Acts 2
"'Brothers, I [Peter] may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we [apostles] all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, [Jesus] has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'" Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.'" - Acts 2:29-36
Peter's first sermon on the festival of Weeks, ad 33, is important for many reasons. It shows: (1) the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus to the early church; (2) their belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah; and (3) their belief that the Holy Spirit has been poured out, as foretold by the Old Testament prophets.
Jesus is now exalted at the right hand of his Father (v. 33). He has poured out the Holy Spirit upon believers (v. 33). The Father has made Jesus both Lord and Messiah (v. 36). Jesus' enemies will one day be made a footstool for his feet (v. 34).
For application, I want to be more bold in proclaiming the gospel message. Our generation is so crooked (v. 40). People need to be saved from it (v. 40). Like Peter, I want to testify and exhort people to be saved (v. 40), by the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 33).
Father, thank you for the victory of our Lord Jesus Messiah. He is risen from the dead and now sits at your right hand. Thank you he has poured out the Holy Spirit upon us. We are your ambassadors. Please help us to represent you and your interests. May we not seek comfort in this life, but be tenacious, fearless, faithful servants and harvest workers for the Lord Jesus. In his name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman