From Acts 1-3
The apostles know what the gospel is and they use it when they tell their audiences about Jesus. For us, whether we want to share the gospel with our family or friends, in bible studies or in talks of our own we need to learn from their example.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Peter and the apostles receive the Holy Spirit and are empowered to speak in different languages which people can understand. The most common gift of the Spirit is speech. The coming of the Spirit causes a commotion and people come running to find out what happened. Peter full of the Holy Spirit speaks. This is the first example of the gospel following Jesus’ death and resurrection.
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,
“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’
36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:22–36)
Peters speech has a couple elements I would like to point out.
1) He tells the story of Jesus. Can you see how he speaks about Jesus?
He refers to Jesus’ life by mentioning his ‘attestation by God’, ‘mighty works, wonders and signs’ (2.22)
He refers to Jesus’ death by saying he was delivered up, crucified and killed (2.23)
He refers to Jesus’ resurrection by God (2.24)
He refers to their witness to these events (2.32)
2) He declares Jesus to be the promised Christ. Can you see the scriptural promises he speaks about?
He refers to a messianic Psalm of David (2.25-28,31) and he says ‘this Jesus God raised up’ proving Jesus is the Christ from scripture.
He refers to Jesus as Lord and Christ (2.36) and this is the climax of his gospel sermon.
These are the key elements of the contents of the gospel message Paul describes in 1 Cor 15.3-5. Peter follows these up with some further instructions and assurances.
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2.37-39)
3) Peter instructs them to repent of their sin (crucifying Jesus the risen Lord and Christ)
Repentance in the New Testament could mean;
a) A continuing state initiated when someone has orientated their life towards God and been baptised (Mt 3.8,11; Mk 1.4; Lk 3.8; 15.7; Acts 11.18; 17.30; 20.21; 26.20; Heb 6.6; 12.17; 2 Pet 3.9)
b) Repenting of sin at some point in a persons life (Lk 17.3,4; Acts 8.22; Rom 2.4; 2 Cor 7.9,10; 12.21; Rev 2.5,16,21,22; 3.3,19)
c) An overlap of the two above for people out of relationship with God (Mt 3.2; 4.17; 11.20,21; Mk 1.15; 6.12; Lk 3.3; 5.32; 13.3,5; 15.10; 16.30; 24.47; Acts 2.38; 3.19; 5.31; 13.24; 19.4; 2 Tim 2.25; Heb 6.1; Rev 9.20,21; 16.9,11)
The Jews involved in the crucifixion of Jesus are told to repent of their sin (Acts 2.23,36,38; 3.13-15,19-20). Paul passes on God’s command that all should repent by turning to him and worshipping him in the correct way (Acts 17.29-31). Instructing people to repent is not intrinsic to the gospel message (1 Cor 15.3-5; Acts 10.34-43; 13.16-44), but it is necessary where the audiences sin is evident.
4) Peter commands them to be baptised.
Baptism is a requirement for entry into the community of believers (Mt 28.19; Mk 16.16; Acts 2.38,41; 8.12,13,36; 9.18; 10.48; 16.15,33; 19.15; 22.16).
5) Peter gives them assurance of salvation.
Provided they repent and are baptised they will be forgiven and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2.38). Quite often in the apostles gospel aspects of salvation are mentioned. Giving assurance of salvation for those who believe Jesus is the Christ.
About Mission
The apostles know what the gospel is and they use it when they tell their audiences about Jesus. For us, whether we want to share the gospel with our family or friends, in bible studies or in talks of our own we need to learn from their example.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights
