III DEFENCE OF TRUTH HAS A GOSPEL EMPHASIS.
Defending the truth is not merely an exercise in apologetics and dogmatic demonstration ourselves to be correct. It must have an evangelical purpose—prove the truth to be true so that men will believe it.
A sign of the times! The last days have begun! Pentecost was a vital landmark on the prophetic timeline revealed in Scripture. The end of this age is rapidly approaching and the great events described here are drawing ever closer.
A warning of the day of wrath, v19-21. Peter, still citing Joel’s words, looks ahead to the day that will just as surely come as Pentecost did. Here is how the last days will end. From the first day of the Comforter’s great ministry in fullness among His people, the return of Christ, and the implications of that event for the wicked, was a primary emphasis. Notable > ‘epiphany’ – the visible, personal appearance of Christ in glory. Specially, men who despise the message of the Apostles must be warned of the wrath to come. Cp Rev 6:12-17
A season of free universal offer of salvation. The gospel is now universally proclaimed. Joel had predicted this very thing! This is the character of the age that runs between the two great events Peter speaks of: Pentecost and that great and notable day of the Lord. Salvation can be enjoyed by those who call upon the Lord for it. This call is defined v38, 41. To such as believe God’s word, turn from sin and trust in Christ for cleansing, salvation I promised.
IV THE ESSENTIALS OF THE GOSPEL
The main body of Peter’s sermon is a statement of gospel truth. Interwoven into it are four main Gospel themes.
A. Jesus—God’s Saviour, v22, 30, 36.
The doctrine of Divine salvation centres in a Divine Saviour. Cp 4:12, 1Tim 2:5.
- Humiliation. He is identified here as …Jesus of Nazareth, a man…
- Approved by God. The miracles which attended His ministry were the evidence of this truth. He was sent by God, v30; and established by Him as Lord and Christ. This is the One on who men must call for salvation!
- Familiar. Peter indicates their familiarity with these facts—in the midst of you…ye yourselves also know… They knew these facts but had not as yet trusted the Saviour or called upon Him for salvation!
Dying in the purpose of God, v23.
- The death of Christ was the purpose of God. It was therefore an integral part of the saving purpose described, v21.
- Men are held accountable for their rejection of Christ. They are condemned here as wicked for their actions against Christ.
Raised from the dead by the power of God, v24-32.
By far the greatest part of Peter’s message is given over to this theme. The resurrection is a vital part of the doctrine of salvation. There is no gospel without it, 1Cor 15:14, 17-18! He is alive because He has finished the work of redemption and obtained justification for His people, Rom 4:25.
Raised by the power of God, v24, 32. The resurrection is a further display of the power of God in Christ. Cp Eph 1:19-20. This is the power that saves! He sits at the right hand of God, v34. He is the Lord who is able to save all who call. Cp Rom 10:9, 13.
Predicted by the prophet, v25ff, Ps 16:8-11. The resurrection of Christ has always been a part of the truth of the gospel revelation. Even though it was often unrecognized it was there. Peter explains how these words cannot apply to David primarily at all. His body is still in the grave and he has not ascended physically to Heaven. He was speaking of the Saviour, v30-31.
Necessary to the further development of God’s plan of salvation. David knew and saw that Christ would reign on his throne. That reign is part of His work as the Redeemer. Cp Jer 23:5-6. While this is not a primary aspect of Peter’s message, this great prophetic truth is still there! Treatment of prophetic truth is not an isolated subject. It is a part of the gospel, preached in the power of the Holy Ghost.
Pouring out the Holy Ghost, v33.
The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost is evidence of Christ’s resurrection and session at the Father’s right hand. The coming of the Spirit is linked to the universal scope of the offer of salvation. It is in this way that the Saviour continues to save sinners. His work is vital in bringing the sinner to call on the Lord and then saving him when he calls. It is His work to strive (Gen 6:3); convince and convert sinners, Jn 15:7-8. It is He who produces the cleansing new birth, Jn 3:5, Titus 3:5. The events of Pentecost are urged here as a proof of the gospel promise Peter is expounding. The Lord can save all who call because He has given the Spirit.