Acts 2:14-41 | God's Rescue MissionSample

Look at how Peter shifts gears. On a dime, from the Spirit to Jesus.

About this outpouring of the Spirit once prophesied by Joel, that would take place in the last days when God would return to set all things right by reestablishing his reign on earth… Peters says this is exactly what God is doing in Jesus of Nazareth.

Today as you read Acts 2, look at how Peter draws us in to see who Jesus really is. Not just the man perceived by the masses, but his true identity.

Trace the names and titles Peter uses for Jesus. He starts by calling him Jesus of Nazareth. It’s how he would have been known, especially to those who weren’t his followers. Another ordinary guy like you and me who lived in Israel, even if he was known to do extraordinary things.

But who is he? Trace the titles and see what Peter says: accredited by God (2:22), a prophet (2:30), raised from the dead (2:24), exalted by God (2:33), King David’s hope and King David’s lord – so a king of kings (2:25-26, 34), lord and Messiah (2:31, 36). All ordained by God.

More than that, if we dip back into Joel we see that in the last days, God would pour out his Spirit, and all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Now what do we see? Jesus is pouring out God’s Spirit and all who call on his name will be saved. Who is this Jesus who lived among us? God himself.

Telling the story of Jesus. Pointing to Jesus. Proclaiming Jesus. It’s what Peter is doing. It all comes back to Jesus. Jesus is where the power is. He is the rescuer.