Acts 2:14-40 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, You men of Judaea, and all you that dwell at Jerusalem… The wondering, the questioning, and the mockery compelled the apostles to explain. So have young Christians often been constrained by what they saw or knew to attempt work for which they had little inclination. In making this appeal the apostles — I. HAD A LEADER. All had been speaking with tongues, and when that sign had answered its first purpose it was necessary for one to appeal to the intelligence of all. Peter now "stood up." 1. A man of confidence and quick decision. What a change since his denial. 2. A man who could command attention. For this end he "lifted up his voice." Having to plead for Christ and truth, he gladly used his best powers. 3. A man of knowledge; "be it known unto you." Some were guessing and misinterpreting, and honesty demanded a hearing for one who said he had certain knowledge. 4. A man of words. "Hearken to my words." He proceeded to prove what he had boldly affirmed. In this he is an example. He gave the sense of Scripture, and did his work with sobriety and earnestness, and without reflections on the spirit of the crowd. II. HAD TO REBUT ERROR. There were misconceptions which had to be removed, and in doing this Peter did not mock the mockers, or show irritation. He calmly and kindly rooted out error that truth might take its place. Note that — 1. Peter denied the false charge of drunkenness, but not as a malicious calumny, but as the actual opinion of intelligent men. "As ye suppose." In this way we may introduce an argument against the false doctrines of the day. But denial was not enough, so — 2. He gave a clear reason — the hour was too early and too sacred for intoxication. Religious controversy ought to be based on undeniable facts. Yet this was not enough, so Peter — 3. Interpreted the facts which the mockers had misinterpreted. It was the fulfilment of Joel's prophecy. Would that all preachers would meet the demand for facts by the positive truth of the Word of God. III. REALISED THAT THERE IS GIVEN TO BELIEVERS WHAT MEN'S NATURAL SUPPOSITIONS MISREPRESENT. It was natural for men to think that they could explain the strange signs; but the error was brought home in due time. How many to-day are like this multitude. They observe the profession and zeal of Christians, and hear about their experiences, but put it all down to superstition, weakness, or delusion. (W. Hudson.) Parallel Verses KJV: But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: |
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