Bold Preaching at Pentecost
Text: Acts 2:14-41
The birth of the church was marked by the power of the Holy Spirit and the bold preaching of Peter. On the day of Pentecost, God empowered His disciples to proclaim the gospel, and Peter, once afraid and denying Christ, now stood boldly to preach the first sermon of the church. This message led to the salvation of three thousand souls and serves as a model for powerful gospel preaching today.
I. The Explanation of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-21)
“But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them…” (Acts 2:14).
- Peter’s Boldness – The same Peter who denied Jesus now stood boldly before thousands.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit – The transformation in Peter was not from himself but from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
- Fulfillment of Prophecy – Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32, explaining that Pentecost was the fulfillment of God’s promise.
II. The Exaltation of Christ (Acts 2:22-36)
“Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders… you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:22-23).
- Jesus’ Identity – “Jesus of Nazareth” was a man, yet divine (John 1:14).
- Jesus’ Miracles – Peter reminded them that Jesus’ works were proof of His authority.
- Jesus’ Death – He did not die as a victim, but according to God’s plan (Isaiah 53:10).
- Jesus’ Resurrection – “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death.” Peter quoted Psalm 16:10, showing that David prophesied Jesus’ resurrection.
III. The Call to Repentance (Acts 2:37-40)
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said… ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37).
- Conviction by the Spirit – True preaching pierces the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
- The Command to Repent – “Repent and be baptized…” (Acts 2:38).
- The Promise of the Spirit – Peter assured them that the gift of the Holy Spirit was for all who would believe.
IV. The Response of the People (Acts 2:41)
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41).
- Massive Response – 3,000 people were saved, a sign of revival!
- Baptism as Obedience – Those who believed were baptized immediately.
- The Growth of the Church – This was just the beginning of the explosive spread of the gospel (Acts 6:7).
Life Applications
- The Holy Spirit Gives Boldness – Like Peter, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to boldly share the gospel.
- Preaching Must Be Christ-Centered – Peter did not preach self-help but Christ crucified and risen.
- Conviction Leads to Repentance – True preaching calls people to turn from sin.
- The Gospel Produces Growth – When we preach faithfully, God brings the increase.
Invitation
Just as Peter called the people to repentance, Jesus invites you today to repent and believe in Him.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13).
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of Your Word. Fill us with boldness like Peter to proclaim Your gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.