Reference

Acts 2:14-41

Sermon Notes

I. The ______ has come (v. 16-21)

II. Jesus is the ______ (v. 22-28)

III. Make a decision about ______ (v. 29-36)

A. Jesus is ______ (v. 32)

B. Jesus poured out the Holy ______ (v. 33)

C. Jesus is ______ (v. 34-36)

IV. A miraculous ______ (v. 37-41)

Two proper responses to the gospel:

1. ______

2. Be ______

Going Deeper

  1. Read Peter’s sermon in its entirety (Acts 2:14-36). What are the themes of his message? Brian Vickers says, “The promises of God for saving his people, sending his Spirit, and taking that blessing to the nations are the core of Peter’s sermon.”
  2. Read Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Jeremiah 31:33-34. How is this fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2?
  3. Why is the Word of God so important (see Heb. 4:12)? How well do you know God’s Word? Do you know it well enough to share the gospel with someone? Memorize Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8-9;
    John 14:6 and Romans 10:9-10.
  4. Read Acts 2:18. Who will benefit from the Holy Spirit being poured out? What does this teach us about the giving of the Spirit?
  5. Read Acts 2:19-20. Commentator Brian Vickers explains, “The language describes the final day of the last days—most importantly, the judgment of that day. Similar phenomena in the natural world were witnessed at the recent display of God’s judgment at Calvary: the death of Jesus was marked by earthquakes and darkness (Matt. 27:51; Luke 23:44). The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death generally share language similar to that used by Joel.”
  6. Read Acts 2:24. Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important to the gospel story? What if Jesus had not been raised (see 1 Cor. 15:13-14)?
  7. Who is the Lord according to Psalm 16 (quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25-28, 34-35)? How do we know?

    1. Parallels between Psalm 16 and Jesus’ Resurrection
      Acts 2:27–28, citing Psalm 16:10–11 Acts 2:31–33

      “you will not abandon my soul to Hades” (v. 27) “he was not abandoned to Hades” (v. 31)
      “or let your Holy One see corruption” (v. 27) “nor did his flesh see corruption” (v. 31)
      “You have made known to me the paths of life” (v. 28) “This Jesus God raised up” (v. 32)
      “full of gladness with your presence” (v. 28) “exalted at the right hand of God” (v. 33)

  8. In what ways did Peter tell the truth in his sermon? Why is it important for us to declare the truth (in love) to others?
  9. The people are pierced to the heart after Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:37). What question do they ask? What is implied in this question?
  10. Why doesn’t Peter tell them to believe on Jesus (Acts 2:38)? Read Acts 16:29-30. The question in this situation is, “Sirs what must I do to be saved?” Paul answers: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” The question is not as general (“what should we do?”), but more specific (“what must I do to be saved?”). And Paul gives the specific answer: what is the only thing we need to do to be saved?
  11. Why should believers be baptized? Is baptism the way we are saved? Why or why not?
  12. In what ways do you need to repent today? Be specific.
  13. Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back?
  14. Take time to pray for one person who does not know Christ. Pray that God would open their hearts to be receptive to the gospel message. Pray for boldness to share the good news with them this
    week!