Acts 2:22-36 - Jesus, the Christ affirmed

The Apostle Peter began his message in Acts 2:14-21 by inferring that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was the fulfilment of an Old Testament prophecy by the Prophet Joel.

Now from Acts 2:22-36, he proves that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. In these verses, he began by describing Christ's incarnation, then His crucifixion and resurrection. Conclusively, he proves that Christ's resurrection and ascension made Him both the Lord and Israel's long-awaited Christ.  

In verse 22, he first talked about Jesus' incarnation. He was a man from Nazareth. Hence, He was referred to as the Nazarene. As a Man, Jesus was attested by God through the many miracles, wonders and signs that He  performed. These were known and attested facts.

In verse 23, Jesus' crucifixion is described. His death was part of God's eternal plan. In His foreknowledge, God allowed Jesus to be delivered to the people's desire. And with the help of godless men, they had this Jesus, God Incarnate,  crucified.      

Then in verse 24, Jesus' resurrection is explained. Death could not hold Him. God raised Him and delivered Him from the agony of death. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is resurrected and He is alive!

To prove Christ's resurrection and ascension, Peter quoted parts of two Psalms: (1) Psalm 16:8-11, (2) Psalm 110:1

Peter argued that Psalm 16:8-11 was talking about Jesus' resurrection. These four verses refer to someone whom the grave could not hold and whose body  did not undergo decay.

Peter added, from verses 29-33, by saying that King David, who penned these verses in Psalm 16, could not have fitted the description. Why?  Because his deteriorated body remained in his grave.

These verses were David's words spoken prophetically about the Christ.  That He, the Christ, would be raised from death and His body would not undergo decay.

As the Resurrected and Exalted Lord, Peter explained further in verse 33, Jesus the Christ had received the Holy Spirit, the promised of the Father. So now this Pentecostal experience that was being encountered was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit by this Resurrected and Exalted Lord.  

Quoting Psalm 110:1, Peter showed in verses 34-35 that King David is not the subject of this verse. Christ, the ascended Lord is. For David did not ascend to heaven but Christ Jesus did. Hence this verse is again referring to the Lord's ascension.

Rightly understood, the verses quoted from these two Psalms  could only be referring to Christ's resurrection and ascension. Hence, Peter's assertion was this: when rightly interpreted, these verses could not be any clearer and certain that Jesus is both Lord and Christ.  And indeed He is!

In the light of this revelation, let us adore and worship Him! Let us dare to obey, follow and serve our highly exalted Lord!

Resurrected and Exalted Lord,
Just speak a word into my heart,
I will obey, I'll follow and do my part
Earnestly, I'm listening to Your heart
Lord, don't let me unheard depart.
I'm truly listening Lord for Thee,
Master speak, just speak to me!