Acts (2)

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

Read and meditate on Acts 2.29-36
See how carefully Peter lays out all the Good News. It is rooted in promises made to David (cf. 2 Sam. 7) and throughout the Old Testament. It inheres in Jesus, Whom God raised up and exalted to the highest heaven. It is realized through the Spirit, Who accompanies the proclamation of the Word. It demands to be understood, heard, and obeyed.

For reflection
1. Jesus is not simply Savior (Christ); He is Lord. We may not receive Him in any other way than as Savior from our sins and Lord of our lives and of all things. What are the implications for you of the fact that Jesus is Savior? That He is Lord?

2. If we think to receive Him merely as Savior, and perhaps later as Lord, then we do not receive Him at all. And note that not-so-subtle word of warning from Psalm 110: “Your enemies Your footstool.” There are consequences for resisting God and rejecting the Good News, and they are not pleasant. What are those consequences? Is this part of the Good News? Explain.

3. The Good News is only good against the backdrop of the bad news: God holds all men accountable for the death of His Son. Either we accept that death and its benefits, or we reject it and find ourselves trampled underfoot. Meditate on Romans 1.18-32. Is what we see here part of the consequences for rejecting the Good News? Explain.

4. Peter’s sermon, while incited by events, was based on Scripture: Joel, Micah, the Psalms, and a reference to 2 Samuel. Scripture has explosive power to convey the Good News, but only when we make proper use of it. The enemies of God at Jericho fell by a word – the shout of God’s people; and now many of the enemies of God are about to become His friends, by a Word – our proclamation of the Good News. Looking at the events of Acts 2, how should you pray daily for the lost of this world?  

5. Is the Gospel you share with friends as full and complete as the Gospel Peter shared on that first Pentecost? Begin praying the Good News back to the Lord at some point each day. How could this help you in being ready to explain the Good News to anyone who may ask a reason for your hope (1 Pet. 3.15)?

Summary
The Gospel is the Good News about Jesus and His Kingdom. It has its roots in the Old Testament, was fulfilled in Jesus’ life, words, and work, and now is being proclaimed for the world. How can you help your church to become more consistent in proclaiming the Good News to your community?

Closing Prayer
I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16.7-11

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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