Acts 2:36

Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!"

Study Bible

Therefore
The word "therefore" serves as a conclusion to the preceding argument or narrative. In Acts 2, Peter has been delivering a powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost, explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of prophecy. The use of "therefore" indicates that what follows is the logical conclusion of his message. It connects the miraculous events witnessed by the crowd to the divine truth Peter is about to declare. This word underscores the importance of understanding the context of Scripture, as it ties together the Old Testament prophecies and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

let all the house of Israel
This phrase specifically addresses the Jewish audience present at Pentecost. "The house of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, and encompasses all twelve tribes. By invoking this term, Peter is calling upon the collective identity and shared history of the Jewish people. It is a reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their role as His chosen people. This phrase also highlights the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing that the message of Jesus is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and prophecy.

know with certainty
The phrase "know with certainty" conveys a sense of absolute assurance and conviction. In the Greek, the word used here is "asphaleia," which implies security and firmness. Peter is urging his listeners to move beyond doubt and skepticism to a place of unwavering belief. This call to certainty is not based on blind faith but on the evidence of the resurrection and the fulfillment of prophecy. It challenges believers to ground their faith in the historical and spiritual realities of Jesus' life and work.

that God has made this Jesus
Here, Peter emphasizes the divine action in the exaltation of Jesus. The phrase "God has made" indicates that it is by God's authority and power that Jesus holds His position. This underscores the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of salvation history. The use of "this Jesus" personalizes the message, referring to the very man whom the audience knew, who walked among them, performed miracles, and was crucified. It is a reminder that Jesus' identity and mission are divinely ordained and not merely human constructs.

whom you crucified
This phrase is a direct and convicting statement to Peter's audience. It places responsibility on the Jewish people for the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting the gravity of their actions. This is not to incite guilt for guilt's sake but to bring about repentance and recognition of their need for salvation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human tendency to reject God's messengers and the need for divine grace. Historically, this statement has been misused to justify anti-Semitism, but in its proper context, it is a call to all humanity to acknowledge their role in the sin that necessitated Christ's sacrifice.

both Lord and Christ!
The declaration of Jesus as "both Lord and Christ" is the climax of Peter's sermon. "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") signifies Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty, affirming His equality with God. "Christ" (Greek: "Christos") means "Anointed One," the Messiah promised in the Hebrew Scriptures. This dual title encapsulates the fullness of Jesus' identity and mission. He is the sovereign ruler of all creation and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This proclamation calls for a response of faith and allegiance, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate authority and the source of salvation. It is a message of hope and transformation, inviting all to enter into a restored relationship with God through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
The apostle delivering the sermon at Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaiming the truth about Jesus to the crowd.

2. Jesus
Referred to as both "Lord" and "Christ," emphasizing His divine authority and messianic role.

3. House of Israel
The Jewish people, specifically those gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, who are being addressed by Peter.

4. Pentecost
A Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

Teaching Points

Certainty of Jesus' Lordship
Believers are called to have unwavering confidence in Jesus' identity as both Lord and Christ. This certainty should shape our faith and witness.

Responsibility and Repentance
Recognizing that Jesus was crucified due to human sinfulness, we are called to repentance and transformation in light of His sacrifice.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Just as the Holy Spirit empowered Peter to preach boldly, believers today are empowered to proclaim the gospel with courage and clarity.

Unity in Christ
The message was for "all the house of Israel," indicating that the gospel is inclusive and unifying, breaking down barriers and calling all to faith in Christ.

Living Under Christ's Lordship
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord means submitting every aspect of our lives to His authority, seeking to align our actions and decisions with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Peter's declaration in Acts 2:36 challenge our understanding of Jesus' identity and authority in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate certainty in Jesus' lordship in our daily interactions and decisions?

3. How does the recognition of our role in Jesus' crucifixion lead us to repentance and a deeper relationship with Him?

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering us to share the gospel, and how can we be more receptive to His guidance?

5. How can we foster unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that the message of Jesus as Lord and Christ is for all people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 110:1
This verse is often cited in the New Testament to affirm Jesus' lordship, as it speaks of the Messiah being seated at God's right hand.

Philippians 2:9-11
These verses echo the exaltation of Jesus as Lord, emphasizing that every knee will bow and every tongue confess His lordship.

Romans 10:9
This passage connects belief in Jesus as Lord and Christ with salvation, underscoring the necessity of acknowledging His divine authority.

Matthew 28:18
Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, reinforcing His role as Lord.

Hebrews 1:3
This verse highlights Jesus' divine nature and His role in sustaining all things, aligning with His designation as Lord and Christ.