Topic Content:
- Peter’s First Speech and its Effects (Acts 2:14-41)
- Effects of Peter’s Speech
Peter’s First Speech and its Effects (Acts 2:14-41)
When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke in different tongues. This made the multitude of people amazed and confused but some people decided to mock the disciples, claiming the disciples were acting that way because they were drunk.
Peter (who was among the eleven disciples) raised his voice and explained to the crowd it was too early to be drunk, as it was just the third hour of the day, that is, 9.00 a.m. He reminded the multitude that what they were witnessing was the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy, that in the last days, God will pour His Spirit upon all flesh.
Their sons, daughters, menservants and maidservants will all prophesy. Young men shall see visions and old men will see dreams. There will be wonders in Heaven and signs on Earth.
He also reminded them how they had lawlessly crucified Jesus but God raised Him up. Peter then told them what David had said concerning Jesus. David’s heart was full of joy and his flesh had hope, knowing he was not going to spend his eternal life in Hell because God will raise Christ up from the dead to sit on his throne at the right hand of God.
The crowd being reminded of their lawless crucifixion of Jesus Christ were ashamed, so they asked Peter and the other disciples, “Brethren what shall we do?”
Peter asked them to repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus, for the forgiveness of their sins and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Those who gladly received Peter’s words were baptized and that day three thousand souls were added to the disciples.
Effects of Peter’s Speech:
1. There was a rapid increase in the number of believers.
2. Willing repentance by the people to change their worldly ways.
3. The spread of the Gospel to many parts of the world because so many different people were baptized that day.
4. A lot of sinners were convicted of their sins and were saved.
5. The people admitted their wrongdoing for lawlessly crucifying Christ.
Evaluation Questions:
1. What is the Great Commission?
2. Outline at least five reasons the Holy Spirit is essential to the success of the work of God among Christians today.
