Life in the Spirit: Season One:
Lesson 4: Peter’s Sermon
Peter Proclaims the Good News
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah. Through his witness, thousands heard the gospel, responded in faith, and became part of the growing Church.
1.4- Lesson 4- Peter’s Sermon
Acts 2:14–41
Season One: Life in the Spirit
Introduction
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost captured everyone’s attention.
People heard the disciples speaking in languages they had never learned. Some were amazed. Others were confused. A few mocked what they did not understand and accused the believers of being drunk.
At that moment, Peter stood up and spoke.
Just weeks earlier, Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times. Now, empowered by the Holy Spirit, he boldly proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ to a large crowd gathered in Jerusalem.
His sermon became the first recorded Christian sermon after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
More importantly, it showed how God uses ordinary people, transformed by His grace and empowered by His Spirit, to share the gospel with the world.
Scripture Reference
Acts 2:14–41 (NASB)
Key Verse
“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away…” — Acts 2:38 (NASB)
Historical Background
Pentecost brought Jewish pilgrims from many nations to Jerusalem.
After witnessing the miracle of the Holy Spirit, many people wanted to know what was happening.
Peter used the opportunity to explain that these events were not random or accidental. They were the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Drawing from the Old Testament, Peter connected the coming of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of Jesus, His death, His resurrection, and His exaltation into one clear message.
This sermon marks the beginning of public Christian proclamation after Pentecost.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Peter Explains What Is Happening
(Acts 2:14–21)
Peter first addressed the crowd’s misunderstanding.
The disciples were not drunk.
Instead, the events they were witnessing fulfilled the prophecy of Joel.
Joel had foretold a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people.
Peter explained that God’s promise was being fulfilled before their eyes.
The age of the Spirit had begun.
Jesus Is the Center of the Message
(Acts 2:22–24)
Peter quickly moved the focus from the miracle to Jesus.
The heart of Christian preaching is not unusual experiences.
The heart of Christian preaching is Jesus Christ.
Peter reminded the crowd:
Jesus performed signs and wonders.
Jesus was crucified.
Jesus died.
Jesus rose again.
Death could not hold Him.
The resurrection became the foundation of Peter’s message.
David Pointed to Christ
(Acts 2:25–36)
Peter quoted several passages from the Psalms.
King David had spoken of God’s Holy One who would not remain in the grave.
Peter explained that David ultimately pointed beyond himself to the coming Messiah.
Jesus fulfilled those promises.
God raised Him from the dead.
God exalted Him to His right hand.
Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.
The Crowd Responds
(Acts 2:37)
Peter’s words deeply affected the listeners.
Luke tells us they were “pierced to the heart.”
The Holy Spirit used God’s Word to bring conviction.
They asked:
“What are we to do?”
This is one of the most important questions in all of Scripture.
Whenever people truly encounter the gospel, a response is required.
Repent and Believe
(Acts 2:38–41)
Peter called the people to repent.
Repentance means more than feeling sorry.
It means turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Peter invited them to:
Repent
Be baptized
Receive forgiveness
Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
About three thousand people responded in faith that day.
The Church grew dramatically because people responded to the gospel.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus Is the Risen Lord
Peter’s message centers on the resurrection.
Christian faith stands on the truth that Jesus conquered death and lives forever.
The Gospel Requires a Response
Hearing the message is important.
Responding to the message is essential.
Faith calls for repentance, trust, and obedience.
The Holy Spirit Works Through God’s Word
The crowd was convicted because the Holy Spirit used Peter’s message to touch their hearts.
God still works through Scripture today.
Salvation Is Available to All
Peter proclaimed that God’s promise was available to everyone whom the Lord calls.
The gospel remains good news for all people.
Obedience in Action
Peter’s sermon challenges believers today to ask:
Have I personally responded to the gospel?
Am I continuing to turn toward Christ?
Am I sharing the hope of Jesus with others?
Am I willing to speak boldly about my faith?
Am I relying on the Holy Spirit when I share God’s truth?
Like Peter, we are called to point people to Jesus rather than ourselves.
Walk It Out
Consider these questions:
What part of Peter’s message stands out most to you?
Why is the resurrection central to Christian faith?
What does repentance look like in everyday life?
How has God’s Word challenged or changed you?
Who might God be calling you to encourage with the hope of Christ?
Possible Responses
You may realize that Christianity is rooted in historical events, including the resurrection of Jesus.
You may identify areas where God is calling you to change direction and grow in faith.
You may feel encouraged to share your testimony or invite someone to worship, Bible study, or church.
Understanding Repentance
Repentance is not simply feeling guilty.
Repentance means turning around.
It involves a change of heart, mind, and direction.
When people encountered Jesus in the New Testament, they were invited to leave old ways behind and follow Him.
That invitation continues today.
God’s grace welcomes us, forgives us, and transforms us as we walk with Christ.
Living the Message
Peter’s transformation is one of the most powerful stories in Scripture.
The man who once denied Jesus became a bold witness for Christ.
What changed?
The Holy Spirit.
God often uses ordinary people who are willing to trust Him.
You do not need to be perfect to be used by God.
You simply need to be faithful.
The same Spirit who empowered Peter continues to empower believers today.
Faith and Witness
Peter’s sermon reminds us that the Church grows when believers faithfully share the message of Jesus Christ.
Some may respond immediately.
Others may take time.
Some may reject the message.
Our responsibility is not to change hearts.
Our responsibility is to faithfully point people to Christ and trust God with the results.
Related Pages
Lesson 3: Pentecost — The Holy Spirit Comes
The Holy Spirit
Pentecost
Next Lesson
Lesson 5: Life Together
Acts 2:42–47
What did the first Christians do after coming to faith? Discover how worship, prayer, fellowship, generosity, and discipleship shaped the life of the early Church.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Come and See. Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Visit PGUM.org to continue the journey.
