How does Acts 2:36 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? Why Acts 2:36 Matters “Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36) Acts 2:36 is the climax of Peter’s Pentecost sermon. It boldly unites Jesus with two great Old Testament expectations: • “The Lord” (κύριος) – Israel’s covenant God, Yahweh. • “The Christ” (μεσσίας) – the promised Davidic King. Psalm 110:1 — The Exalted Lord • “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” (Psalm 110:1) • Peter quoted this verse just before verse 36 (Acts 2:34-35). • Connection: David calls his future descendant “my Lord,” hinting at someone greater than David himself. Acts 2:36 identifies Jesus as that exalted Lord now enthroned at God’s right hand. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 & Psalm 132:11 — The Eternal Davidic King • God promised David a seed who would rule forever: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Sm 7:13) • Psalm 132:11 reaffirms: “The LORD has sworn to David… ‘I will set one of your descendants on your throne.’” • Peter’s argument (Acts 2:29-30) shows Jesus as the risen heir who, unlike David, conquered death (cf. Psalm 16:10). Verse 36 then declares that this risen One is “Christ,” the anointed King foreseen in these promises. Isaiah 9:6-7 — The Divine-Human Ruler • “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David…” • Acts 2:36 echoes this by calling Jesus both “Lord” (a title Isaiah links with deity) and “Christ” (the Davidic throne-holder). The verse marries divinity and kingship just as Isaiah did. Jeremiah 23:5-6 — The Righteous Branch Called “the LORD” • “I will raise up to David a righteous Branch… This is the name by which He will be called: ‘The LORD Our Righteousness.’” • Jeremiah foretold a Davidic ruler who actually bears God’s covenant name. In Acts 2:36 Peter announces that God has now “made” (publicly revealed and vindicated) Jesus to be exactly that person. Psalm 16:10 & Isaiah 53 — Death Couldn’t Hold the Messiah • Peter quoted Psalm 16:10 (“You will not abandon my soul to Sheol”) to prove Messiah’s resurrection (Acts 2:24-32). • Isaiah 53 foretold a suffering servant who would “see His offspring” after being “cut off.” • Having shown Jesus fulfills these resurrection prophecies, Peter seals the argument: the risen One is “Lord and Christ.” Putting It All Together Acts 2:36 ties multiple strands of prophecy into one knot: • Divine status: titles reserved for Yahweh (Psalm 110; Isaiah 9; Jeremiah 23) applied to Jesus. • Davidic kingship: covenant promises of an everlasting throne (2 Sm 7; Psalm 132) realized in the risen Son of David. • Resurrection vindication: prophecies of victory over death (Psalm 16; Isaiah 53) fulfilled, proving Jesus’ messianic identity. Key Takeaways • Old Testament expectation and New Testament fulfillment converge in Jesus. • Peter’s declaration is not a new idea but the long-anticipated revelation of God’s plan. • Acts 2:36 invites every listener to recognize Jesus as both sovereign Lord and promised Messiah, exactly as foretold. |
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