Shortly after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, appeals were presented in an effort to overturn the decision of the “court” made up of Israel’s religious leaders, the jeering crowds, and even the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Although the sentence of “death” could not be retracted, at least there was a chance that the opinion of those who made up the “court” could be reversed. And that’s exactly what the Apostle Peter attempted to do in Jerusalem shortly after Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  

Pentecost (or Shavuot) was a Jewish holiday celebrated 50 days after Passover. Taking a moment for a little calendar math, if Jesus was crucified on Passover, and then we add 3 days before His resurrection, and then we add 40 more days for His appearance to His disciples and to over 500 others before His ascension (for a total of 43 days), that means the disciples waited in the upper room in Jerusalem for approximately a week until the arrival of Pentecost.  And, on that day, the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus descended upon all those present, marking the “official” beginning of the New Testament Church. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter opened the door for the “Court of Appeals” to hear the case in favor of Jesus being the Messiah, as well as the Son of God. Let’s listen to what Peter had to say to the crowds who at gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost,  

“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 – this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hand of godless men, and put Him to death. And 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 2:22-24).

As you can see, Peter began his appeal by reminding the crowds who had gathered that the miracles that Jesus performed provided clear evidence that He was sent from God, and that His crucifixion and resurrection were all a part of God’s predetermined plan. But Peter was saving his “closing argument” until last,

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

What affect did Peter’s message have on those listening? You might be surprised:

“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

Instead of continuing their verbal condemnation of Jesus as they had done 50 days prior, something happened to them as a result of Peter’s message. They were “pierced to the heart,” which means that they had a heart-felt, sincere conviction of the active part they played in crucifying Jesus. Such conviction is solely a work of the Holy Spirit, and even today, without the work of the Holy Spirit, there is no conviction, no “piercing of the heart.” Yes, even today, God’s Spirit is constantly working in and through the reading and/or proclamation of the Word of God to bring conviction of sin. Such “heart-felt” conviction also elicits a “heart-felt” response. As the Spirit brought conviction, Peter responded to their question, “what shall we do?” by saying,

 “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…” (Acts 2:38).

Repentance is the key for the forgiveness of sins through Christ. The Greek word metanoia means to have a change of mind regarding Jesus and one’s personal need for salvation through the forgiveness of sins. Furthermore, genuine repentance is always followed by actions that reflect the “righteousness” of God. But that’s not all, as repentance results in receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. In other words, when God sees genuine repentance in the heart, He responds by sending the Holy Spirit to indwell that heart. It is a “gift of God,” and can only be received as a gift. If God doesn’t see such heart-felt repentance, He is under no obligation to dispense the Holy Spirit, resulting in a heart and life that remain essentially unchanged.

The second thing that Peter mentioned was that everyone who repented of their sins that day should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Such baptism is never a means of salvation, but it is a picture of the internal cleansing from sin and one’s renewal to walk in “newness of life.” And as a result of their genuine repentance, those who heard Peter’s message were then baptized, and the result was far beyond anything, including the disciples, could imagine,   

“….there were added that day about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).

This was the amazing result of Peter’s first appeal to those who had once cried out “crucify Him.” Can you imagine, the Church of Jesus Christ grew to over 3,000 “souls” on it’s very first day of existence!

But this is not the last of Peter’s appeal in the “Messianic Court of Appeals.” Next week, we will take a look at another “argument” from the defense, that is, from Peter who is defending the fact that Jesus is both “Lord and Christ.” I hope to have you join us next week. But before I leave, if you have never come before God in genuine “repentance and faith” as those in the early church did, it’s never too late for you to do so. If God is speaking to you, and your heart is feeling “pierced” by conviction, then just do it! It’s not easy, but it’s simple!