Acts 2:22-47
In the last chapter of John’s Gospel one of the most endearing moments that John shares with us comes when the resurrected Jesus restores the Apostle Peter, empowering and commanding him to, “Feed my sheep.” In other words, “Peter, lead My church.”
That’s an impressive restoration project given that not too long before in His time of greatest need Peter denied Jesus not once but three times. Fortunately for Peter – and for us in the moments when we give in to sin – Jesus knew Peter’s heart and didn’t hesitate to lay on Peter the calling to prosper His church.
In the second chapter of the New Testament Book of the Acts of the Apostles, we see the fruit of Peter’s restoration when he preaches to if not a hostile crowd certainly a less than receptive one. This may be the most important sermon since Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Here’s the scene. It is Pentecost and the apostles have gathered in Jerusalem. They’re gathered in one place and suddenly there comes a loud noise, like a tornado and the apostles in that moment receive – as promised by Jesus – His Holy Spirit. Tongues of fire land on each of them and they begin to speak in languages other than their own so that everyone gathered there can understand that they are glorifying Jesus as Messiah, the One True Son of God.
Luke, the author of Acts tells us that as this is happening, some people are awestruck, while others accuse the apostles of being drunk. It’s in that moment that this new, improved Peter stands up and begins to speak.
Now, if you know anything about Peter from the gospels, you know that he is a pro at allowing his mouth to run a minute or two faster than his brain. Peter has always been outspoken and more often than not in an awkward way. But not here. Since his encounter with the risen Jesus here in Acts we see a redeemed, new, and improved Peter. And he stands before this large assembly with authority and confidence and delivers this life changing message.
Peter tells them in effect, “Look, you guys had everything you needed to see Jesus for who He was – your Messiah! You saw the wonders and miracles and you heard the teachings and yet you chose at the end of the day to see a murderer released from prison and your Savior nailed to a cross.”
Now, Peter’s preaching to a crowd that under normal circumstances would not have taken kindly to the accusation of murdering their long-awaited Savior. But again. Peter has been empowered by Jesus to feed these sheep, to tend to these sheep, to care for these sheep. I believe that because of that, Peter’s words were not taken as accusatory, but as a revelation.
As a result, the Word tells us that Peter’s words pierced their hearts and instead of responding in anger the people cry out to Peter and the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter’s response presents an integral facet of our relationship with Jesus. Here’s what he says…
“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
There are a couple of things worth noting in this response. First is that Peter doesn’t demand an apology for sin of crucifying Jesus. Why? Because Jesus has already extended His forgiveness to them from the cross. Remember? “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.” What Peter encourages here is repentance. A desire to repent is the lifeblood of our faith. What repentance requires is a willingness to put a sinful desire to death through the power, strength, and counsel of the Holy Spirit.
Repentance is way different from an apology. If you apologize to someone for being a jerk, they may forgive you. But your propensity for continuing to be a jerk really doesn’t change. Repentance requires that you put to death your willingness to be a jerk. Is it okay to tell Jesus you’re sorry when you sin? Of course! But understand that what Jesus wants is for us to turn to Him for help in turning away from our sinful behaviors.
The other thing people get a little bit hung up on here is the fact that it sounds like Peter is saying that baptism is the only way we can experience Jesus’ forgiveness. Let me clear that up for you. The author of Acts is Luke who also wrote the gospel that’s named for him. He’s writing this book in Greek. This line, “…be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins…” Translates to something closer to, “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in view of the forgiveness of your sins.”
Nowhere in scripture is baptism presented as a prerequisite to salvation. In fact, in Acts 3:19 Peter says this. “Now repent of your sins and turn and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
In other words, repentance is key and if repentance can wipe away the sins of the very people who crucified the Son of God, I imagine it’ll be pretty effective for you and me.
Peter the Preacher has come a long way from his days as “Peter the Apostle Who Loves to Put His Foot in His Mouth. And with his amazing transformation comes the wonderful assurance that Jesus loves us, has forgiven us and is wholly devoted to saving us from ourselves. All we have to do is turn to Him.