Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionPeter, originally named Simon, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and a prominent leader in the early Christian church. Known for his boldness and fervent faith, Peter played a crucial role in the spread of the Gospel. One of his most significant contributions was his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, which marked the birth of the Christian Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Context of Pentecost Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, was a Jewish festival celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was a time when Jews from various regions gathered in Jerusalem to offer the first fruits of the wheat harvest. This particular Pentecost, however, was marked by a divine event that would change the course of history. As described in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various languages and empowering them for the mission of spreading the Gospel. Peter's Sermon Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood up with the eleven apostles and addressed the crowd. His sermon, recorded in Acts 2:14-41, is a powerful proclamation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter began by explaining the miraculous events that the crowd was witnessing, citing the prophecy of Joel: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people" (Acts 2:17). Peter then boldly declared that Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Messiah. He referenced the patriarch David, quoting Psalm 16: "For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay" (Acts 2:27). Peter asserted that David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, affirming that Jesus had risen from the dead and was exalted at the right hand of God. The Response of the Crowd The impact of Peter's sermon was profound. The crowd, "cut to the heart," asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). Peter's response was clear and direct: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). He urged them to save themselves from the "corrupt generation" of their time. The Birth of the Church Peter's message resonated deeply, and about three thousand people accepted his message and were baptized that day (Acts 2:41). This event marked the birth of the Christian Church, as the new believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). The early church grew rapidly, characterized by a sense of awe, communal living, and a commitment to spreading the Gospel. Significance Peter's sermon on Pentecost Day is a foundational moment in Christian history. It signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the apostles' mission to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Peter's bold proclamation of the Gospel set the tone for the early church's evangelistic efforts and established the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection in Christian doctrine. Nave's Topical Index Acts 2:14-40But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, You men of Judaea, and all you that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and listen to my words: Nave's Topical Index Library The Journal of John Wesley Seven "I Wills" of Christ. The Acts of the Apostles Witnessing in Power. The Great Revival That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope The Acts of the Apostles Acts XIX The Apostles Chosen Christian Perfection Resources Who was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 Peter - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.org Peter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |
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