Introduction: Acts 2 is of great importance, being one of the most important chapters in the Bible. Acts 2 is the actual beginning and the impetus of pristine Christianity. Much expectation and many prophecies looked to Acts 2 for fulfillment. Acts 2 is the beginning of the "remission of sins" (Acts 2: 14-47), the presentation of Jesus, the arisen and reigning Savior and king (2: 22 ff.), the beginning of the church (2: 47, KJV), the guidance of the apostles into all truth by means of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1: 8-2: 1-13), and the gospel of Jesus Christ (2: 14 ff.).

I. The preparation and the preacher

  A. Preparation had been made for the events of Acts 2 for at least 800 years.   

  B. The gospel for all nations was to be preached in Jerusalem (Isa. 2: 2, 3, Acts 2: 14 ff.).

   a. The church (kingdom) was to be established, and the new covenant was to be brought in (Dan. 2: 44, Matt. 3: 1, 2, Mk. 9: 1; Jere. 31: 31-34).

  C. All the apostles spoke but Peter was the "main" speaker, to Peter had been given the keys of the kingdom (Acts 2: 14, Matt. 16: 18,19).

   a. He charged them with the murder of Jesus and offered pardon (vs.23).

II. The message and results

  A. Luke records Peter's sermon in 26 verses (vs. 14-40).

  B. The sermon may be analyzed as follows:

   a. It was relevant (vs. 14, 22, 23).

   b. Serious (vs. 14-40).

   c. Defensive (vs. 15, 16).

   d. It was authoritative (vs. 14, 22, 32, 38).

   e. Challenging (vs. 22, 23).

   f.  Exclusiveness characterized it (vs. 15, 22, 33).

   g.  Peter enjoined responsibility (vs. 40)

   h. Peter stated that forgiveness was contingent on repentance and baptism (vs. 38).

  C. Out of all the great number assembled, about three thousand "…gladly received his word and were baptized…" (vs. 41).