From Death to Life | Acts 2:22–41 | Dwell in the Word
Watch This Episode on Acts 2:22-41
In this extended Dwell in the Word reflection on Acts 2:22–41, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks the conclusion of Peter’s Pentecost sermon. He emphasizes that Jesus’ death was no accident but part of God’s definite plan, foretold in Scripture and fulfilled in history. This episode explores Peter’s use of Psalm 110, the call to repentance and baptism, and the remarkable promise that salvation is for all whom God calls—near and far, young and old. A powerful reminder that the gospel is for every generation.
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Welcome to Dwell in the Word. Today is Wednesday, November 3. We continue through Acts chapter 2 with Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. First, a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, who of your tender love toward mankind has sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility, mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of His patience and also be made partakers of His resurrection through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
We’re finishing Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, in Acts 2:22–41. Hear the word of the Lord: Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. For David says concerning Him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that He would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.” With many other words, he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
This is a powerful sermon from Peter about who Jesus is and what He has done. Let’s look at the big picture. In verse 23, Peter states, “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” This was God’s plan, foretold in passages like Isaiah 53 about the suffering Messiah. Before the crucifixion, the apostles, including Peter, resisted this idea—Peter even tried to prevent Jesus’ suffering, cutting off a guard’s ear. But now, post-resurrection, ascension, and with the Holy Spirit, Peter understands this was God’s plan to save His people.
A key focus is verses 34–35, quoting Psalm 110:1, the most cited Old Testament verse in the New Testament: “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Peter explains that David, who died and whose tomb remains, could not be the one spoken of here. Instead, this prophecy points to the Messiah, Jesus, who ascended as King at the Father’s right hand. Peter argues that Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension fulfill Old Testament prophecies, proving He is the Messiah who saves.
The Holy Spirit works in the crowd, as verse 37 shows: “They were cut to the heart” and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter’s response is clear: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This involves turning from sin and receiving the new covenant sign of baptism. Verse 39 emphasizes, “The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.” This promise extends to the crowd, their descendants, and those “far off”—including us, across time and ethnicities, as most of us are not Hebrew. God brings us near through Christ, regardless of our background.
This isn’t about us earning salvation through intellect or effort. Salvation is for those “whom the Lord our God calls to Himself,” even those far off in time, distance, or ethnicity. The result, in verse 41, is remarkable: about three thousand souls were baptized, and the church grew as God brought people to faith. This growth glorifies Christ and spreads the gospel, a pattern we’ll follow in Acts.
Our application is to continue proclaiming the gospel, trusting God calls His people to Himself. Let us pray: Triune God, we thank you that our crucified Lord was raised, loosing the pangs of death because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. We are grateful this gives us confidence that eternal life is promised and guaranteed through our Savior who defeated death. Today, we lift up the missionaries our congregation supports in our nation and globally. May they proclaim the pure gospel with power and clarity, that others may hear and believe the good news of Jesus Christ.
We remember the ministry of Cornerstone Prison Church at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Grant wisdom to those serving there as they reach that place with the gospel. We pray for our brothers who are members of that church, asking you to be their source of strength and endurance, and embolden them to proclaim the gospel daily. Help us, oh Lord, to step into your world today with a desire to serve you, to see those we can love and serve, and may the gospel of Christ be on our lips, that people may know our love for them flows from your love for us. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
I hope you have a very excellent Wednesday.
Want to explore more about how God’s Spirit builds His Church?
Visit our Pentecost page to dive deeper into sermons and devotions on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For the context leading up to this moment, see how Christ's ascension prepares the way on our Ascension of Christ page. And if you're enjoying these short reflections, browse more episodes on the Dwell in the Word page and continue walking through Scripture with us.
