Jesus Is Lord And Christ! pt 4

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

The first time I ever talked to Jess was after she had sung at a Christmas concert the school was putting on. I didn’t know her, just went up to say she had sang well. I must have been very forgettable because she doesn’t remember that. After Christmas break we started to spend time together with friends and got to know one another better. The more I got to know her, the more I wanted to know her. In May we started dating. As we got to know each other better and talked and asked each other questions I fell more and more in love with her. Knowing her increased my love. But that knowledge had to be pursued. It took work, time, and effort. The better I have gotten to know my bride, the more I have come to love her. I cannot imagine life without her. Had we never started to spend time together and get to know one another, none of this would have been possible.

Our relationship with Christ is like that. Just hearing about Him doesn’t help us know Him. If we are going to truly know Him and fall in love with who He is, we have to pursue that knowledge. It takes time, effort, and work. We have to dig into the Word of God and get on our knees in communion with Him. However, It is as we pursue an intimate knowledge of Christ that we grown in the Christian life. Today, we are going to learn about Christ.

Let me say again that, It is as we pursue an intimate knowledge of Christ that we grown in the Christian life. Today, we are going to learn about Christ.

As we have mentioned, Peter’s goal in this message is to draw his listeners in and point them to his conclusion. His conclusion is that Jesus is Lord and Christ!

Our goal this morning is to arrive at the same conclusion as Peter, Jesus is Lord and Christ!

We also want to learn how they responded to his conclusion. Because we too have a chance to respond to who Jesus is.

We too have a chance to respond to who Jesus is.

As we learn of our Lord Jesus Christ this morning, how will we respond?

Knowing who Jesus is fuels life transformation and fruit production.

It is impossible to bring glory to Christ if we are unaware of Who He is.

We are to live to bring glory to Christ. For that to happen, we must know Him. With goal of gaining a greater understanding of Who Jesus is, join me in studying the Word of God this morning. In Peter’s sermon he points his listeners to two prophesies and a person. He begins with…

With goal of gaining a greater understanding of Who Jesus is, join me in studying the Word of God this morning. In Peter’s sermon he points his listeners to two prophesies and a person. He begins with…

1. The Prophecy Of Joel vv. 14-21

This prophecy is introduced and stated.

Peter began his message by drawing a comparison between what Joel prophesied and what took place on Pentecost. While Pentecost was not a fulfillment of Joel, the Holy Spirit did come and give supernatural abilities to men. Peter moved from Joel’s prophecy to…

2. The Prophecy Of David vv. 22-36

a. The prophecy introduced vv. 22-24

We discussed i. Jesus’ identity, ii. Jesus’ intention v. 23, and iii. Jesus’ resurrection v. 24. After the introduction we have…

b. The prophecy stated vv. 25-28

i. God’s present care vv. 25-26

David expresses God’s present care in two ways. First he describes God our help in v. 25. It is important to remember that Peter is talking about Jesus. Here he directly applies David’s prophecy to Jesus. He states that what David foretold, was about Jesus! This is a claim for Christ fulfilling the prophecy of David. However, it is primarily v. 27 () that Peter applies to Jesus directly.David foresaw that Christ would always be with him preventing any fear. Scripture reveals that Christ is right now seated at the Father’s right hand. For us as believers today this is where our confidence and boldness comes from. It is evidence of the resurrection, ascension, and exaltation of Christ! Since He has risen, so too will we. The second way David expresses God’s present care is by describing God our hope in v. 26. “Heart” is a euphemism for the entire being. It is seen as the center of a person, the place from which ones mind, will, and emotions emanate. God’s presence with us in our lives gives reason to rejoice! (This can be seen in ; , ; ). This rejoicing is then expressed through our lips! Our entire being rejoices and is glad because God is with us. But wait, there is more! In context, the flesh resting in hope seems to be looking forward to the resurrection of our bodies to receive glorified ones. This hope is based on the reality of Christ’s resurrection.“Flesh” is basically the idea of our physical human bodies. For the believer in Jesus Christ, our bodies have a settled and stedfast hope. What is this hope? First, we need to deal with the word hope. Most often we use this word to express a wish or a desire. I hope you have a good day, I hope our children behave, I hope someone gives me a million dollars. Things like that. The Biblical idea of hope is something entirely different. “Hope” is the Greek word ἐλπίς (elpis) meaning hope or expectation. A reasonable and confident expectation of a future event. When David says that his flesh rests in hope he is expressing a settled and assured confidence in something. That something is God’s deliverance. As applied by Peter, this hope is the deliverance from death accomplished by the resurrection.We rejoice, we utter gladness and rest in hope. God is with us and will resurrect us. Peter directly applies this hope to Christ. That is God’s present care. He is our help and our hope. David and Peter next move into the second focus…

