II. The Church in Jerusalem Established (2:1-47) (con't.)
C. Peter's sermon (vv. 14-40) (con't.)
2. Jesus proclaimed Christ the Lord (vv. 22-36) (con't.)
c) the resurrection confirmed by the Twelve (v.32)
v.32 Peter says that the other Apostles are eyewitnesses of the resurrection. Twelve obviously inspired men attesting to the same occurrence.
d) Jesus exalted to the throne of God vs. 33-35
v.33 Peter now returns to his line of thought from verses 31 and 32, namely after the resurrection, then what? Jesus had said that the Comforter would not come until He (Jesus) was gone. The Comforter had come, therefore Jesus was gone. The physical manifestations, which the people had witnessed, were evidence of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
v.34,35 That Christ would sit at God's right hand had been predicted by the prophet David in Ps. 110:1. What did even the Pharisees believe concerning this prophecy? Mt. 22:43,44 David had not ascended into heaven, therefore it must be a reference to the Christ.
e) the logical conclusion v.36
v.36 If Jesus had been delivered to His enemies by the foreknowledge of God and if God had raised Him from the dead, exalted Jesus at His own right hand in heaven, then according to all prophecy: Jesus had been made the Lord and Savior. That is, the Ruler and the Anointed One. Why did Peter say "let every house of Israel know assuredly?"
3. the people exhorted to save themselves (vv. 37-40)
v.37 Now we see what the invisible effects of Peter's sermon are. We see our first example of Paul's statement in Rom.10:14-17. By asking what they must do, the multitude has confessed that they are guilty of the murder of Christ. What does "pricked in their hearts" mean?
v.38 Peter tells them what they must do to escape the consequences of their sins. And so the new dispensation begins. Whatever it previously took to have sins forgiven is set aside, and what Peter tells them becomes the New Covenant. Two blessings are promised in this verse. Repent and be baptized and what do you get? This is the first blessing. Define: repentance, baptism, and remission of sins. John and Christ had both preached repentance and baptism, now the Apostles have taken up the cause. "for"- the eis controversy, see Boles p.47, for meanings given by denominational scholars. The second blessing is the gift of the Holy Spirit. What is the gift? The Holy Spirit himself or miraculous powers bestowed by him?
v.39 What was the promise and what blessings did it carry with it? The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the ability to obtain remission of sins and the gift. The promise is to the Jews and the Gentiles. How does the Lord call a person? 2 Thess. 2:14, Rom.10:13,14; Jn. 6:44,45.
v.40 Notice that all Peter had to say was not recorded. He testified and exhorted. That is, bore witness and called to action. "Crooked"- not straight, mentally, morally and spiritually.
4. effect of the sermon and progress of the church (vv. 41-47)
v.41 The hearers believed Peter's teaching, they complied immediately. They had received the words Peter brought forth. This meant they received Christ. Jn. 13:20 Which also meant they received God. The opposite is also true: to them that reject the Apostles teaching. Lk. 10:16
v.42 The work of the church begins: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayers.
v.43 "Fear"- means solemn awe, not terror. Further proof that the "gift of the Holy Spirit" was not the "baptism of the Holy Spirit". If it was, then all could perform signs and wonders however, only the Apostles were doing so.
v.44,45 Is this fellowship an example for us to follow today? Were they together in one house? Or together in mind, purpose, faith and heart? Community goods to maintain the welfare of all. I Jn. 3:17
v.46,47 They were meeting daily at the temple. Here breaking bread refers to eating a common meal. who were added to the church? The saved. Eph. 5:23 and 1:22,23 In this chapter we have seen the power of preaching demonstrated, how the church was formed, how it functioned. We see people becoming Christians and living a Christian life.
ADDENDA
Part one. Miracles in the book of Acts.
Miracles play an important role in the book of Acts. At the conclusion of each chapter we will recount each miracle that occurs so that we might have a complete list when we conclude our study.
1) The visible appearance of Jesus after His death. 1:3
2) The Ascension. 1:9
3) The visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
2:3
4) Wonders and signs performed by the Apostles. 2:43
Part two. The seven cities of early Apostolic history.
1) Jerusalem
2 ) Samaria
3) Caesarea
4) Joppa
5 ) Damascus
6) Antioch of Syria
7) Tarsus
As we study, watch for and make note of references to these cities.