Knowing The Word in Acts: Peter's Sermon, Acts 2:14-21

Today’s reading begins Peter’s Pentecost sermon that was most likely given in the Temple courts since there were thousands listening to him. This first Christian witness is confined to Jerusalem and a Jewish audience. Therefore, Peter can boldly quote scripture and declare it fulfilled in Jesus and in the hearing of the people, who knew the scripture. The key verse Peter quotes from the prophet Joel is the last: “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” While most of the Jews hearing these words probably understood Peter to be referring to God, he clearly meant Jesus.

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;

18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;

20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’"

Prayer:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is ours to be called to share in the loving, healing, and reconciling mission of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord in this age and wherever we are. Since without you we can do no good thing,

may your Spirit make us wise;

may your Spirit guide us;

may your Spirit renew us;

may your Spirit strengthen us

so that we will be

strong in faith;

discerning in proclamation;

courageous in witness;

persistent in good deeds.

This we ask through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Anglican Church of the West Indies