ii. God’s future victory vv. 27-28

There are two victories seen in these verses. First, Victory over death in v. 27. Being confident in God’s presence and help, David expresses his belief that that God will deliver him. It is this verse that Peter directly applies to Christ. We will examine his reasons when we get there in vv. 29-31. David here is speaking figuratively of his own deliverance and prophetically of the resurrection of Christ. This becomes more clear as we consider what David is saying. The Father will not abandon Christ to death. He will not permit His Holy One to see corruption. It is the designation “Holy One” that demonstrates this goes beyond David. “Holy One” is the Greek word ὅσιος (hosios) meaning holy; pious; righteous. A person who is morally pure. Only Christ is truly righteous and morally pure! While David again speaks figuratively of himself, this is literally true about Christ! The resurrection of Christ is a volitional choice by the Father. God will not leave, and will not allow. Christ will not be abandoned in Hades nor will God permit Him to see corruption. This highlights God's sovereign control over death. As Peter stated in v. 24, it is impossible for death to hold Christ.The second victory is Victory over dullness in v. 28. The wording of this verse is interesting. David presents that God has caused him to know the proper way and that God will cause him to be full of joy in His presence. David’s experience is mirrored by our own. It is God who reveals to us the ways of life. This word “ways” refers to a path or road. The idea is that of a course of conduct. He gives us the path to follow that will lead us to life. All other paths lead to death. Presence is literally face. God makes us to know the way we should go. When we stand in His presence, there will be complete and total joy. These things are also true of Christ. The life and ministry of Jesus were carried out by the will of God. When once again in His Father’s presence, Christ experienced fullness of joy.This is God’s future victory prophesied by David and looked back on by Peter. There is victory over death and over the dullness of our hearts. Peter has both introduced and stated the prophecy. He now proceeds to explain it. And so we have…

c. The prophecy interpreted vv. 29-36

This prophecy is introduced, stated, and interpreted.

Peter introduces David’s prophecy by reminding them of who Jesus is and how He died as well as the sovereignty of God in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ! After stating David’s prophecy, Peter interprets it. The thing’s prophesied by David were not fulfilled by him, they were fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore, Jesus is the Christ! He is the Messiah! He is Lord!

Peter concludes his message by declaring that Jesus is Lord and Christ.

Today we will learn how people reacted to this first sermon. The focus and heart of the sermon was centered on…

i. The resurrection of Christ vv. 29-32

Scripture is unmistakably clear that the resurrection of Christ is the foundation for all Christian doctrine. If Christ is not risen everything else falls apart. Peter has demonstrated that Jesus was not just a man, he has declared that He was raised from the dead, now Peter supports these claims through an appeal to prophecy. Peter makes three points about the resurrection from David’s prophecy. The first is The resurrection unreceived in v. 29. Peter refers to those listening as “brethren”. Since this is the first day of the church, Peter is not using this as we would among believers today. Also, those he is addressing are not yet believers. He is addressing fellow Jews! That is why they are called brethren. This strengthens our understanding that the point of Tongues is related to the unbelieving Jews.David spoke of not seeing corruption and yet he is dead and buried. Peter’s argument here is that since David is not raised, since his body saw corruption, he cannot be talking about Himself. David has not yet received the resurrection. His tomb was there in Israel, they could go see it. Since David did not receive the resurrection he prophesied of, it must be fulfilled in someone else. This is a very logical, reasonable argument. Peter’s second point is The resurrection unfolded in vv. 30-31.Peter unfolds the resurrection by mentioning the promise to David and the prophecy by David. The resurrection is assured In light of the promise in v. 30. David was a prophet. This word “prophet” is the same word used of Joel. David was a prophet and he knew what God had promised him. This is what we refer to as the Davidic Covenant. This covenant was made with David in . Turn there please and look with me particularly at .

