Context and Setting

Peter's sermon, delivered on the day of Pentecost, marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 2:14-41. Pentecost, a Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover, brought Jews from various regions to Jerusalem. It was during this time that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues, which astonished the diverse crowd gathered in the city.

The Sermon

Peter, standing with the eleven apostles, addressed the crowd to explain the miraculous events they were witnessing. He began by refuting the accusation that the apostles were drunk, as it was only the third hour of the day (Acts 2:15). Instead, Peter declared that this was the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel, where God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people (Acts 2:16-21).

Peter's sermon is deeply rooted in Scripture, as he draws from the Old Testament to validate the messianic identity of Jesus Christ. He quotes Psalm 16:8-11 to demonstrate that David foresaw the resurrection of the Messiah, asserting that Jesus was not abandoned to the grave, nor did His body see decay (Acts 2:25-28). Peter further emphasizes that Jesus, whom they crucified, has been raised by God and exalted to His right hand, having received the promised Holy Spirit, which He has poured out (Acts 2:32-33).

The climax of Peter's sermon is his bold declaration: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). This statement underscores the divine authority and messianic role of Jesus, confronting the audience with the reality of their actions and the necessity of repentance.

The Response and First Converts

The response to Peter's sermon was profound. The crowd was "cut to the heart" and inquired of Peter and the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). Peter's reply was clear and direct: "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" (Acts 2:38). This call to repentance and baptism signifies the entry into the new covenant community, marked by the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Peter continued to exhort the crowd, urging them to "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation" (Acts 2:40). The result was remarkable: about three thousand souls accepted his message and were baptized, marking the birth of the early church (Acts 2:41). This mass conversion signifies the powerful work of the Holy Spirit and the effectiveness of the apostolic witness.

Significance

Peter's sermon at Pentecost is foundational for understanding the early Christian proclamation of the gospel. It highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the necessity of repentance and baptism. The event underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the church as a community of believers united in faith and mission.