Morning Message: Proof for the Critics

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Proof for the Critics"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Peter’s initial words in today’s passage, “Ye men of Israel…” seem to indicate that he is addressing the Leaders of the Jews which took part in the plot to get Jesus out of the way, regardless of where they had come. Leaders from all of Jewry would have made sure they arrived early to Passover at Jerusalem to assure good accommodations for themselves and their families. The “determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” has assured they were the ones to fulfill His Word, turning God’s only begotten Son into the Lamb of God, fulfilling prophecy!

They were either blind to the prophecies, or had convinced themselves that the prophecies of God’s suffering servant were not to be directed at themselves. Solomon has written that there is “nothing new under the sun,” so it is quite likely that in the end-times, there will be others who will be blind to the very world conditions that Jesus spoke of as a warning to all mankind.

Yet, it is in 2 Peter 2:3,4 that it says, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” This is a warning to the Church of today! We still have scoffers and doubters living amongst us; some even in our Churches! I recall the Pastor of a Church telling me one time that his church did not Study the Book of Revelation because it was too spiritual, even though it comes with an outline right in the in the text.

Studying just portions of God’s Word leaves us with less than a full understanding of the truth of our God, and Savio; who He is; the depth of His love and forgiveness; indeed, even the lengths to which He has gone to save us! I also hear of New Testament Churches, that don’t teach the Old Testament scriptures. For our brothers and sisters in those churches, we need to pray.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 2:22-41 - "Proof for the Critics"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Last week, we ended with Peter, standing with the rest of the apostles, and explaining that what has happened is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-32), who foretold that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days (Acts 2: 14-21).

Today, we see Peter preach Jesus of Nazareth to the crowd, reminding them of His miracles, their involvement in His death, and proclaiming that God raised Him from the dead. As proof for the resurrection, Peter offers three lines of evidence:

1. 1) The prophecy by David, who foretold of the resurrection (Psalm 16:8-11).
2. 2) The twelve apostles as witnesses.
3. 3) The Spirit's outpouring itself, indicative of Christ's exaltation and reception of the promise of the Spirit from the Father. In conclusion, Peter pronounces that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:22-36).

Cut to the heart, the people ask the apostles what they should do. Peter commands them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. With many other words he exhorts them to be saved, and about 3000 souls gladly receive his word and are baptized (Acts 2:37-41).

Thus begins the church in Jerusalem, which continues steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers. Signs and wonders are done by the apostles, while the believers display their love and devotion through acts of benevolence and frequent worship. They enjoy the favor of the people, and the Lord adds to the church daily those being saved (Acts 2:42-47).

Sunday Morning Audio Message: Coming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Men of Israel (2:22) - Peter is addressing his fellow Israelites. These are the descendants of Jacob, who is Israel. It would also include any who were brought into Israel as proselytes according to the established norms. With that understood, he next says, “hear these words.”

Jesus of Nazareth (2:22) - He is calling for complete attention so that the reason for quoting Joel can be properly explained. The main connection between the events and the citing of the prophecy will be seen in verse 2:33, but he must first give a logical explanation of what led up to the pouring out of the Spirit. With that understood, he immediately introduces the main Subject of his explanation, saying, “Jesus of Nazareth.” The entire point and purpose of his words comes forth in the stating of the name. In saying “of Nazareth,” he is tying in the reason it is Galileans who spoke the astonishing tongues (see verse 2:7). But more, it is an explanation as to why Nazareth is relevant at all. It is a reminder of the prophecy of Isaiah. In Isaiah 9:1-2, the “great light” that shone in Galilee of the Gentiles had come, thus – without saying it – not only is the prophecy of Joel fulfilled, but it is fulfilled by the One prophesied by Isaiah as well. Thus, it is the reason those who stood before the gathered of Israel were Galileans.

Approved . . . By Miracles, Wonders, and Signs (2:22) - Some translations use "Attested" signifies to show by proof, to demonstrate. By a variety of supernatural means and works, God validated Jesus as the Messiah (cf. Matthew 11:1-6; Luke 7:20-23; John 3:2; 5:17-20; 8:28; Philippians 2:9).  The first is “miracles.” The word is dunamis, and it speaks of mighty, powerful, and marvelous works. The second is “wonders.” The word is teras. It speaks of an extraordinary event which is given to bring forth a reaction from those who witness it, such as a portent from heaven. The third is “signs.” The word is sémeion. A sign is something that speaks to, or provides evidence of, something else. In other words, a sign is not the thing itself, but points to something other than itself. A sign in the sky may tell the people the Messiah has come. The changing of water to wine may testify to the coming change from the Mosaic Covenant to a New Covenant.

By the Determinate Counsel and Foreknowledge of God (2:23) - Peter now gets to the point concerning the error of the Jews in what has occurred. He just noted that Christ was “attested by God” because of the “miracles, wonders, and signs” that He accomplished. This is something that they were all perfectly well aware of.  The word “determined” is translated from the Greek word horizó. One can see the root of the word “horizon.” Being a verb, it signifies “to set limits on.” There was an eternal purpose of God that set the boundaries for what would occur because God had ordained it to be so. The word is used again in Acts 17:26 where the meaning is clearly explained from the text.  As such, the process of redemption was certainly the result of the “foreknowledge of God.” Here is a new word in Scripture, prognósis. One can see the obvious connection to our modern word of the same spelling. God’s foreknowledge allows Him to There was an eternal purpose of God that set the boundaries for what would occur because God had ordained it to be so.

Wicked Hands, Have Crucified (2:23) - Peter now states the words that are connected to the idea of being “betrayed” as noted above. He says, “you have taken.” Here is a word used only once in Scripture, ekdotos. It is an adjective in the singular. Hence, it more appropriately reads, “[man] delivered.” In other words, it is referring to Jesus. With that understood, the KJV next reads, “by wicked (lawless) hands.” The translation should be singular, "hand." The guilt of the nation is highlighted in these words. It doesn’t matter if every person standing there had done this. Nor does it matter today, two thousand years later, that none of the people now alive were there. The guilt is a national guilt. Hence, Peter’s words are addressed to all.  That the Crucifixion was predetermined by God does not absolve the guilt of those who caused it.

Not Possible (2:24) - Because of His divine power (John 11:25; Hebrews 2:14) and God's promise and purpose (Luke 24:46; John 2:18-22; 1 Corinthians 15:16-26), death could not keep Jesus in the grave.

David Speaketh (2:25-28) - Here the Lord was speaking of His Resurrection prophetically through David.

Hell (or Hades) (2:27) - This is the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament "grave", or "Sheol."  Though sometimes it identifies hell (Matthew 11:23), here it refers to the general place of the dead.

His Sepulchre (Tomb) is with Us (2:29) - A reminder to the Jews that David's body had never been raised, so he could not be the fulfillment of the prophecy of Psalm 16. Peter exposits the meaning of Psalm 16 as referring not to David, but to Jesus Christ.  He would be raised to reign (vs. 30-32; cf. Psalms 2:1-9; 89:3).

Being a Prophet (2:30) - Peter quoted Psalm 132:11. As God's spokesman, David knew that God would keep His oath (2 Samuel 7;11-16) and Christ would come. Peter quoted Psalm 16:10 in the following verse.

God Raised Up (2:32) - “This Jesus,” he now repeats the fact stated in verse 2:24, saying, “God has raised up.” The repetition is to demonstrate that what he had claimed is perfectly in line with the prophecy of David. That "God has raised up" attests to His approval of Christ's work on the Cross (cf. verse 23; 10:40; 17:31; 1 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 1:20).

We All Are Witnesses (2:32) - Because of the office, the apostles remained together while all the others were scattered. Understanding this, Peter’s words now that “we all are witnesses” is most likely speaking of whatever size of group of disciples were gathered and upon whom had been poured out the Holy Spirit. As there were more than twelve languages identified by Luke, it is probable that it was a gathering of all of the disciples, and Peter is referring to all of them. Be it twelve, one hundred and twenty, or more, the matter is legally established before the people with his words. Deuteronomy 19:15 set the standard for witnesses in any testimony concerning iniquity or sin as “two or three witnesses.” That became the standard for any testimony in Israel. Jesus noted that to the Pharisees in John 8:17 because it was a clearly accepted provision among the people. Therefore, the matter of the resurrection is clearly established through the multiple witnesses standing before the people.

Being by the Right Hand of God Exalted (2:33) - “Therefore . . . exalted.” The word means “to lift up,” or “to raise on high.” Thus, it signifies “to elevate.” This happened to Christ who was dead. He was found worthy, and death could not hold Him. He was raised up – from the grave to the throne, and from the humiliation of the cross and death to the glory and power of the eternal King. The right hand signifies power, both in action (ability) and in position (authority). God’s power (His right hand) raised Jesus (Romans 10:9), and Jesus is seated at the right hand (the position of authority) of God (Romans 8:34). With this understood, Peter next says, “and having received from the Father.” What Peter will refer to is something that had to wait for the full course of these events to occur. Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God, but He remained for a span before ascending to the Father. Only with that action completed would the disciples receive “the promise of the Holy Spirit.”

The LORD said to My Lord (2:34) - Peter quoted another psalm (Psalm 110:1) concerning the exaltation of Messiah by ascension to the right hand of God, and reminds the reader that it was not fulfilled by David (as bodily Resurrection had not yet been, but by Jesus Christ (v. 36).  Peter had been an eyewitness to that Ascension (1:9-11).

Therefore, Let All the House of Israel Know Assuredly (2:36) - They are words that are to be heard, understood, and (hopefully) accepted as absolute truth. Hence Peter follows with “let . . . know.” It is the common Greek word ginóskó, signifying “to come to know,” “to recognize,” “to perceive,” and so on. Peter is indicating that the result of the surety of the matter that he has presented is intended to “let all the house of Israel” come to understand that – whether they like it or not, and whether they accept it or not – that the matter is established.

The term “house of Israel” is a way of saying “family.” In the Old Testament, Israel was the father of twelve sons. He also adopted two sons of Joseph as his own. It is this family which comprises the whole house of Israel. Descendants from all of these tribes were gathered at the temple, they had seen the effects of the coming of the Spirit upon the apostles, and they had heard the explanation of the event. From there, they were to accept what was presented and continue to convey this message to all others in this nation – the “house of Israel.” And what is it specifically that Israel is to hear, understand, and (hopefully) accept? Well, it is a thought that is based on what Peter had just presented right from Scripture, and which was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. This same "Jesus of Nazareth", who was attested to Israel by God, and whom God raised up from the dead, is the One that Peter is referring to. It is also He, as Peter says to Israel, “whom you crucified.” These words would have been like sharp arrows pointing directly at the hearts of the men standing there. What had occurred was an event that was prophesied, and it was an event that was then fulfilled. But it was an event that Israel had been responsible for.

Both Lord and Christ (2:36) - Jesus is God as well as anointed Messiah (cf. Romans 1:4; 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:9, 11). The word translated as “Lord” (kurios) signifies a Master. In the Greek, it can indicate the Lord (YHVH). The word Christ (Greek: Christos) comes from the word chrió, signifying “to anoint by rubbing or pouring olive oil on someone to represent the flow (empowering) of the Holy Spirit. Anointing (literally) involved rubbing olive oil on the head, etc., especially to present someone as divinely-authorized (appointed by God) to serve as prophet, priest or king”.  As such, it means “Anointed One.” Thus, it is a direct translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” God has made this Jesus both the Lord of Israel and the Messiah of Israel.

Pricked in their Heart (2:37) - "Pricked" means pierce, to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently. Some translations us the word cut, they essentially mean the same thing. The Greek word for "cut" means "pierce" or "stab," and thus denotes something sudden and unexpected.  In grief, remorse, and intense spiritual conviction, Peter's listeners were stunned by his indictment that they had killed their Messiah.

Repent (2:38) - This refers to a change of mind and purpose that turns an individual from sin to God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).  Such change involves more than fearing the consequences of God's judgment.  Genuine repentance knows that the evil of sin must be forsaken and the person and work of Christ totally and singularly embraced.  Peter exhorted his hearers to Repent, otherwise they would not experience true conversion.

Be Baptized (2:38) - This Greek word literally means "be dipped or immersed" in water.  Peter was obeying Christ's command from Matthew 28:19 and urging the people who repented and turned to the Lord Christ for salvation to identify, through the waters of baptism, with His death, burial, and Resurrection (cf. Romans 6:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27).  This is the first time the apostles publicly enjoined people to obey that ceremony.  Prior to this, many Jews had experienced the baptism of John the Baptist, and were also familiar with the baptism of Gentile converts to Judaism (proselytes).

In the Name of Jesus Christ (2:38) - For the new believer, it was a crucial but costly identification to accept.

For the Remission of Sins (2:38) - This might better be translated "because of the remission of sins."  Baptism does not produce forgiveness and cleansing from sin.  The reality of forgiveness precedes the rite of baptism (v. 41).  Genuine repentance brings from God the forgiveness (remission of sins (cf. Ephesians 1:7) and, because of that, the new believer was to be baptized.  Baptism, however, was to be the ever-present act of obedience, so that it became synonymous with salvation.  Thus, to say one was baptized for the forgiveness was the same as saying one was saved.  Every believer enjoys the complete remission of sins.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38) - A gift is something one cannot earn. It is grace and nothing more. And yet, Peter has said they must do something in order to receive it. The apostles had received the gift. It simply came upon them. But it did not come upon the others. This means that the reception of the gift is conditional. Repent and Believe - a heart issue. There are no works here. There are only set requirements. And the gift they would receive would be that “of the Holy Spirit.” This is salvation. It is the sealing of the person for redemption. It is receiving the full, final, and forever forgiveness of sins through the shed blood of Christ. It is moving from the Mosaic Covenant (the Law of Moses) to the New Covenant in Christ’s blood. It is the covenant that speaks of the non-imputation of sin and the surety of reconciliation with God for all eternity.

The Promise (2:39) - The Holy Spirit being poured out is the establishment of the New Covenant.  The prophesy of Jeremiah 31:31 and Joel 2:17

All Who Are Afar Off (2:39) - These are Gentiles, who would also share in the blessings of salvation.

They That Gladly Received His Word were Baptized (2:41) - The people had believed, meaning they had faith after receiving the word. In this, they were saved. And so, as an outward demonstration of the inward change, they were water baptized.

Three Thousand (2:41) - A large number indeed!  Luke's specific number suggests records were kept of conversions and baptisms.  Archeological work on the south side of the temple mount has uncovered numerous Jewish Mikvahs, large baptistry-like facilities where Jewish worshipers would immerse themselves in ritual purification before entering the temple.  More than enough existed to facilitate the large number of baptisms in a short amount of time.  

The number three thousand is an important number to see and understand. This is because it fulfills a pattern that is set forth in Scripture in which a theological point is made in Exodus 32. 

At Sinai, which according to Galatians 4 symbolizes the temple in Jerusalem, the law was received, and it was written on tablets of stone. Those tablets were given to Moses but were broken at the base of the mountain because of the people’s turning from the Lord to a false God.

After this, three thousand people died because of their sins. In Acts 2, at the temple in Jerusalem, the word of the Lord was again given, but this time it was written on the tablets of the hearts of the people, as Paul calls the work of the Spirit in 2 Corinthians 3:3. In this, three thousand people were saved because of their faith in Christ Jesus.

The two accounts are given to show the superiority of the fulfilled law in Christ to the giving of the law by Moses. One was written on stone, and it leads to death. The other is written on the heart, and it leads to life. It was a perverse generation who failed to believe, having time and again rejected the Lord in the wilderness, and it was a perverse generation who rejected Christ and sought to seek their own righteousness apart from Him. The lesson we see is that for those three thousand who died at Sinai, they died in sin because of their deeds and their failure to believe. For the three thousand who received Jesus in Jerusalem, they died to sin because of faith in the deeds of Jesus. The contrast is complete.