The first sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 2:1-41 (specifically Acts 2:14-36).
Setting: Jerusalem on Pentecost
Speaker: Peter
Audience: Jews from many nations
Preceding Events: The Holy Spirit arrives and empowers the disciples to speak in other languages. Unable to comprehend what is happening, some in the crowd conclude that the disciples are drunk. (This may be the original source for the phrase “drunk on the Holy Spirit.”)
Overall Theme: Jesus died but is alive again – and he is Lord
Scripture Quoted: Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 110:1
Central Teaching: Repent (change your ways) and be baptized
Subsequent Events: 3,000 respond
Key Lesson: Through the Holy Spirit, amazing things can happen that go far beyond man’s capabilities to accomplish on his own.
What would have been your reaction if you where there to witness these events?
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
