Peter s Sermon on Pentecost, Part 1 (Acts 2:14-21)

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Domenic Bruce
5 years ago
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1 Overview: Peter s Sermon on Pentecost, Part 1 (Acts 2:14-21) The story in Acts begins just after Jesus was raised from the dead. Jesus gives his disciples some instructions and then leaves for heaven (Acts 1:1-11). But he really doesn t leave because he sends his Spirit to empower his church (Acts 2:1-13). Through the Holy Spirit Jesus is truly present. The disciples begin to preach Christ in Jerusalem in the power of the Spirit (Acts 2:14-36). Thousands repent and believe in Jesus (Acts 2:37-47). And the church is born! Two thousand years later we find ourselves in southern Alberta, gathered together to worship and proclaim Jesus. We have the same mission, the same Spirit, and access to the same power. So let s dig in to Acts for the glory of Christ, the good of His people, and the joy of the nations!

2 Read: Acts 2:1-21 This would be a great time to have everyone participate in reading the text together. In your own words, how would you summarize this section to someone who had never read this before? Is there anything that stands out to you in this text? 1. Who is the apostolic spokesperson in this section? Does Matt. 16:18 have any relevance here? - Why or why not? - Is the rock Jesus refers to here Peter, Peter s confession, or both? Does Eph. 2:20 help clarify this? 2. Whom is Peter addressing in Acts 2? Why is it important to know this?

3 3. What Scripture does Peter cite first to explain what s happening? Read this text, and compare it word for word with Peter s words in Acts 2. - Why do you think there are changes, omissions, or differences between the two accounts? Is Peter playing fast and loose with the Word of God? Has he misquoted it? Or, perhaps, is he interpreting it Christologically? - What would be your basis for this? Hint: Luke 24:44-49 and Acts 1:3 4. Who receives the Spirit in the last days? Cf. also 2: According to the following passages, what does the NT teach about the last days? 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1; 1 Cor. 10:11; 1 John 2:8; 1 Pet. 1:20; Heb. 1:1-2; 9:26

4 - What would be some of the practical implications of this idea that the end times are now, and not some distant time in the future? 6. What is the only way to escape God s wrath on the day of the LORD? What does Joel say? - Cf. Joel 2:12-14 Is there a discrepancy between Acts 2:21 and 2:38? - Explain your answer Why is this day called the great and glorious (ESV = magnificent ) day? 7. Look at Ezekiel 37:1-14. Just as in creation, two elements are essential for the new creation. - What are they? Hint: The Word and the Spirit Do we see this combination in Acts 2? - What would be a practical implication of this truth?

8. Look at Ezekiel 37:15-28 According to 37:1-14, in the last days, God will send His Word and His Spirit to revive and restore not only the land (earth), but also

Try to find them without peeking below. 1. God will also reunite His scattered people from the four corners of the earth (15-21) 2.

5 8. Look at Ezekiel 37:15-28 According to 37:1-14, in the last days, God will send His Word and His Spirit to revive and restore not only the land (earth), but also His people (Israel). - However, 37:15-28, we that when the Spirit is poured out, there are four more significant things will happen. What are they? Try to find them without peeking below. 1. God will also reunite His scattered people from the four corners of the earth (15-21) 2. They will be cleansed under a new covenant (23,26) 3. They will be united under one Davidic King (22,25) 4. Who will rule from God s restored Temple (25-28) Are there any questions you might have for your leader?

If there were a couple of take home points from either the sermon or the study, what would they be?

6 Is there anything else from the text or sermon that you have learned today? If so, please bless your group by sharing what the Lord is teaching you through this. If there were a couple of take home points from either the sermon or the study, what would they be? ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR GROWTH GROUP DISCUSSION 1. Encourage your group to work through each lesson before you meet. Perhaps suggest they spend minutes during their daily devotional times for a few days. When each group member takes time to prepare, you will find the discussion much richer.

7 2. Choose a few questions from this study guide and craft your own. Don t feel like you have to slavishly get through each question! The goal is to properly interpret and apply the passage. 3. Leave time for application. Use the application questions here and come up with your own. Ask questions at the end of your discussion, like What is God teaching you through this passage? 4. Pray in response to this passage. Certainly spend time praying for each other. Learn also to pray in response to the passage being studied.

Peter s Sermon on Pentecost, Part 2 (Acts 2:22-36)

Overview: Peter s Sermon on Pentecost, Part 2 (Acts 2:22-36) In fulfillment of the Father s promise (1:4-5), as well as in answer to the obedience of Jesus followers to prayerfully wait in Jerusalem (1:13),