Peter had been filled with the Holy Spirit. A crowd gathered outside the house where this occurred. Peter went out and spoke to that crowd.
(NASB) Acts 23:22-24 “‘Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know —
23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.
24 ‘But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for him to be held in its power.”
What are some of the things we can know about Jesus from this part of Peter’s Pentecost sermon?
Life and Ministry of Jesus
*Jesus was from Nazareth and He repeatedly did “miracles and wonders and signs” so people could see them.
*These works were known by those present in that Pentecost crowd…for the death of Jesus was a recent event.
(NASB) John 10:25 “…the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.”
Crucifixion of Jesus
*God’s plan was predetermined, His foreknowledge was fulfilled.
*Men without God in their lives or in their thoughts put Jesus to death.
*The followers of Jesus knew that what happened to Jesus was on purpose, God’s purpose, and it’s true for us.
Jesus said: (NASB) John 11:25-26 “…‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. …’”
Resurrection of Jesus
*Jesus had victory over death.
*It was impossible for Jesus to be held in the grip of death’s power.
*Jesus told His followers of His resurrection before He died.
(NASB) Matthew 20:18-19 “‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death,
19 and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.’”
~Take it to heart ~
Belief in Jesus, so simple…yet profound. Jesus’ life and ministry, His crucifixion and His resurrection was (and is) for you. Men and women who are reading this devotional …do you believe in Jesus? If so, do your actions and words proclaim that to those around you?