NKJV“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” ’ ” According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.

God’s covenant to David was very clear. Peter’s understanding of this covenant is also very clear. God swore His promise to David with an oath. “Oath” – ὅρκος (horkos) meaning oath. A solemn promise, usually invoking a divine witness, regarding your future acts or behavior; often including penalties for failure within the contents of the oath. This is not a promise that will be unfulfilled! According to Peter, David understood that the covenant made with him was for the Messiah to come from his lineage! Yet He also understood that in order to fulfill the promise to crush the serpents head in Genesis, the Messiah had to pay the penalty for sin. The only solution then, was the resurrection. It is also important to remember that David wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Peter demonstrates that the resurrection of Christ was necessary in order for God to keep His promises to David. Peter continues to unfold the resurrection by showing that it was necessary In light of the prophecy in v. 31.Peter is explaining what is talking about. David was divinely enabled to foresee the resurrection of Christ! God revealed to David the prophetic reality that Christ would be resurrected. He was not left in hell, His flesh was not corrupted. The Christ had to die in order to satisfy the demands of God’s justice concerning sin. But in order for His promises to David to be fulfilled, the Christ had to be raised again. The resurrection of Christ was necessary because of the promises of God to David, and also because of the prophetic revelation communicated through David. Peter unpacks these truths and then applies them to Christ in his third point The resurrection unveiled in v. 32.The phrase “this Jesus” takes us back to vv. 22-24 where Peter explained the identity, death, and resurrection of Christ. God is again credited with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those listening to Peter preach can know for certain Jesus is raised because the disciples are eyewitnesses! “Witnesses” is the Greek word from which we get martyr.Here is Peter’s argument. Jesus was proved to be God through the miracles He did. It was the Father’s eternal plan for Jesus to be crucified. The Father raised Him from the dead. The Messiah was to come from David’s line. Jesus did. The Messiah was to die for sin. Jesus did. The Messiah was to be raised from the dead. Jesus was David was not. Now he is basically saying, “if you doubt me, ask these others!” They were there! They saw what took place. They are eyewitnesses of these things. Not only do they have the testimony of Scripture, they have the testimony of the disciples. Having explained the resurrection Peter moves on to explain…

ii. The exaltation of Christ vv. 33-36

Peter is going to use a prophetic Psalm of David to prove his point about the exaltation of Christ. Peter gives evidence for the exaltation of Christ, he explains it, and he expresses or declares it. Peter is very thorough. He doesn’t want them to simply take him at his word. He offers proof of all that he declares. He demonstrates it through Scripture. First he gives Evidence for exaltation in v. 33.How did Peter know Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God? For one, it is in the prophecy he just quoted by David! But there is also a reference to this in Mark’s gospel. Both Mark and Luke mention Christ’s ascension, but Mark mentions something extra. It is believed that Mark got the information for his gospel from Peter. Listen to what Mark says in (S).

