What is the meaning of Acts 2:36? Therefore Peter’s “therefore” links everything he has just preached with a decisive conclusion. • It points back to the proofs he has presented—Joel’s prophecy fulfilled in the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:16-21) and the eyewitness testimony to Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:32). • Scripture always builds its calls to faith on solid revelation, never on speculation (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:1-3). let all Israel know with certainty Peter addresses the entire nation gathered for Pentecost, insisting on absolute assurance. • God never settles for vague impressions; He offers “many convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3) so that hearts can rest in certainty (Luke 1:3-4). • Though spoken to Israel, the invitation extends to every listener today (Romans 1:16). • Genuine faith stands on sure footing, “fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Romans 4:21). that God has made this Jesus The Father’s action in exalting His Son is the heart of the gospel. • “This Jesus” is the One they knew—born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6), attested by miracles (Acts 2:22). • God “raised Him up, releasing Him from the agony of death” (Acts 2:24); resurrection is the public confirmation of Jesus’ divine appointment (Romans 1:4). • The same truth fuels our assurance of future resurrection (1 Corinthians 6:14). whom you crucified Peter does not soften the crowd’s responsibility. • The cross fulfills Isaiah 53:5-6—our sin placed on the sinless Servant. • Personal culpability: though Roman soldiers drove the nails, our sins necessitated the sacrifice (Galatians 2:20). • Conviction must precede conversion; “they were pierced to the heart” (Acts 2:37) just as we must be. both Lord and Christ Jesus holds the highest titles: • Lord—absolute Sovereign (Philippians 2:9-11). Every knee will bow; submission is not optional. • Christ—promised Messiah, the Anointed King (Psalm 2:2; Luke 24:46-47). • God’s declaration fixes His identity; we are called to respond in repentance and faith (Acts 2:38). • The union of these titles guarantees complete salvation: the Lord who rules is the Messiah who redeems (Hebrews 7:25). summary Acts 2:36 crowns Peter’s sermon: on the undeniable evidence of prophecy fulfilled and resurrection witnessed, God Himself proclaims Jesus as both sovereign Lord and promised Messiah. Israel—and every hearer since—is confronted with a clear, inescapable choice: acknowledge the One we crucified yet whom God exalted, receive Him in repentance and faith, and follow the risen King whose lordship is absolute and whose salvation is certain. |
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