Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed:

“Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?”

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”

He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.

Backgrounder: Repent and Receive

Preaching in the Holy Spirit, Peter’s addresses the very people who approved of the crucifixion of Jesus. Today we continue of the very first Christian preaching on the day of Pentecost.

Jesus, Peter testifies, has been made “both Lord and Christ” by God. Peter and the other disciples have met the risen Lord Jesus. They have eaten with him, talked with him, and touched him. Same Jesus. But completely new: “both Lord and Christ”.

Peter’s acclamation comes with an accusation. He tells them that they, the people of Jerusalem, are guilty of crucifying Jesus. Pause for a moment and consider Peter’s boldness. Knowing very well that his Master had been killed with the crowd’s approval, he laid the responsibility at their feet.

As remarkable as Peter’s boldness is, he is also turning the tables on the legal condemnation of Jesus, effected by the Jewish and Roman authorities. They are guilty, and God has vindicated Jesus, now revealed as the true innocent victim.

As amazing as this statement, the people’s response is even more amazing. We need to know that it is the further work of the Holy Spirit, who just filled and inspired the disciples –He reaches into people listening. “They were cut to the heart”.

Now they see the disciples as their brothers, and ask them what they are to do. How would you have felt if you realized that you shared the guilt for the death of the Lord’s Anointed, Jesus?

Then Peter offers them a way out. This is the first invitation to give your life to Jesus. It’s very specific: repent and be baptized in order to receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand accepted, were baptized, and joined the disciples that day.

Peter’s offer extends to “your children”, all of Israel, and to “all of those far off” – all of us. This is God’s promise.