NKJVSo then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

Luke in both his gospel and the book of Acts very clearly mentions that the disciples were looking as Jesus was taken into heaven. It is possible that they saw Him sit at the Father’s right hand. Even if they didn’t, Jesus was the Messiah and the Messiah was prophesied to sit there. Peter states that Christ was exalted and that He received the Spirit from the Father and poured Him out on the disciples. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit is evidence of Jesus exaltation. He promised to send a comforter and told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Now He has come!Peter is saying that this miracle witnessed on the day of Pentecost is evidence of the exaltation of Christ! What they see and hear is the evidence of the Holy Spirit who has been given by Christ! To give further evidence of the resurrection and exaltation of Christ Peter again quotes prophecy. He gives us the Explanation of exaltation in vv. 34-35. This is a direct quotation of . Peter’s point in these verses is that David cannot be talking about himself since he never ascended to heaven. David has not yet received his glorified body. This promise is not for David, it is about Christ! What is interesting about this particular Psalm is that Jesus quoted this exact verse to demonstrate that the Messiah had to be greater than David. The Messiah had to be God. Turn to .

NKJVHe said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’? If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.

Both Jesus and Peter quote David to demonstrate who the Messiah would be. Peter’s use here is to demonstrate that Jesus ascended.Peter has laid out all his arguments. He has demonstrated who Jesus is from using prophecy, logic, and an appeal to eyewitness accounts. Now he ends with a declaration. We close with Peter’s…3. Expression of exaltation v. 36This is the conclusion of Peter’s sermon. Jesus is Lord and Christ! He wants everyone in Israel to know this. “Assuredly” – ἀσφαλῶς asphalōs securely; assuredly. Surely – definitely or positively; with certainty; without a doubt. Adverb of manner. How can they know without a doubt? Because they are talking to eyewitnesses! Later in writing his epistles Peter would describe it this way. (S).

NKJVFor we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

In context Peter is referring to Jesus being transfigured in the presence of himself, James, and John. They had seen who Jesus was! According to Paul in , Peter got a special visit from the Lord after His resurrection. (S).

NKJVFor I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.

The disciples are eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ. Prophecy declared that Christ would die for sin and rise again and Jesus fulfilled this prophecy! God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ! Next time we are in Acts we will unpack these titles more fully. For today let me just remind us that Jesus is the human name given to God the Son. It is a name that means “Savior”. When the angel announced this name to Joseph he stated that the child would be called Jesus because “He will save His people from their sins ().”Peter reminds the people that Jesus is the crucified one. This one who God has made Lord and Christ is the same one they crucified! God has made Him “Lord”! This is the Greek word κύριος (kyrios) meaning Lord. Master of world, the sovereign master of the inhabited world; often of Jesus as sovereign master of all creation. That is who Jesus is! He is the Sovereign master of all creation! He is also the Christ. He is the Messiah of prophecy! He is the one sent into the world to save sinners! Christ has been highly exalted. Jesus is Lord and Christ!

Conclusion

So what? What does it matter that Christ is raised from the dead? What does it matter that He is exalted and at the right hand of God? How do these truths impact my life today? I’m glad you asked.Apart from the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, we have no salvation. goes into great detail on the importance of the resurrection. For sake of time we wont read it all but let me just give you a summary. If Christ is not risen our faith is futile, we are still in our sins, the dead are gone forever, we have no hope, we are pitiable. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith, of forgiven sin, and of our expectation of eternity with Christ! Apart from the resurrection, Christianity is empty.What about Christ’s exaltation? (S).

NKJVWho is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

If Christ is not exalted to the Father’s right hand, we have no intercessor. We have no one to mediate between us and God! In short, we have nothing standing between us and God’s wrath! Paul writes in that there is “one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus”! In John writes that when we sin “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”! Is Christ is not exalted and seated on the right hand of the Father we have no Advocate, no Mediator, no Intercessor! Apart from the work of Christ we stand before God condemned in our sin! So what do we do about it? Peter concludes his message by proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and Christ. This provides us with a three-fold challenge.Trust Him as Savior.There is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved.Submit to Him as Lord.You can’t make Him Lord because He already is Lord. You must yield to His Lordship in your life. This is the process of sanctification. “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh,”Proclaim Him as the Christ.Make disciples of every creature. We are ambassadors for Christ. These three things serve as the foundation for a fruitful Christian life. Join me in praying about how to put them into practice this week.

