Peter’s Bold Proclamation

“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--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. 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.” Acts 2:22-24

“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says:
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’
Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:32-36

After his experience of brokeness, after being filled with the Spirit, Peter boldly, joyfully, and confidently preached the gospel with the assurance that he was telling the truth. Though Peter was the bold, brash fisherman - even while he was in Christ’s presence - he never exhibited the kind of powerful, dynamic personality which surfaced on the day of Pentecost. He exuded such confidence, such complete assurance - even in the face of those who earlier had screamed for the blood of Jesus - that he hardly resembled the one who denied Christ three times.

God’s truth had penetrated Peter’s heart and mind. It was a personal revolution. To Peter came the realization of Who this Jesus really was. Not only was He the Healer, the Teacher, the Wonder of the day, but He proved Himself to be the long awaited Messiah. Peter’s earlier confession - “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” - came to fruition in Peter’s life on the day of Pentecost.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32