; the Holy Spirit alone convicts hearts of sin and righteousness.

d) Conviction Prepares the Way for Salvation (Romans 10:9-10)

When conviction meets faith, salvation follows. Peter’s audience believed and acted upon what they heard.

Biblical Example: Nathan’s message convicted King David of his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:7-13). True conviction always brings repentance.

4. THE SERMON PRODUCED MASSIVE SALVATION AND GROWTH

A Spirit-filled message always bears lasting fruit.

a) Three Thousand Souls Were Saved (Acts 2:41)

Peter’s single sermon brought a revival that birthed the early church. Spirit-filled messages yield supernatural results.

b) True Preaching Draws People to Christ (John 12:32)

When Christ is lifted up, hearts are drawn to Him. The focus must always be salvation, not self-promotion.

c) The Church Was Strengthened (Acts 2:42-47)

Those who were saved continued steadfastly in doctrine, fellowship, and prayer. True revival builds the church.

d) Evangelism Becomes Natural (Mark 16:20)

Spirit-empowered believers continue preaching the Word with signs following. The fire of revival spreads.

Biblical Example: The woman at the well shared her testimony, and many believed in Christ through her witness (John 4:28-30, 39). One encounter led to a harvest.

CONCLUSION:

Peter’s first sermon stands as a timeless model for every minister and believer. It reminds us that when the Holy Spirit fills a person, their words carry divine power to convict and save. The Spirit, not human skill, is the secret behind impactful preaching.