3. The Person Of Jesus Christ vv. 36-39

When we began this portion of I noted that Peter points his listeners to two prophesies and a person. Having previously examined the two prophecies, today we turn to the person. Though we briefly looked at v. 36 last time, I want to begin there and give a fuller exposition of the name and title’s this verse gives to God the Son. In this verse we have…

a. The revelation of His person vv. 36

As we have previously noted, this is the conclusion towards which Peter has been pointing in this entire sermon. The declaration of who Christ is and our response to Him is the most important crisis point of our lives! What we need to understand is what Peter is arguing for here when he states that Jesus is Lord and Christ. Peter first declares Him as…

i. Jesus the crucified v. 36a

Peter has been abundantly clear from the beginning who he is talking about. In v. 22 he calls Him Jesus of Nazareth, the one who performed miraculous signs and wonders. In v. 32 he declares that it is this same Jesus that was raised up. Here in v. 36 Peter proclaims that this crucified Jesus is Lord and Christ! There can be no mistake who Peter is speaking of. It is Jesus from Nazareth. The Rabbi or teacher who did miracles, the one who was crucified, the one who was resurrected. This can only be speaking of Jesus of Nazareth the son of Mary, raised by Joseph the carpenter! Thomas constable writes that…

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Peter’s proclamation 2:22–36

Peter wanted every Israelite to consider the evidence he had just presented because it proved “for certain” that Jesus of Nazareth (cf. v. 22) was God’s sovereign ruler (Lord) and anointed Messiah (Christ).

The things Peter presented in these verses definitively prove the identity of Jesus. As we noted previously, the name Jesus was specifically chosen because it means “Savior” or “Jehovah saves”. This was the angels’ stated purpose for giving Him this name in (S).

Matthew 1:21 NKJV

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

In order for this salvation to be accomplished, Jesus had to die on the Cross for sin. He also had to be raised, and exalted.

Crucified, Risen, Exalted; Jesus is the only Savior!

This exaltation is seen when Peter declares Christ to be Lord. Jesus is not only a man. He is…

ii. The Lord of glory v. 36b

“The Lord of glory” is a title ascribed to Christ by the Apostle Paul in . The idea of this term is that Jesus is the Sovereign God to whom all glory belongs. That is who Jesus is. That is the one that we serve! In this verse, when we look at the original language, we make an incredible discovery about the extent of Paul’s statement. This discovery is wonderfully summarized by Stanley Toussaint in the Bible Knowledge Commentary.

Term used to describe God the Father instead of pronouncing God’s name.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 2:36

Here is the conclusion of Peter’s argument. The noun Lord, referring to Christ, probably is a reference to Yahweh. The same word kyrios is used of God in verses 21, 34, and 39 (cf. Phil. 2:9). This is a strong affirmation of Christ’s deity.

In quoting the OT Peter uses the Greek “kyrios” where the Hebrew “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” was used. That means that when he refers to Jesus as Lord or “kyrios” Peter is making a bold declaration that Jesus is God! While this is somewhat lost in our English translations, those listening to Peter would have caught it right away.

As we noted previously, “Lord” is the Greek word κύριος (kyrios) meaning Lord. Master of world, the sovereign master of the inhabited world; often of Jesus as sovereign master of all creation. This word must be speaking of God. Therefore, Jesus is God!

Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal God of the universe!

That is what Peter is declaring. And he isn’t done yet. He goes on to state that Jesus is…

iii. The Christ, the Son of God v. 36c

These exact words were said by Peter in . “Christ” is a title. It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah”. Peter is saying, in no uncertain terms, that Jesus is the Messiah of prophecy. He is the expected one, the promised one, the redeemer, the Savior, the King! The name “Jesus” speaks to God the Son’s humanity. The name “Lord” His deity. The name “Christ” proclaims that He is the fulfillment of God’s promise of a redeemer! Jesus was not just a man from Nazareth. He was not just God in human form.

