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), Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit upon the new Israel (represented by the 12 apostles), ushering the last days before God s return to judge the world in righteousness. The evidence that the Spirit has been poured out: prophetic speech declaring mighty works of God. Some of the mighty crowd are amazed and perplexed at this bewildering phenomenon (2:12); others mock (2:13). Peter, seizing this sovereignly opened door, stands up, lifts up his voice, and addresses the crowd with his first ever recorded public sermon.
Laden with Scripture, Peter proclaims that what is happening is precisely what God declared would happen in the last days after the Messiah would be betrayed, crucified, raised, and exalted. Cut to the heart by the convicting work of the Spirit and His sword, many call upon the name of the Lord Jesus and are saved, and the church is born in Jerusalem. Read: Acts 2:22-36 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? Contrast pre-pentecost Peter (Luke 22:54-62) with post- Pentecost Peter. - To what (or Whom) may we attribute this difference?
What is the practical relevance of this for us? 2. As you read Peter s sermon what jumped out at you? What is the main theme of Peter s sermon? - Felt needs? Jokes? Current news? How does this compare with preaching today? What is Peter s primary source? - When we witness of Jesus to others (1:8), what must our primary source be? Rom. 10:17 (ESV); 1 Pet. 1:23-25; James 1:18 3. Peter s Spirit-filled sermon is all about Jesus Is this consistent with Jesus teaching of the Holy Spirit s ministry? - See John 14:15-17, 25-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15 4. According to 2:23, who was responsible for Jesus death? Cf. also 4:27-28 - Can you explain how this can be?
5. According to 2:33, how do we know that Jesus has ascended, or been exalted, to the right hand of the Father? Recall that the Jews believed Moses gave Israel the gift of the law after his ascension of Mt. Sinai. What is the better Gift Jesus has given the new Israel after His ascension to the right of God? - Cf. Eph. 4:8-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-13 The Gift of the Spirit brings Spiritual gifts 6. How does Peter use the promise of Psa. 132:11-12 to interpret Psa. 16:9-11 and 110:1? It is almost impossible to understand a lot of either the OT or the NT apart from what is called the Davidic covenant. If you have time, read the entirety of 2 Samuel 7. If not, read 2 Sam. 7:8-16 - Can you see how Christ fulfills this passage? HOW?
Are there any questions you might have for your leader? 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 10-15 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. 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.