Introduction

The Day of Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts, marks a pivotal moment in Christian history. It is the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel with boldness and clarity. Central to this event is the Apostle Peter, whose sermon on this day is a cornerstone of Christian teaching and evangelism. This entry explores Peter's role and message on the Day of Pentecost, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.

Background

Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, was a Jewish festival celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and a commemoration of the giving of the Law at Sinai. For the early Christians, Pentecost became the occasion for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus' promise to send a Helper (John 14:16).

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-4 describes the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

This supernatural event drew a diverse crowd of Jews from various regions, each hearing the apostles speak in their own language. The miraculous nature of this event set the stage for Peter's sermon.

Peter's Sermon

Peter, standing with the eleven, addressed the crowd with authority and conviction. His sermon, recorded in Acts 2:14-36, is a masterful exposition of Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Peter begins by refuting the accusation that the apostles are drunk, explaining that what the crowd witnesses is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people" (Acts 2:17).

Peter then shifts to the central theme of his message: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He declares Jesus as the promised Messiah, using Psalm 16 and Psalm 110 to demonstrate that David foresaw the resurrection and exaltation of Christ. Acts 2:32-33 states, "God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear."

The Call to Repentance

Peter's sermon reaches its climax with a call to repentance. Acts 2:37-38 records the crowd's response: "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, '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.'"

This call to repentance and baptism marks the beginning of the Christian Church. About three thousand souls were added to the believers that day, signifying the powerful work of the Holy Spirit through Peter's preaching.

Significance

Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost is significant for several reasons. It marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, empowering the apostles for their mission. It also establishes the foundational message of the Gospel: Jesus' death and resurrection as the means of salvation. Peter's use of Old Testament prophecy underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan, affirming Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

The events of Pentecost and Peter's sermon continue to resonate throughout Christian history, serving as a model for evangelism and a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.Acts 2:1-36
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Nave's Topical Index

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... are given why it is better to have bad readings to which ... Peter was the first to enter
the sepulchre. ... Lord speaks of the last things between the day of judgment ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

[Endnotes]
... It was the residence as well of Peter and Andrew (Matthew 17:24), as of James ... Hence
they are found among the disciples before the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... This oath was given the fifteenth day of August, indiction XIII, the twenty-third
year of the reign of our lord Justinian, the ninth year after the consulship ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Who was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Summary 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