Jesus is the eternal God-man who came as the fulfillment of prophecy!

This point is emphasized by Alberto Valdés in the Grace New Testament Commentary.

The Grace New Testament Commentary B. God Again Appeals to the Jewish Nation (2:4–47)

the Father could only grant these titles to someone who does indeed qualify as Deity. For God does not share His glory with another (cf. Isa 42:8).

I love this reminder. God doesn’t share His glory. So for Jesus to be both Lord and Christ, for Him to be highly exalted and seated at the Father’s right hand, these things require that He be God!

When we trust in Him, we are not trusting this mamby pamby, wimpified, homeboy Jesus that so many in our culture want to believe in! We are trusting in the living God! We are trusting that the one who ever lives to intercede for the saints will intercede on our behalf when we believe in Him! He is Jesus the crucified! He is the Lord of glory! He is the Christ, the Son of God! These first Jewish believers know exactly what Peter is proclaiming. This understanding of who Jesus is and what they have done in crucifying Him leads right into our final point…

b. The response to His person vv. 37-39

In light of who Jesus is, how do we respond? That is the ultimate question. This is the point that we desire to bring people to as we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is decision time! Will you choose Jesus and eternal life? Or, will you choose self and eternal damnation? That is what Peter deals with as he is asked…

i. A vital question v. 37

The question these Jewish people ask is so very important. What do we do? Before we look at that further I want to go back to the beginning of the verse and talk about conviction. Those present on this day hear Peter’s proclamation and are cut to the heart. “Cut” is the Greek word κατανύσσομαι (katanyssomai) meaning be pierced; be stabbed. To be pierced (emotionally). To be or become moved or affected deeply or sharply (in one’s emotions or bodily feelings). Cut is the action and heart is where this took place. “Heart” is the Greek word καρδία (kardia) meaning heart or self. The locus of a person’s thoughts (mind), volition, emotions, and knowledge of right from wrong (conscience). They are cut or stabbed in the seat of their affections. This is a very apt description of conviction.

“Cut” – κατανύσσομαι (katanyssomai) be pierced; be stabbed. To be pierced (emotionally) – to be or become moved or affected deeply or sharply (in one’s emotions or bodily feelings). Finite verb, aorist, passive, indicative, third person, plural.

What is interesting about this word “cut” is that it is passive. This begs the question, who does the cutting? For the answer to this question we turn to (S).

Convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment?

John 16:7–11 NKJV

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Conviction is always a product of the Holy Spirit as He uses the Word He inspired to expose the sinfulness of men and their subsequent need of a Savior. This means that conviction is not our job. It is the Holy Spirit’s job. This is a freeing reality! We are not responsible to convict men of sin! We are simply to faithfully preach the Word and trust that God will convict.

“Heart” – καρδία (kardia) heart. Self (heart) – the locus of a person’s thoughts (mind), volition, emotions, and knowledge of right from wrong (conscience). Noun, accusative of reference, singular, feminine.

The Word of God and conviction of the Holy Spirit bring about a moment of decision.

They are cut or stabbed in the seat of their affections. This is a very apt description of conviction.

Conviction is not our job. HS’s job.

This question is asked of Peter and the rest of the apostles who all appear to still be all together. As used here the term “apostles” is referring to the office or title of apostle. These were apostles based on the call and commission of Jesus Christ. They are both men and brethren because they are Jewish.

Peter and the rest of the apostles appear to still be all together.

As used here the term “apostles” is referring to the office or title of apostle. These were apostles based on the call and comission of Jesus Christ.

