Act 2:14-40 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Acts 2:14-36: 2:14-36 This is the first of about thirty speeches in Acts and one of the most important, standing as it does at the very inception of the church. It is a typical example of the preaching of the apostles, who proclaimed (1) that the Old Testament promises had been fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the promised Messiah; (2) that the apostles themselves were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ entire public ministry and were his chosen representatives; (3) that people are called to repent of their sins and have faith in God through Christ; and (4) that salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit are promised to those who respond affirmatively to this message of Good News. This basic message is echoed in the sermons of chs 3 , 4 , 5 , 8 , 10 , and 13 . The same themes characterized Paul’s preaching (see 1 Cor 15:3-9 ). This message was repeatedly preached to both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Mediterranean world; all people are summoned to repent of their sins and turn to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Summary for Acts 2:14-36: 2:14-36 ^a This is the first of about thirty speeches in Acts and one of the most important, standing as it does at the very inception of the church. It is a typical example of the preaching of the apostles, who proclaimed (1) that the Old Testament promises had been fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the promised Messiah; (2) that the apostles themselves were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ entire public ministry and were his chosen representatives; (3) that people are called to repent of their sins and have faith in God through Christ; and (4) that salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit are promised to those who respond affirmatively to this message of Good News. This basic message is echoed in the sermons of chs 3 ^b, 4 ^c, 5 ^d, 8 ^e, 10 ^f, and 13 ^g. The same themes characterized Paul’s preaching (see 1 Cor 15:3-9 ^h). This message was repeatedly preached to both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Mediterranean world; all people are summoned to repent of their sins and turn to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Summary for Acts 2:17-21: 2:17-21 ⁱ This passage quotes Joel 2:28-32 ^j. The prophet Joel predicted a wider exercise of the gifts of prophecy, including visions and dreams by both young and old, both men and women in the last days (Joel 2:28-29 ^k). In Acts, on the day of Pentecost, Peter declared that Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled, signaling that “the last days” had arrived.
Summary for Acts 2:23-28: 2:23-28 ^l While cruel men had crucified Jesus, this action had not defeated God’s prearranged plan for salvation. In fact, God raised him back to life, which David had foretold (2:25-28 ^m).
2:27 ⁿ among the dead: See study note on Matt 11:23.
Summary for Acts 2:32-36: 2:32-36 ^o God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this: The witness theme is often repeated in Acts (e.g., 3:15 ^p; 4:33 ^q; 5:32 ^r; 10:39-43 ^s). The capstone of this message is that God the Father, as he had promised, was now pouring out his Holy Spirit on the church through the risen Jesus. All Israel was called upon to recognize that God had acted decisively to make the crucified Jesus both Lord and Messiah!
Summary for Acts 2:34-35: 2:34-35 ^t This passage quotes Ps 110:1 ^u, which Jesus fulfilled when he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9 ^v).
Summary for Acts 2:37-38: 2:37-38 ^w Brothers, what should we do? Peter answered by strongly exhorting his listeners to repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized. See thematic note for Baptism at end of chapter.