Acts 2.29-41

Today in Acts 2.29-41 we see the end of Peter’s sermon summary (v.40) that began in 2.14. His concluding point is that, simply, Jesus is God. 

Peter makes this point by saying that whilst David was loved and respected and revered he, like everyone, died and was buried (v.29). David was promised, however, that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever and this was fulfilled when Jesus was raised (v.32). Peter uses a frequently quoted Scripture to say, simply, that Jesus is Divine and is the Messiah, the Christ, the chosen one (vv.35-36, cf. Psalm 110.1).

The response of the crowd to hearing this is, ideally, what everyone would do upon hearing the news that Jesus is Lord and God:

Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,

“What should we do, brothers?”

(Acts 2.37, NET, emphasis added)

Hearing the truth that Jesus is God should produce in us an acute reaction to action. This truth means something. If Jesus is God, then everything He said during His time walking the earth in human form is of the utmost importance. Everything He said about you, your life, your soul, your eternal destination (or lack of), your sin, your forgiveness, everything He said about anything is of the utmost importance.

“What should we do, brothers?”

Peter’s reply to their response is simple yet profound:

“Repent, and each one of you be baptized 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 for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”

(Acts 2.38-40, NET)

Peter says, simply, repent, be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Seeing that Jesus is God should produce in us the acute realisation that His Words are of paramount importance. When we see this, we inevitably see that there are areas of life in which we are falling short. This, as Peter said, should produce in us the desire to repent, to seek forgiveness, and to commit to living the way that Jesus wants us to live. When we do, His forgiveness is waiting, as is the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.

If you are feeling that call to repent, don’t wait, do it today because this feeling is from God, from the Lord Jesus. He is [calling you] to Himself and stands ready to forgive you and change your life!