The question that flows out of the conviction is a request for a course of action to be taken, or a duty to be performed. They recognize that something needs to be done, but they do not know what that something is. This is where conviction brings someone. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict. When He does, the person needs to hear the gospel that they might be able to respond to it. Therefore, it is our responsibility to preach the gospel that they might hear. That is precisely what Peter does as he gives…

ii. A vivid response v. 38

As Peter has been the spokesmen up until this point, he is the on who responds to the question. “Repent” is a very important word. It is also a word that has been abused by those who want it to mean something other than its literal, plain meaning. “Repent” is the Greek word μετανοέω (metanoeō) meaning repent. Or, more literally, to change one’s mind. There are those who argue for this word meaning a change of behavior. They do so because it is necessary to enforce their theological position, not because it is exegetically supported. While it is true that a changed mind will result in changed behavior it is nevertheless incorrect and dangerous to make this word mean a change of behavior. Peter is calling them to change their mind about who Jesus is!

Repent is a very important word. It is also a word that has been abused by those who want it to mean something other than its literal, plain meaning.

“Repent” – μετανοέω (metanoeō) repent. To reconsider (repent) – to have a change of self (heart and mind) that abandons former dispositions and results in a new self, new behavior, and regret over former behavior and dispositions. Finite verb, aorist, active, imperative, second person, plural.

While it is true that a changed mind will result in changed behavior it is nevertheless incorrect and dangerous to make this word mean a change of behavior.

This verse has engendered a lot of controversy. It is a favorite “proof text” for those who teach baptismal regeneration. We want to deal with that issue this morning. “Baptized” is the Greek word βαπτίζομαι (baptizomai) meaning baptize. To be or become momentarily immersed in water as a cleansing, ceremonial, and initiatory rite. The problem arise from how Peter words this verse. He makes it sound as though baptism is what brings the remission of sin. However, if that were true, we would find baptism listed right along side every gospel presentation. That is simply not what Scripture reveals. Added to that is Paul’s assertion in . Turn there please.

Baptized” – βαπτίζομαι (baptizomai) baptize. To be baptized (state) – to be or become momentarily immersed in water as a cleansing, ceremonial, and initiatory rite. Finite verb, aorist, passive, imperative, third person, singular.

“Baptized” – βαπτίζομαι (baptizomai) baptize. To be baptized (state) – to be or become momentarily immersed in water as a cleansing, ceremonial, and initiatory rite. Finite verb, aorist, passive, imperative, third person, singular.

1 Corinthians 1:10–17 NKJV

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

esp. v. 17. Baptism is not part of the gospel.

I want to call your attention especially to v. 17. Paul makes it abundantly clear here that baptism is not part of the gospel. Notice, he states that he didn’t come to baptise, but to preach the gospel. Therefore, in Paul’s mind, preaching the gospel and preaching about baptism were two different things! This is even more powerful when we consider the words of (S).

Romans 1:16 NKJV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Since the gospel is the power of God for salvation and baptism is not a part of that gospel, baptism cannot save you. Let me say that another way. If baptism is not part of the gospel and belief in the gospel is what saves, then baptism is not necessary for salvation. Last week we talked a little bit about the Philippian jailer in . When he asked what he must do to be saved, Peter told him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!

If baptism is not part of the gospel and belief in the gospel is what saves, then baptism is not necessary for salvation.

What must I do to be saved? Believe!

Peter tells those present at Pentecost that they need to be baptized in the name of Jesus. “Name” in this context refers to all that someone is. It is belief in the totality of Jesus’ being.

Peter says that these things are to be done “for the remission of sins”. “Remission” is the Greek word ἄφεσις (aphesis) meaning forgiveness or pardon. A formal release from an obligation or debt; especially understood of the debt of sin. Later in Peter will declare (S)…

“Remission” – ἄφεσις (aphesis) forgiveness; pardon. Forgiveness (absolution) – a formal release from an obligation or debt; especially understood of the debt of sin. Noun (prepositional object), accusative, singular, feminine.

Later in Peter will declare (S)…

Acts 10:43 NKJV

To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Believing is what brings the remission of sin. Baptism is the outward evidence or declaration of this inward change. So why does Peter seem to say that baptism is connected to the forgiveness of sin? The simple answer is that he actually doesn’t. One of the things we lose in modern English translation is singular and plural. “Repent” and “receive” are both plural meaning that they go together. However, “baptized” is singular, making it a parenthetical statement. Thomas Constable explains it this way.

