Huntington Church of Christ

In Acts chapter 2, Peter stood before the Pentecostal Jews and assured them that the miraculous events being witnessed, the apostles speaking in other languages, fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (vs. 1-20). These miracles confirmed that the message about to be heard was from God. This good message would allow anyone who responded to be saved (vs. 21). Please consider the saving message.

This man, Jesus of Nazareth, who had literally been rejected and crucified 50 days before by those who were present, was "approved of God...by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you" (vs. 22). Those who were present at Pentecost had seen Jesus perform the signs, wonders and miracles with their own eyes. They were their own witnesses.

Peter continues to say Jesus' death was not accidental, but rather God's desired plan; "being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay" (vs. 23). Peter again taught the fulfillment of prophecy, "This Jesus did God raise" from the dead (vs. 23-24). Fulfilled prophecy is significant evidence to the fact that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

This Jesus of Nazareth was then exalted to the right hand of God, being given alla uthority in heaven and on earth (vs. 33; Matthew 28:18). This means that Jesus of Nazareth reigns over the church, and will continue to reign until death is conquered. When death is conquered He will give the kingdom back to His Father (1 Cor. 15:24-26).

Peter concludes, "God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified" (vs. 36). The Jews who were present "Were priced in their heart, and said...'What shall we do?'" (vs. 37). "Peter said...'Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins'" (vs. 38). "And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them,s aying save yourselves from this crooked generation. They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls" (vs. 40-41). "...And the Lord added them day by day those that were saved" (vs 47).

Did you notice Peter did not say, "Just believe that Jesus is your personal savior and you will be saved" or "Pray the sinner's prayer of faith and you will be saved" or "be saved and then be baptized to show that you are already saved"? Peter made it clear. Those Jews who were present clearly believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, and they also most assuredly believed they were eternally doomed for killing him! Peter simply said, repent and be baptized. Have you responded by calling on the name of the Lord? Humble yourself and submit to Jesus. Repent and be baptized, so your sins might be remitted (pardoned).

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