What role does the Holy Spirit play in Peter's ability to speak in Acts 2:14? The Setting: Pentecost and the Promise Fulfilled • Acts 2:1-4 records that “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 4). • The infilling occurs just as Jesus promised: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). • This divinely supplied power sets the stage for Peter’s public proclamation in verse 14. Peter Stands Up—Spirit-Empowered Boldness • Verse 14 opens: “Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd”. • Only weeks earlier, Peter denied knowing Christ (Luke 22:54-62). Left to himself, he lacked courage. • The Spirit reverses that weakness, infusing Peter with supernatural confidence to face thousands in Jerusalem. How the Holy Spirit Enables Peter’s Speech in Acts 2:14 • Supernatural Courage – Luke 12:11-12: “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you should say.” – The fear of man is overcome by Spirit-given boldness (cf. Acts 4:8, 13). • Clear, Authoritative Voice – Acts 2:14 notes Peter “lifted up his voice”; the Spirit empowers both volume and authority so all can hear. • Scriptural Recall and Insight – In the sermon that follows, Peter quotes Joel 2 and Psalm 16 & 110 with precision (Acts 2:17-35). – John 14:26: “The Holy Spirit… will remind you of everything I have told you.” • Convicting Power – John 16:8: “When He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” – The end result: “When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart” (Acts 2:37). • Linguistic Enablement – Acts 2:4 indicates the Spirit had already enabled speech “in other tongues,” signaling divine activity in every word spoken. Supporting Scriptures Underscoring the Spirit’s Role • Micah 3:8 – “But as for me, I am filled with power—by the Spirit of the LORD—to declare… to Israel his sin.” • 1 Corinthians 2:4 – “My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” Key Takeaways for Today • The Holy Spirit supplies courage where natural weakness once reigned. • He grants clarity, recall, and conviction, turning ordinary believers into bold witnesses. • The same Spirit who empowered Peter remains available to equip every follower of Christ for faithful proclamation. |
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