Acts 2 is an oft-forgotten passage when it comes to pointing people to our Lord Jesus. The following is a brief overview of verses to memorize or be able to go to in sharing parts of Peter’s powerful sermon:
(1) Start with 2:21. It shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Explain that it is God’s desire for everyone to be saved, not only eternally, but right now, from a life controlled by sin and Satan.
(2) Move to 2:22. God, in a powerful way, demonstrated that Jesus was who He said He was through miracles (powerful, supernatural workings that cannot be explained away by natural cause and affect), wonders (the response of those who saw the miracle), and signs (the intended meaning God has behind every miracle). Here, in this passage, there was absolutely no ridicule or mocking from those who had earlier mocked those who had been earlier clothed in the power of the Holy Spirit and were demonstrating that power.
(3) In 2:23 journey to the cross was through the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God. Fore-knowledge is not reading tomorrow’s newspaper today. It is understood in God making a prognosis on behalf of sinful man and following through. Romans 5:8 lay this concept out beautifully. However, Peter points specifically to the fact that all mankind nailed Christ to the cross. This concept is seen in Isaiah 53:6.
(4) Verses 24 & 32 speak of the resurrection. The grave (death) could not hold our Lord. God raised Him up without corruption. Notice Peter says that all of those who were clothed in the power of the Holy Spirit were witnesses to that. No one, including the previous mockers, contested that state-ment. It was widely known and accepted in that day. The skeptic of our day needs to see this. It is a powerful reality.
(5) In verse 33 Peter tells that the coming of the Holy Spirit in power was evidence that Jesus’ work had been accepted by the Father. This sets the final stage of reasoning with the unbeliever, verses 34-35. The one who denies God access through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord remains an enemy of God Who has promised that He will subject all of Christ’s enemies under His feet. The wrath of God will be visited on each individual who is outside of the family of God.
(6) This brings you back full circle to v. 21. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Invite the individual you are sharing with to do this.
Read this passage and re-read this passage. Become familiar with it. This first sermon preached as the Church was birthed is a powerful document in proclaiming Jesus as the Christ and Lord. The Word of God is powerful as it penetrates a life. May God bless each one who uses it for the glory of God.