Series Big Idea: "Unpacking the book of Acts and the amazing spread of the gospel and the kingdom of God"

Sermon Big Idea: "Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and exaltation prove He is the only way to salvation"

Key Scripture (Acts 2:22-36)

John Wesley, who was an 18th-century preacher, would send the men he trained to preach out to preach to whoever and wherever they could. Upon their return he would ask them two questions: “Did anyone get saved?” and “Did anyone get angry?” If the answer to both was “No,” Wesley would tell them to find another vocation because true gospel preaching either convicts or saves. The truth is that the gospel exposes our sinful nature and desperate need for a Savior. So, a message that draws no response at all is not the pure gospel of Christ.

Today, as we hear Peter preaching at Pentecost, there will be no soft words. Only the truth about Jesus and the listeners. Peter preaches the Word, and the Holy Spirit brings the result. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s Word never returns empty. Those who hear it will either be convicted and run to faith or turn away. As we dive into this text, l want to ask you the question: How does this passage reveal Christ as the only source of salvation?

(Acts 2:22-36)

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: This Jesus the Nazarene was a man pointed out to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through Him, just as you yourselves know. 23 Though He was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail Him to a cross and kill Him. 24 God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. 25 For David says of Him: I saw the Lord ever before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope, 27 because You will not leave me in Hades or allow Your Holy One to see decay. 28 You have revealed the paths of life to me; You will fill me with gladness in Your presence. 29 “Brothers, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing this in advance, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He was not left in Hades, and His flesh did not experience decay. 32 “God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this. 33 Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says: The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand 35 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!”

Jesus’ Life and Ministry are Endorsed by the Father (v. 22)

Peter begins by declaring that Jesus’ life and ministry were divinely accredited through “miracles, wonders, and signs” (Acts 2:22). These works were not random; they were God's way of showing Jesus' identity as the Messiah. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, these acts authenticated Jesus' mission and revealed His divine nature. The miracles proved that God was at work through Jesus, and that the people were without excuse for rejecting Him. Knowing this leads us to understand that our salvation is anchored in God's clear endorsement of Jesus through His life and ministry.

Jesus’ Death Included both God’s Plan and Human Responsibility (v. 23)

Peter does not shy away from the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. He says that Jesus was "delivered up according to God's determined plan and foreknowledge" but was killed by "lawless men" (Acts 2:23). The Moody Bible Commentary and the Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament both highlight that while Jesus’ death was predestined, the people involved are still held responsible. Salvation comes not through accident or human planning but through God's sovereign design. However, Peter places the burden of guilt squarely on those who rejected Christ. The same rejection that condemned Christ now calls us to repentance and acceptance of Him as our Savior.

Jesus’ Resurrection Proves His Victory Over Death (v. 24-32)

The resurrection is the cornerstone of Peter’s argument in this sermon. Peter says, "God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by death" (Acts 2:24). In quoting Psalm 16, Peter shows that David was speaking prophetically about the Messiah, whose body would not see decay (Acts 2:25-28). The Exegetical Commentary emphasizes that Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate proof that He is the Messiah. This is God’s validation of Jesus’ work on the cross. Because Jesus defeated death, we can trust that salvation is found in Him alone.

Jesus’ is Now Exalted as Lord and Messiah (v. 33-36)

Peter then moves to Jesus’ exaltation, where He is seated at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33). Quoting Psalm 110:1, Peter shows that Jesus now reigns with divine authority. The Moody Bible Commentary explains that by raising Jesus and seating Him at His right hand, God has made Him both "Lord" and "Messiah" (Acts 2:36). This means that salvation is found exclusively in Jesus, the sovereign King and Savior of the world. His exaltation is proof that He reigns as the ultimate authority over sin and death.

Conclusion

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. This Jesus of Nazareth who is endorsed by God, crucified by men, raised from the dead, and exalted as Lord is the only way to salvation. Acts 2:22-36 calls us to acknowledge Christ’s lordship and embrace the life He offers. If you have not yet put your trust in Jesus, today is the day of salvation. He is Lord and Messiah, and only through Him can we experience the eternal life that God has prepared for us. Will you respond to His call?

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

Barton, Bruce et al. Life Application New Testament Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001. Print.

Butler, John G. Analytical Bible Expositor: Acts. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2009. Print.

Gempf, Conrad. “Acts.” New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. Ed. D. A. Carson et al. 4th ed. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994. 1072. Print.

Fernando, Ajith. Acts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998. Print. The NIV Application Commentary.

Garland, David E. Acts. Ed. Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2017. Print. Teach the Text Commentary Series.

George, Jim. The Basic Bible Pocket Guide: *book by Book Summaries *key Verses *life Applications *life Applications. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2016. Print.

Vaughan, Curtis. Acts. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2009. Print. Founders Study Guide Commentary.

Gangel, Kenneth O. Acts. Vol. 5. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998. Print. Holman New Testament Commentary.

Polhill, John B. Acts. Vol. 26. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992. Print. The New American Commentary.

Peterson, David G. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009. Print. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.

Schnabel, Eckhard J. Acts. Expanded Digital Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. Print. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. Print.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006. Print.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992. Print.

Robertson, A.T. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933. Print.

Vincent, Marvin Richardson. Word Studies in the New Testament. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887. Print.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

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