Sermon notes to come.

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him,

“Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”—Acts 2:14–36

 

Sermon Discussion Questions

 Main Point: Peter’s sermon reveals that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all flesh at Pentecost is a manifestation of the ongoing ministry of the crucified, risen, exalted, and enthroned Messiah and Lord in fulfillment of the Scriptures. 

Outline

1. The Pouring Out of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:14–21)
2. Jesus Whom You Crucified Is Truly the Resurrected Messiah (Acts 2:22–32)
3. Jesus Is Now the Ascended, Exalted, and Enthroned Lord & Christ (Acts 2:33–36)

Launching Question: Have you ever had a time in your life when you questioned the meaning or significance of life or of your own life in particular? If so, to whom or to what did you turn for answers?

Discussion Questions

• What is the purpose and emphasis of Peter’s use of Joel 2:28–31 in Acts 2:17–21?
• In Acts 2:22–24, what does Peter emphasize and why? How would this have been heard and received by the original audience?
• When Peter quotes from Psalm 16:8–11 in Acts 2:25–28, what is he attempting to argue? How do Peter’s words in Acts 2:29–32 help us understand his use of the Old Testament?
• What is Peter trying to argue for or get across to his audience in Acts 2:33–36? How might this have been new or surprising for Peter’s original audience?
• How does Psalm 110:1 (quoted in Acts 2:34–35) support Peter’s argument? What is the significance of Jesus’ state right now? 

Application Questions

• Pentecost provided an opportunity for Peter to preach Christ. What are some perplexing events (personal or global) that provide an opportunity to trust Jesus or to share Christ with others?
• Why is it significant that we are living in the “last days” and that “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”? How can we cultivate evangelistic urgency in our own lives?
• How does the record of Jesus’ life, miracles, death, and resurrection give us confidence in God? How can these truths encourage us in tumultuous times?
• Why is it significant to know that Jesus is exalted to the right hand of the Father? How does Jesus’ continued ministry through the Holy Spirit give you hope, joy, and peace?
• Take a moment to write out how Jesus’ fulfillment of the Scriptures as the long-awaited Messiah and his identity as the exalted Lord and Christ help you to trust him, obey him, and love him. 

Prayer Focus
Take a moment to express praise and thanksgiving to God for his plan of redemption that climaxes in the life, death, resurrection, ascension, exaltation, and enthronement of Jesus Christ. Confess any ways you have minimized Jesus in your heart, mind, or actions. Confess any ways you have failed to obey Jesus as Lord. Confess any ways you have grown cold or calloused to Christ. Thank God for the forgiveness of sins, and that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ask God to help you this week to behold and worship the risen and exalted Lord. Ask God to help you proclaim Christ to those who don’t know him.