Today we will continue in Acts chapter 2 and look at verses 33-39. We have been looking to this text to see the reality that just as Jesus had ongoing meaning to those who thought he was dead and gone; so he has meaning to us today.
Thus Peter continues to remind the crowd about this Jesus whom they had crucified and thought was past history. That very same Jesus was the source of the spectacle that they were witnessing.
The crowd didn’t know that they were witnessing the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. But even more spectacular than that is the origin. Jesus is the source of this spectacle. He was able to do this because he had been “exalted” to the right hand of God. Now the word exalted can be compared to “raised up.” In the resurrection Jesus is lifted up from the grave and restored to life, even a glorified body. However, the word exaltation is the idea of position, authority, and power. The man Jesus Christ is put in an exalted position as the Father’s right hand man. We could think that this is no big deal. Jesus had such a position in the past. But, a critical difference has happened and that difference can be seen 1 Peter 3:22. Here Peter explains that part of this exaltation to the right hand of God is being put over the spiritual powers of the heavenlies. Again, we can dismiss this as nothing new. But recognize that Satan and his cohorts have held mankind under their thumbs for millennia and suddenly in Jesus a man is now in authority over them. This action helps us to see the beauty of the judgments of God. Thus because Satan had sinned against mankind, in Jesus, God raises a man up to be their judge. The justice of this cannot be overstated, nor can the sting to those spiritual powers who despise mankind.
It was in this position of authority that Jesus is given the right to pour out the Holy Spirit. This had been prophesied by the Old Testament prophets. Peter specifically quoted from the prophet Joel in verse 17. God would pour out the anointing of His Holy Spirit upon all flesh, and not just a few. Thus the Anointed One of God would be called Christ or Messiah not just because he would have the Holy Spirit, but he would also pour out the Holy Spirit upon all.
In verses 34-36 Peter quotes from Psalm 110. Here David testifies about the coming messiah. Notice that the grammar of what David says points to 3 different beings. “The Lord (being #1 God) said to my Lord (being #2 David and being #3 his Lord). However, Peter points further to the reality of what happened. David did not ascend into heaven. These two things together make it clear David was speaking of the Messiah who would come from his lineage. Though he would be a descendant of David, he still saw the Messiah as his Lord. The Messiah would be greater than David in power and authority. He would be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thus David testifies of the Messiah being made to sit at God’s right hand while his enemies are made to be his footstool. This is a picture of total subjection.
The promotion of Jesus is to the position of Lord. This means the master, king, or owner. Especially in the context to who he is speaking, Jesus has been made King of Israel. But from Scripture we know that his Lordship is greater than just that.
He is also promoted to the position of Christ, or Anointed One. This Jesus operated in the power of the Holy Spirit and now is pouring out the Holy Spirit upon his followers.
Here is the clincher. “You Crucified” him. The crucifixion put them at odds with this amazing news about Jesus and the amazing spectacle of what was happening with his followers. The Israelites had waited for centuries for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. And, now when it shows up it is happening by the one whom they killed. It is like hearing that your team is going win all your life and then when the team win you realize that you are wearing the losing team’s jersey. They are in a bind. How did we end up on the wrong team? The cross reveals the depths of our rebellion against God. In Jesus, the Father has over-ruled the wisdom and righteousness of man.
In verses37-39 we see that the crowd is “cut to the heart.” This conviction of sin is necessary before receiving the “fix” to the problem of sin. Sometimes we are too quick to tell people what they should do. If they haven’t been “cut to the heart” with the terrible reality that they are sinners before God and under doom of His judgment then the “fix” won’t do them any good. Here we see people who realize their plight and want to know if it can be fixed. What is your response to this problem? No, you didn’t kill Jesus. But you are still a sinner and thus wear the jersey of the rebels. We are in rebellion against the God of Creation. You refuse to accept such news and walk away. Or, you could humble yourself and ask God for help and direction in making things right. Thus, throw yourself on the mercy of the court. There is a third thing that some do. We can look like we are turning to God, but in reality we are creating our own “fix” and expecting God to bless it. There is only one way to have peace with the Father and that is what Peter is getting ready to explain.
The beginning of the answer is to repent. That means to turn from our path of rebellion, whether we knew we were in rebellion or not, and begin to cooperate with God’s plan. It is leaving my sin, wisdom, and pride behind and embracing the righteousness, wisdom and humility of Jesus. Then Peter tells them to be baptized in the name of Jesus. Now the main effect of baptism is that it is the way that we identify with Jesus. Baptism is a public recognition of our own sin and need for cleansing. However, to do so in the name of Jesus at that time would have been unthinkable. Jesus was the rejected “heretic.” All this is for the “remission of our sins.” This means our sins will be sent away from us. All those who accept this offer will be blessed by God with the freedom of knowing he forgives our sins and separates us from them. But more than that he pours His Spirit out upon us in order to take up residence within us and empower us to live for Him.
Being at odds with God is still a problem in the 21st Century and it will continue to be on into the future. However, God in His mercy has provided a “fix” for you. However, it is His only offer. Won’t you believe in Jesus today? Won’t you repent of your rebellion against the God of heaven and identify with Jesus through a water baptism that is symbolic of the new life God is giving you? Don’t hesitate or put it off any longer. Now is the day of salvation for you!