ACTS 2: 36-41
PETER'S SERMON AT PENTECOST [Part 3]
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
[John 16:8-11]
A Sunday School teacher had just finished teaching a lesson on the Prodical Son. “Now Billy,” she asked, “tell me what we must do before we can expect to be forgiven for our sin?” Without hesitation Billy replied, “First we gotta sin.”
The most momentous question anyone can ask is the questions, “What must I do to be saved?” A wrong answer to that question, no matter how corrects a person’s sincerely, or beliefs may be in religion or any other area, is the path to eternal tragedy.
Because of the vitalness of a correct answer to this question satan has made great effort to muddy the water. The result has been a panorama of wrong answers. Though many are based on the Bible they are a perversion of biblical truth.
In our passage Peter gives the correct answer to the questions how to be saved and how to receive the Holy Spirit, for both have the same answer. Conviction of sin, true belief in Jesus as Lord and repentance from sin are the necessary ingredients of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit (CIT). Peter wraps his Pentecost [50th day after 2nd day of Passover; Jewish Feast of Weeks-Shavuoth] message which began in verse 14 with an appeal for his listeners to do just that and be saved.
I. THE APPEAL FOR SALVATION, 36-40.
II. THE RESULTS OF SALVATION, 41-42.
Verse 36 is the conclusion or the logical outcome of Peter’s argument. “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
Therefore—that is, to sum up the whole message Peter has been proclaiming under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God’s resurrection and exaltation of Jesus affirms Him to be Mankind’s Lord and Israel’s Messiah. This appeal is formally made to the whole house of Israel, as the then existing Kingdom of God. They, and we, “know assuredly” by indisputable facts, fulfilled predictions, and the seal of the Holy Spirit outpouring. What are we to assuredly know? We are to “know for certain that God,” by His own plan and purpose, “has made” Jesus both Lord and Messiah. Jesus is “both Lord and Christ.” This is affirmation of Christ’s deity in the strongest terms.
When the crowd understood who it was they had wrongfully crucified, they respond by calling out in authentic concern in verse 37. “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter’s sermon was devastating. He has charged his audience with rejecting and crucifying the Messiah, the very One God had made both Lord and Christ. When they heard this “they were cut to the heart.” “Pierced” or stabbed (Gk. katanusso) depicts something sudden and unexpected. The cut was not to the body, but to the heart, and they were overcome by conviction and remorse. The preaching pierced to the core of their consciousness. They had not trifled with a Galilean carpenter, but God!
They understood that they had refused Him in whom all hope of salvation rests. No wonder they cried out, “What shall we do?” Do you hear the awaken sinner’s call? What shall we do to make things right? What must we do to be safe? They were experiencing a deep awareness of their own guilt and a panicky fear of God’s repercussion or judgment. Such is the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:8).
Not only had they made a frightful mistake, their whole life had be wrong. In this beautiful spirit of genuine repentance, they seek only to be set right for the future, whatever the change involved, and the sacrifices required.
Charged with such a great offense no wonder the listeners cried out, “What shall we do?” Peter was ready with an answer and the first Christian invitation in verse 38. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
[This verse is one of the most controversial in the New Testament.] Peter’s answer to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit is the only true answer. Peter calls upon them to “repent.” The word repent (metanoéo) is a two part word in the Greek; “metá” means “after” and “néo,” “to perceive” [from nous, “mind”]. Repent literally means “to change one’s mind after perceiving or understanding.” This perception is attested to by a change in one’s character and conduct. The repentant turns from sin and self to Jesus Christ. The repentant turns from rebellion and selfishness and turns to Christ for forgiveness, mercy, grace, instruction, guidance and purpose. [“Repent” is second person imperative, indicating a mandate for all to repent. Repentance is a Christian absolute both doctrinally and experientially (Luke 13:3). “Be baptized” is third person passive imperative, thereby stressing individual responsibility to obey. Criswell, W. A., Patterson, P., Clendenen, E. R., Akin, D. L., Chamberlin, M., Patterson, D. K., & Pogue, J. (Eds.). (1991). Believer’s Study Bible (electronic ed., Ac 2:38). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.]
To show that the inward act was real Peter calls each of them to “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Public baptism gives proof of their sincerity for Jesus accepts no secret disciples (Mt. 10:32-33). Such identification marks a breaking point and helps weeded out many who are not yet genuine. Baptism was to be in Jesus’ name; that is by His authority, acknowledging His claims, following His doctrines, engaged in His service, and relying on His merits. Baptism identifies a person with Jesus in His life, death, burial, and resurrection (see Rom 6:3–4).
The phrase “for (eis) the remission of sin” has often been misinterpreted. Water baptism does not save. For is the Greek word eis which with the accusative case can mean “on account of, on the basis of, because of,” or, “for the purpose of.” Usually it describes purpose or direction. Though infrequently done, it most certainly could be translated, “on the basis of” (as it is in Mt. 3:11; 12:14; Mk. 1:4). The word “remission” or forgiveness is áphesin [derived from aphíemi] which means “to let go, release or emancipation;” “the act of releasing someone from an obligation”; “pardon.”
The thought throughout the N.T. is clear. Repentance is for the forgiveness of sin (hamartía); baptism follows that forgiveness. Baptism is the public sign of the cleansing from sin that has occurred on the inside. It is an important step and generally should follow shortly after conversion as it does here, but it is done out of obedience and not for salvation.
