Few sermons in history have had the immediate impact of the sermon Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost. This momentous event, recorded in Acts 2, marked the coming of the Holy Spirit and the official beginning of the Church Age. Peter, once an unremarkable fisherman from Galilee and a man who had denied Jesus three times, now stood boldly before thousands of Jews and proclaimed Jesus as the risen Messiah. His words pierced the hearts of his listeners, leading three thousand people to salvation (Acts 2:41).
This sermon was not merely a spontaneous speech but a powerful, Spirit-led proclamation that tied together Old Testament prophecy, the life and resurrection of Jesus, and a call to repentance. To fully grasp its significance, it is important to analyze its structure, audience, theological meaning, and dispensational implications. Understanding why Peter emphasized certain Old Testament passages and how his message fit within God’s unfolding plan for Israel and the Church provides deeper insight into this historic moment.
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The Background: Why Was Peter Preaching, and Who Was His Audience?
Peter’s sermon was not given in isolation but in response to dramatic events that had just taken place. Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection, Jerusalem was crowded with Jewish pilgrims celebrating Pentecost (Shavuot). This feast, which commemorated the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, was one of the three pilgrimage festivals when Jews from across the known world gathered in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16).
On this particular Pentecost, something extraordinary occurred:
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:2-4)
This supernatural event caused confusion and amazement among the Jewish pilgrims, as they heard the disciples speaking in their native languages (Acts 2:6-12). While many were astonished, some skeptics dismissed the event, accusing the disciples of being drunk (Acts 2:13). It was in this charged atmosphere that Peter stood up to deliver one of the most significant sermons in history.
Peter’s Response: A Spirit-Filled Sermon to Israel
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stood with the Eleven and addressed the crowd, offering a powerful explanation of the miraculous events they had witnessed. His message clarified the meaning of Pentecost, established Jesus as the Messiah, and called Israel to repentance. Understanding that his audience was composed primarily of Jews is crucial to grasping the dispensational implications of his message.
The Explanation of Pentecost: A Fulfillment of Prophecy
Peter began by refuting the claim that the disciples were intoxicated, pointing instead to the prophetic Scriptures. He declared:
“No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” (Acts 2:16)
He then quoted from Joel 2:28-32, which spoke of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit:
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Acts 2:17)
This passage provided the theological framework for what had just happened. By quoting Joel, Peter accomplished several things. First, he explained the supernatural event in terms his Jewish audience could understand. Second, he demonstrated that God’s prophetic plan was unfolding before their eyes. Third, he issued a warning, as Joel’s prophecy also included references to coming judgment.
From a dispensational perspective, it is important to recognize that Peter was not declaring the complete fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. The full realization of Joel’s vision, including cosmic disturbances and the ultimate outpouring of the Spirit, will take place in the future during the Millennial Kingdom (Joel 2:30-31, Revelation 6:12-13). At Pentecost, the disciples experienced a foretaste of this great outpouring, a preview of what is yet to come.
The Presentation of Jesus as the Risen Messiah
Having explained the miraculous events, Peter shifted his focus to Jesus. He reminded his audience that Jesus of Nazareth had been accredited by God through miracles, wonders, and signs—clear evidence of His divine authority (Acts 2:22). Despite this, Israel had rejected Him and handed Him over to be crucified:
“This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” (Acts 2:23)
Yet the crucifixion was not the end of the story. Peter proclaimed the central truth of the Gospel:
“But God raised him from the dead.” (Acts 2:24)
To support his claim, Peter quoted Psalm 16:8-11, where David spoke of God not allowing His Holy One to see decay (Acts 2:25-28). He argued that David was not speaking about himself, since David had died and was buried. Instead, David had prophesied about the resurrection of the Messiah, which had now been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Peter’s sermon culminated in a bold declaration:
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36)
From a dispensational standpoint, Peter’s message remained focused on Israel. He was calling the Jewish people to recognize their rejection of their rightful King. However, this was not the full offer of the Messianic Kingdom, which will be presented again at Christ’s Second Coming (Zechariah 12:10, Romans 11:26-27).
The Call to Repentance and the Promise of the Holy Spirit
Peter’s words deeply convicted his listeners:
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37)
Peter’s response was direct:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
The call to repentance was essential. Israel had rejected their Messiah, and now they were being given the opportunity to acknowledge their sin and turn to Him in faith. Baptism served as an outward sign of their inward belief, much like John the Baptist’s baptism had prepared the people for Jesus’ coming.
From a dispensational perspective, Peter’s invitation was still directed at Israel. The full national restoration of Israel would happen in the future, but individual Jews were being called to believe in Jesus now. This was a transitional period in God’s redemptive plan, as the Gospel was beginning to spread beyond the Jewish nation.
The Immediate Impact: 3,000 Souls Added to the Church
The response to Peter’s sermon was remarkable:
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41)
This marked the birth of the Church, as the Holy Spirit worked powerfully among Jewish believers. The impact of this moment extended beyond Jerusalem, as the new believers would soon carry the Gospel message to other regions.
The Lasting Significance of Peter’s Sermon
Peter’s sermon laid the foundation for the expansion of the early Church. Though initially composed of Jewish believers, the Gospel would soon be preached to the Gentiles as well (Acts 10). Theologically, this sermon affirmed Jesus as the promised Messiah and underscored the necessity of repentance and faith in Him.
From a dispensational perspective, Peter’s message reflected the ongoing tension between God’s dealings with Israel and the unfolding Church Age. While Israel as a nation rejected Christ, individuals came to faith, and God’s plan for Israel remained in place for future fulfillment.
Conclusion: A Message That Still Speaks Today
Peter’s sermon at Pentecost was more than a historical speech—it was the beginning of the Church Age and a preview of God’s future plan for Israel. It demonstrated that Jesus is the promised Messiah, that salvation is found only in Him, and that God’s plan for Israel is not finished. As Peter would later affirm:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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