Peter's Sermon On Pentecost

Articles

Antoine N. Holloway
03/16/14 - Church Bulletins

The apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon in the church established by Christ (Acts 2:14-36). What we see in Acts 2 is the fulfillment of what Jesus said was going to happen in Matthew 16:13-19. When this one sermon was preached, three thousand souls were added to the body of Christ (Acts 2:41 & Acts 2:47). Why is it that we do not see such results today? In the 21st century, it appears 3,000 sermons much be preached just to add one soul. I am convinced that the decline in souls being saved is not due to a lack of power in the word, but a lack of duty in the saint.

Additionally, when we hear preaching today, some fail to even attempt to follow the pattern set forth in Acts 2. How can we expect Acts 2 results if we don’t do what they did? Please notice 5 essentials in the message:

God was glorified. Peter was not ashamed to praise the name of God throughout this message (Acts 2:17, 22-24, 30, 32-34, & 36). Peter makes clear that it was GOD who: 1) foretold this event, 2) confirmed Jesus as Christ, 3) created the plan for man’s redemption, 4) raised Jesus from the dead, 5) delivered the word of Christ’s coming to King David, 6) is in control ruling from Heaven, & 7) gave Jesus all authority.
Christ was emphasized. Make no mistake about it, “Without Jesus, we can do nothing” (John 15:5). Peter emphasizes the point that salvation is through Christ & Christ alone (Acts 2:21, Acts 2:36, & Acts 2:38).
The Holy Spirit authored the message. Yes, it was Peter preaching, but it was the Holy Spirit giving Peter the words to say (Matthew 10:19-20). The Spirit has already spoken through the Scriptures. We must get into the habit of letting Scripture interpret Scripture.
Scripture was quoted. If the word is powerful & it is, then we need to quote more Scripture, not less (Hebrews 4:12). Within this 23 verse sermon, Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11, & Psalm 110:1. Approximately, half his sermon was the quoting of Scripture (44%). Quoting Scripture removes the notion that these are “our” words, when these are truly the words of God.
Sin was exposed. Peter makes no apology in calling out exactly what was being done that separated these individuals from God (Acts 2:15, 22-23, & 36). They were wrong about the apostles being drunk. They were accused of unbelief. They killed Jesus. They were a lawless people. They crucified the Lord & Christ. People cannot get right if they do not know they are wrong.