Authentic salvation not only brings instant forgiveness, it also brings the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is God’s promise to those who turn in faith to the Lord Jesus for their salvation from their sins. God’s Holy Spirit is received after real repentance as God’s gift, sealing one’s salvation. No supernatural phenomenon is promised upon the reception of the Spirit. This gift of the Spirit according to Joel 2:28-29 marked the beginning of messianic times.
It may be necessary to distinguish the “gift” of the Spirit from the gifts of the Spirit. The gift of the Spirit is the Holy Spirit Himself. The gifts of the Spirit are those spiritual enablings or faculties which the Spirit gifts or imparts. Both the Spirit and His gifts are imparted at salvation.
Have you realized how many DECISIONS we make? We are constantly making decisions. Some are trivial like, “Which outfit will I wear today?” or “What will I have for lunch?” Others are life shaping like, “Should I take that job and move my family clear across the country?” Common sense tells us that some decisions are vastly more important than others.
A group of doctors ran an ad in a New York newspaper. Over the picture of an attractive woman, the caption read, “The most important decision I ever made was choosing my spouse. The second, my plastic surgeon.” The text of the ad then suggested that the order of the priorities could be reversed!
Choosing a spouse is immeasurably more important than choosing a plastic surgeon. But deciding to put your trust in Jesus as your Savior is the most important decision you can make in life.
The Apostle Peter told a group of unbelievers about the crucified and risen Christ and encouraged them to turn from their sin and place their trust in Jesus. These words still speak to us today. If you haven’t accepted Christ and His free gift of forgiveness, pray to Him and ask Him to save you. Once you have done that, make the second most important decision in life: determine to follow Christ’s leading daily. Life’s biggest decision is what will I do with Jesus.
The precious and priceless gift of the Holy Spirit was not merely for those who were in the audience that day. Verse 39 reads, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
“The promise” of the Holy Spirit, the great gift of the risen Christ, was not confined to His immediate followers or their first converts but is intended to embrace all class and all generations. The promise is not only for the people of Jerusalem, but for all people of all lands and all times. Not just for Jews but for Gentiles also. Not only for that generation, but to all generations. The Holy Spirit is a gift for all those whom God “calls” to Himself. God is always the initiator of our salvation.
Verse 40 is a most serious and solemn call to turn to Jesus and be saved. “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Luke has given only a summary of the Apostle’s message. The quality and character of Peter’s preaching are indicated in the words, “he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them.” Testify is a solemn testimony as if before a court. “Exhort” indicates an earnestness and rigorousness which includes the ideas of encouraging, persuading, and commanding. What were they earnestly and rigorously called to believe and do? They were commanded to let God save them out of the lifestyle and goals of the surrounding culture.
God looks at the world around us differently than we look at ourselves. Peter called them “perverse” or corrupt, using the Greek word “skolios” which meant “bent” or “crooked.” The thought is reminiscent of Jesus’ own words. The Lord called them “an evil generation” (Lk. 11:29; 17:25), “a faithless, perverse generation” (Lk. 9:41), and “an adulterous and sinful generation (Mk. 8:38). They loved this world system more that the Lord God. The command is to extricate yourselves from them by consenting to be saved! Do not continue on your present course!
First we looked at THE APPEAL FOR SALVATION. Now let’s briefly look at;
II. THE RESULTS OF SALVATION, 41-42.
The result [“So then”- men ouv] of the preaching was truly amazing. A final miracle of the Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost was the birth of the church. Verse 41, “Those who [gladly] accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
There in public in the midst of a Jewish culture that had just two short months earlier demanded the Lord of Glory be crucified an amazing result occurred to Peter’s message and invitation. Three thousand souls “were added” to the 120 that had just been baptized by the Holy Spirit. The church was born!
When the law came down at Mt Sinai, three thousand men died (Exodus 32:28). When the Spirit came down at Pentecost, three thousand souls were saved. The law kills (2 Cor. 3:6). Move into a legalistic Christianity, and you will reek of death. But allow the Spirit to come upon you, and life will flow from you. [Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 625). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.] [The number being given suggest they kept track of those being saved.]
In spite of possibly becoming outcast among their family, friends and society for deciding to follow Jesus, they “gladly received” his message or word. [The idea of cheerfulness and joy is twice expressed being included in the verb and adverb.]
Verse 42 is a compact description of Christian discipleship those who truly have received Christ. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
The new converts didn’t merely add Christianity to their already busy lives, but “devoted themselves” to their Christian experience. Each one saved was then nurtured in the faith as he or she continued to learn the doctrine of the apostles, to fellowship with the believers, to sit in equality at the Lord’s table, to pray and share his or her burdens with others of like precious faith. This pattern became normative for Christianity & still is today.
IN CLOSING
Peter’s promise is still good for us today. Repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin and you will be saved and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Will you be saved from this perverse generation? Will you do so today? Right Now?
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, do it right now. Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart.
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross and rose again the third day. I turn from my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior and Lord. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now in the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior and received forgiveness for all my sins through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Davidson9516@gmail.com [So come forward and let us help make your relationship with God in Jesus Christ all that He would have it be. You come as we sing this hymn of reflection and response.]
