““Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:
“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’” Acts 2.22-28
This is arguably Peter’s first sermon. He’s giving it to the visiting Jews as well as the Jews who live in Jerusalem. It’s been some forty plus days since Jesus was raised from the dead and just a few since he ascended into heaven. He’s proclaiming the risen Christ. He’s making a case for what happened to Jesus. And so he reminds them of what happened and what they helped cause.
He begins by reminding them of this man ”accredited by God to you” by “miracles, wonders and signs.” And these people witnessed such remarkable acts of faith. Then he talks about how God handed Jesus over to them and ”with the help of wicked men” put him to death on a cross. ”But God raised him from the dead.”
And then he quotes Scripture, Psalm 16.8-11 to be exact about David’s prophetic word about the Messiah and about the holy one not seeing decay. Now when I read this I honestly don’t see it. I know that Peter, and people way smarter than me can connect this Old Testament prophecy to Jesus, and I believe it happened — I just don’t fully understand the connection. I mean, couldn’t this be applied to David also? Could this refer to his own death and demise?
But trusting in scholars way smarter than me, I concede the connection. The Psalm projects what will and has happened to the Messiah. This isn’t the only prophesy, there are literally hundreds that scholars attribute to Messianic happenings. (But I digress!)
The point is, Peter is preaching to the Jews. He’s proclaiming the Gospel, making an argument, explaining what has happened, and giving Scriptural evidence for Jesus as Messiah. And as a result, well, you will see it soon enough — thousands believe.
It’s a good thing the spread of the Gospel doesn’t depend upon me or my intellect or commitment alone. Christ is at the center of propelling his word with the power of the Holy Spirit. He’s using broken vessels, like you and me, to make known his greatness and his grace.
Maybe Jesus would use you this day to tell someone else about his love. Who might that be? How might you proceed? How can this ancient word birthed in Jerusalem, and beyond, pass through your lips to a willing prospect of faith? It can and it does!
“O Lord God, our Revive Youth Camp begins today. This is a continuation of the Gospel message. If Peter were here he would be proclaiming to these students the grace of Jesus Christ and asking them to follow. But Peter isn’t here but I am. You’ve give me and others the ability to preach your word and proclaim your Kingdom. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill this place with your presence. Fall upon your people. Make it like never before. Blow a fresh wind upon us that we might be witnesses to your majesty. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen