Acts 2 Speaking Up

Those who gathered were full of questions and the Holy Spirit equipped Peter to answer them. The answer was found to be Jesus Christ. The people of Jerusalem learned that the story of Jesus Christ hadn’t ended when his body was removed from the cross and taken away for burial! They found out from Peter that Jesus Christ was the cause of the commotion they had just witnessed. Peter ‘lifted up his voice’ (2.14). Peter was not about to mumble some boring lecture or explanation; he was animated and amplified by the Holy Spirit. A stillness descended over the crowd as his voice echoed through the surrounding streets.

First, Peter brushed aside the idea that this event was caused by drunkenness (however, as Ephesians 5.18 indicates, the filling of the Spirit certainly results in some loosening up; though instead of bringing out the weakness of a person’s character as alcohol does, the Spirit brings out the character of Christ).

Second, Peter points to an Old Testament prophecy (Joel 2) as the explanation or fulfilment of what they were witnessing. At the beginning of the last great stage of human history (that stage is the Last Days, which is the time from Jesus’ ascension into heaven to his return bodily to earth which is still in the future) God pours out his Spirit. This is what they have just seen happen. The prophecy emphasises that this is a ‘grassroots’ experience, not confined to the religious leaders. People of all kinds and of all ages will speak God’s messages, see visions of what God can do and dream (reflect) on all that God has done in the past. Signs will start this last great stage (the flames of fire) and will culminate in even greater signs when the great day of the Lord arrives (referring to the astonishing signs that will usher in the return of Christ).

Third, Peter lifts up Jesus Christ, the man from Nazareth, as the central person for God’s entire purpose in the world. He recounts what happened at the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus and declares that none other than Jesus himself has poured out ‘what you yourselves are seeing and hearing’ (v33). Peter declares that Jesus Christ is Lord and Christ because God has made him so. This left them with the question as to what they will do about Jesus. This Jesus, whom they crucified, was overseeing a phenomenon that gave indisputable evidence of his authority. Deeply convicted (‘cut to the heart’) they wanted to know how to respond. Peter was happy to explain (38-40)!

Peter’s message is a powerful example of the Holy Spirit at work. There was no attempt by Peter to make a name for himself or promote himself as important. He was completely focused on presenting Christ to these people. He was doing what Paul says in Galatians 3.1: publicly portraying Christ. This is the proof of the Spirit’s work; he glorifies Christ as Lord (1 Corinthians 12.1-3) No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

The more people in our church who are willing to act out and speak up concerning Jesus Christ, the more the Holy Spirit will flow and work. As Jesus said: When the Spirit comes he will guide you into all truth. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16.13,14