Acts (2)

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 2 (Lesson 2) by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 2.22-28.
Peter continues his explanation of the events of that first Pentecost morning. It is as the Old Testament says: These are the last days, the Spirit is upon us, and we His servants and witnesses proclaim the Kingdom, because God has raised His Holy One from the dead, as David prophesied.

For reflection
1. We note Peter’s emphasis on the historicity of the events of the Gospel – Jesus’ works and wonders, His passion, and His resurrection. This account is neither myth nor delusion: All this was attested to those present. They knew it was true. Jesus is alive! How do you experience the reality of Jesus, risen from the dead and reigning at the Father’s right hand?

2. God is sovereign in all aspects of the work of the Gospel, sending and empowering Jesus (“Holy One” v. 27), ordering the events of wicked men according to His Word, raising His Messiah from the dead, overcoming the pangs of death, and now sending His Kingdom to the world. In that Kingdom, He has commissioned His Spirit-filled servants to proclaim the Good News. Does God continue to work like this in human history? Can you give some examples? How does one position himself in that flow of divine sovereignty?

3. The Gospel is the quintessential fusion of things spiritual and temporal, heavenly and earthly, Creator and creature. Now the offer of life and forgiveness is extended through the preaching of Christ’s witnesses. The ongoing work of Christ is underway with a vengeance. In what sense can we say that the then and there of God’s promises have broken into our here and now in the Gospel?

4. The walls of Jericho fell with a mighty shout. The walls of men’s hearts are about to fall under the simple proclamation of an undeniable truth: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and He is Lord! Who are the people in your life who need to hear this Good News? Are you prepared to tell it to them?

5. If someone were to ask you to explain the Gospel, what would you say? See what you can do, using only Peter’s preaching, to make an outline of the Gospel such as you might share with a friend.

Summary
The Gospel is the Good News that God’s promises of old are now coming to fruition because of Jesus. Men may deny or oppose the Lord, but they cannot prevent the Gospel from doing His sovereign pleasure. We are privileged to be entrusted with this mighty Word, like the apostles and first believers. What is your approach to making this Good News known to others?

Closing Prayer
The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!
Your people shall be volunteers
In the day of Your power;
In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning,
You have the dew of Your youth.

Psalm 110.1-3

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. For more insight to His work in our here and now, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus, from our online store by clicking here.

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