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Peter’s exhortation 2:37–41

According to this view Peter was saying, “You [all] repent for [the purpose of] the forgiveness of your sins, and you [all] will receive the Spirit.” Then he added parenthetically, “And each of you [singular] be baptized [as a testimony to your faith].” This explanation links forgiveness with repentance.

Believing is what brings the remission of sin. Baptisim is the outward evidence or declaration of this inward change.

This explanation is best supported by a literal, grammatical, historical interpretation as well as the testimony of the rest of Scripture. Repentance and belief occur simultaneously because you are changing your mind about who Jesus is. So Peter is telling them to believe and when we believe we are granted the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Could it be translated “because of”? So, be baptised because of the remission of sin?

Believe in Jesus, receive the Holy Spirit, be baptised; that is a proper response to conviction.

When we beleive we are granted the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter ends his answer to their question by giving a…

iii. A valuable understanding v. 39

When vv. 38-39 are read together it becomes apparent that Peter is referring here to the promise of the Holy Spirit. This has been Luke’s theme since ch. 1 (1:5, 8; 2:33). Peter’s statement would have been somewhat scandalous to the Jews. He states that the promise is to them and their children, that was okay. But then he goes on to say that it is for those “who are afar off”. Since he is addressing Jews, this seems to be pointed to the Gentiles. Peter has already hinted at this in v. 21 by saying “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” He then makes this point even stronger when he states “as many as the Lord our God will call.” The idea here is “whoever” He calls.

Whoever the Lord calls will receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Peter’s comment about those who are far off makes me think of (S).

Ephesians 2:11–13 NKJV

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Those who were once far off are brought near by the blood of Christ! Not only are we brought near, we are given the Holy Spirit! All of this comes to whoever the Lord calls. “Will call” is the Greek word προσκαλέω (proskaleō) meaning to summon; call to oneself. To summon near, to summon to oneself or into one’s presence; perhaps with connotation of intimacy.

Far off makes me think of those far off have been brought near.

“Will call” – προσκαλέω (proskaleō) summon; call to oneself. To summon near – to summon to oneself or into one’s presence; perhaps with connotation of intimacy. Finite verb, aorist, middle, subjunctive, third person, singular.

Here again, as in v. 23, we see the sovereignty of God alongside the responsibility of man. God must call someone for them to be saved, yet that person must also believe. How these two truths that seem opposite and paradoxical to us can be reconciled in the mind of God beyond human comprehension. Yet in order to be truly Biblical in our theology and understanding of Scripture we must hold to both truths as they are clearly revealed in the plain sense of Scripture.

This is how we respond to the person of Jesus Christ. When faced with conviction the question is, what do I do? The answer is to repent. Change your mind about who Jesus is, place your faith in Him and He will change your direction. Receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized to declare your transformation.

Conclusion

Jesus is Lord and Christ! He is the one prophesied in the OT. He was proclaimed through the miracles that He performed. He was sent by God and crucified by men. He was raised victorious over death! He has been exalted to the right hand of God and has sent us His Holy Spirit! He is Lord and Christ! You either choose to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. Belief in Jesus Christ requires repentance, a change of mind about who He is. Once we have repented and believed, we receive the Holy Spirit and the expectation is that we will then be baptized. But all of this is dependent on God calling. The Holy Spirit convicts, God calls, Christ saves, and we believe.

Scripture reveals that Jesus is Lord and Christ. That is who He is. Who is He to you and me? Have you trusted Him as Savior? Will we submit to Him as Lord? We have noted this before, but I believe it is so vital that we will repeat it. Because Jesus is Lord and Christ we must do three things.

Trust Jesus as Savior.

Submit to Him as Lord.

Proclaim Him as the Christ.

#510 “Jesus Is All The World To Me” (v. 4)

Related Media

Related Sermons