What Shall We Do?
Acts chapter two describes a significant event in human history. The setting was 50 days after Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Jesus had died during Passover and was raised from death three days later. Then, during a 40-day period, He made numerous appearances to His disciples before ascending to heaven (1Cor.15:1-11). Before departing, He told His apostles to wait in Jerusalem for something important: “...you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). What Jesus promised began on the Jewish Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.
Multitudes of Jews were in Jerusalem to observe Pentecost, which was a celebration of harvest time and a remembrance of Moses’ Law as given on Mt. Sinai. God chose this occasion to give a new law and bring about a new spiritual harvest -- both based on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Suddenly there was a “rushing mighty wind” from heaven that filled the place where the apostles were (2:2), which drew a crowd. Divided tongues of fire appeared upon each of the twelve apostles (2:3), which directed attention to them. The apostles were “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues...” (2:4). As they spoke in foreign languages to the crowd of Jews (many of which had traveled from other countries), the Jews were amazed that these twelve Galileans suddenly had this ability (2:5-13).
The apostle Peter then presented the first formal gospel sermon based on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. He explained that what the crowd was witnessing was foretold by the prophet Joel 800 years before (2:14-21). As Joel spoke of the pouring out of the Spirit, he also revealed that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32). Peter’s sermon then concentrated on who “the Lord” is and what it means to call on His name.
First, Peter appealed to the people’s memory. They had seen Jesus perform miracles as proof of who He is, yet they sought His death (Acts 2:22-23). But God raised Him up as foretold by King David 1,000 years before (2:24-28; Psalm 16:8-11). David spoke of the Christ who would not remain dead long, and this was the same descendant of David who would rise to sit on his throne (Acts 2:29-31).
Peter then affirmed: “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.” (2:32). Peter offered further proof that Jesus is alive: He, from Heaven, had just poured out the Spirit upon the apostles (2:33). That Jesus now reigns from the right hand of God was also foretold by David (2:34-35; Psalm 110:1). Thus Peter concludes that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36).
Many who heard Peter were “cut to the heart” by the guilt of crucifying Jesus, and asked “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (2:37). They were concerned about their sin and what to do about it. Peter answers them: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” (2:38). Peter reveals how one calls on the name of the Lord and is saved from sin: a believer repents and is baptized. That’s exactly how 3,000 people responded (2:41). We today are guilty of sin and need the same Savior. Will we likewise submit to Jesus as Lord in faith, repentance, and baptism?
by Tom Rainwater
