PETER PREACHES

Peter told the people what they saw was a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. (Joel 2:28, 29). Joel had prophesied that power would come upon men of God. This power would be given to prepare people for a special work.SRme 1.1092

Peter did not mention the teachings of Jesus. Peter knew many people did not like Jesus. The people would not listen if Peter told them what Jesus had said. So Peter spoke to the people about David. The Jews honored David as a great leader and king.SRme 1.1093

Talking about Jesus, Peter said, "This is what David said about Christ:"SRme 1.1094

"'I saw the Lord before me at all times;SRme 1.1095

he is near me, and I will not be troubled.SRme 1.1096

And so I am filled with gladness,SRme 1.1097

and my words are full of joy.SRme 1.1098

And I, mortal though I am,SRme 1.1099

will rest assured in hope,SRme 1.1100

because you will not abandon [leave] meSRme 1.1101

in the world of the dead,SRme 1.1102

you will not allow your faithful servant to rot inSRme 1.1103

the grave.SRme 1.1104

You have shown me the paths that lead to life,SRme 1.1105

and your presence will fill me with joy'" (Acts 2:25-28).SRme 1.1106

Then Peter proved that David could not have been talking about himself. David was talking about Jesus. David died like other men did. People still took care of David's tomb. David, king of Israel, and also a prophet, had been especially honored by God. God had shown David the future life and ministry of Jesus. David saw that the Israelites would refuse to accept Jesus. David saw Jesus' trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. David saw Jesus ascend into heaven.SRme 1.1107

David had prophesied that Jesus would not be left in the grave. David also saw that Jesus' body would not return to dust. Peter showed that David's prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth. God had raised Jesus from the tomb before His body decayed. Jesus is now in heaven. Jesus is the King of kings.SRme 1.1108

Many people listening to Peter preach had laughed at the idea that a humble person as Jesus could be the Son of God. But as the people listened, they knew for sure that Peter spoke the truth. The people accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Three thousand people joined the church.SRme 1.1109

The apostles spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostles' words could not be questioned because what they said was proved by mighty miracles. The apostles did these miracles by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God. The disciples were amazed at the way the Holy Spirit worked. The apostles were surprised at how quickly so many people accepted Jesus. The people were amazed too.SRme 1.1110

The people who held firmly to their own ideas and their hatred of Jesus were silent. These people were so amazed they did not try to stop the mighty work either by voice or by violence. The words of the disciples were clear. But the hatred of the Jews could not have been removed. The Holy Spirit, with divine power, had to convict the hearts of the people. The truth was as a sharp arrow from God Almighty. The truth convicted the people of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory.SRme 1.1111

"Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart [deeply troubled], and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brethren, what shall we do?' 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 shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:37, 38).SRme 1.1112

Peter told the people that they had refused to believe in Christ because the priests and rulers had deceived them. These leaders acted as if they were holy men. But the leaders were eager for riches and earthly glory. These leaders would not accept Jesus to receive understanding. Peter warned the listeners not to wait for their leaders to accept Jesus before they, the people, accepted Him. If the people waited, they would never accept Jesus to be their Saviour.SRme 1.1113

The Jews had been given powerful proofs that Jesus was the Son of God. But the Jews refused to believe, so Christ had prophesied terrible trouble would come to them.SRme 1.1114

As long as the apostles lived they were able to speak pure, simple and correct words in either their own language or in a foreign language. These humble men never had attended the school of the prophets. Yet the apostles were able to teach deep, spiritual truths clearly and purely. The people who listened to their teachings were amazed.SRme 1.1115

The disciples could not go to all the far-away places of the earth. But the people attending the religious feasts in Jerusalem carried the story of salvation to their own nations. These travelers spread the good news. Many people were won to Christ.SRme 1.1116