As we saw last week, Peter told the crowd that had gathered on the Day of Pentecost that this was a fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Joel hundreds of years earlier. And, as we saw last week, Peter wrapped up Joel’s prophecy by saying:

“And it shall be that whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).

This final statement from Joel’s prophecy laid the foundation for Peter to launch into one of the most convicting, convincing, and life-changing sermons that Peter ever preached. Peter began this sermon by addressing the crowd that had gathered in the temple area:

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know — (Acts 2:22).

Peter began by reminding them of the signs and wonders that Jesus had previously performed in their midst. It was not done in secret, and as a result of these miracles, people knew that He had come from God. Peter continued by saying:

“— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death” (Acts 2:23). 

Jesus’ trial and subsequent crucifixion were no accidents to God. He wasn’t surprised one bit. The predetermined plan was set in motion when Adam and Eve fell in the Garden. In fact, in His foreknowledge, God knew all of this from the foundation of the world.

Notice that Peter also said that “you nailed Him to the cross.” Although it was “by the hands of godless men” (the Romans), it was the so-called “God fearing” Jewish leadership and the hyped up crowd that put him to death. And those listening to Peter were part of that crowd. But there is more, as Peter continued:

“But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power” (Acts 2:24).

Peter did not neglect to remember the resurrection of Jesus, and that is what put God’s “stamp of approval” on all that His Son had said and done during His ministry. And we should never forget to share this truth as well when telling others about Jesus. We seem to always focus on the cross (as we should), but we should never forget the importance of the resurrection.

It was at this point that Peter began to share about King David who prophesied that God would “seat one of David’s descendants on his throne,” and when speaking of that descendant (Jesus), he reminded them that God would never “abandon His soul to Hades nor allow His Holy One to suffer decay” (Acts 2:30-31).

Hades was the “abode of the dead” where all of the Old Testament saints went upon their death as they waited for the general resurrection of the dead. Jesus’ parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus confirms this fact, as do dozens of passages in the Old Testament. But there is still more to Peter’s message:

“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32).

I can picture Peter motioning with his hand over toward the other disciples indicating that “yes, we were all witnesses to His resurrection.” But now we reach the conclusion of Peter’s amazing sermon:

“Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – This Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36).

Ouch! That must have really stung when Peter told them that the One whom they crucified has now become both Lord (Ruler of all) and Christ (their Messiah). Peter was straight forward and didn’t mince words. Of course, he intended for his message to bear fruit. But what kind of fruit?

Well, we will have to wait until next week to see the response of the crowd. In the meantime, let’s all praise God for Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, and then His ascension into heaven, where He was crowned both “Lord” and “Messiah.” And let’s do the same in our own lives. Yes, He is Lord of all, but let me ask you, “are you included in the all?” If not, it’s never too late to crown Him as the Lord of your life. When He leads, all of the pieces of life begin to fall into place, and in their proper order. If you haven’t made Him Lord, then there is no reason not to do so, and you can do it today. Just let Him know your decision.

Hope to see you next week.