In Acts 2:22-36, Peter declares the resurrection of Christ and its fulfillment of prophecy. He begins by affirming that Jesus performed miracles, wonders, and signs through the power of God (Acts 2:22). Despite being delivered to lawless hands and crucified (Acts 2:23), God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:24), fulfilling the Scriptures that foretold His resurrection on the third day (Acts 2:25-27). Peter emphasizes that these prophecies did not refer to David but to the Christ, as David spoke of the Messiah's resurrection, stating His soul would not be left in Hades (Acts 2:29-31). Hades, described as having three chambers—Paradise (Luke 16:22), the Abyss (Luke 16:26; Revelation 9:2), and the Lowest Sheol (Luke 16:23; Deuteronomy 32:22)—is located at the center of the earth. The resuscitation of Lazarus (John 11:39) further demonstrated God's power, and Christ's resurrection three days after His crucifixion aligned with 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
Peter testifies that he and others are witnesses of Jesus' resurrection (Acts 2:32). Now exalted and seated at the right hand of God, Christ has poured out the Holy Spirit as prophesied (Acts 2:33). David also prophesied of the Messiah’s exaltation at God’s right hand (Acts 2:34-35). Peter concludes by proclaiming that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). While Jesus was already recognized as the Messiah by birth (Isaiah 9:6) and acknowledged as Lord by Gentiles before His resurrection (Matthew 8:8; Matthew 12:8), His resurrection and glorification redefine His role for the Church. To the Church, Christ is now understood as "the Resurrected, Glorified One," distinguishing this from His prior role as the Messiah to the Jews (Matthew 16:16).
The establishment of the Church begins with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which changes humanity's relationship with God (John 14:17). Believers are now immersed into the body of Christ through one baptism (Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:11-12). The dispensation of the Law has ended, as Christ is the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 10:4). Peter, though a key figure in the early Church, is identified as a shepherd (pastor) rather than a steward (John 21:17). Shepherds are appointed for the Church, not for Israel, in this new dispensation (Galatians 3:23-24; 1 Peter 5:2; Ephesians 4:8-11). This marks a significant shift in God’s redemptive plan, highlighting the Church's unique identity under the New Covenant.
Peter testifies that he and others are witnesses of Jesus' resurrection (Acts 2:32). Now exalted and seated at the right hand of God, Christ has poured out the Holy Spirit as prophesied (Acts 2:33). David also prophesied of the Messiah’s exaltation at God’s right hand (Acts 2:34-35). Peter concludes by proclaiming that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). While Jesus was already recognized as the Messiah by birth (Isaiah 9:6) and acknowledged as Lord by Gentiles before His resurrection (Matthew 8:8; Matthew 12:8), His resurrection and glorification redefine His role for the Church. To the Church, Christ is now understood as "the Resurrected, Glorified One," distinguishing this from His prior role as the Messiah to the Jews (Matthew 16:16).
The establishment of the Church begins with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which changes humanity's relationship with God (John 14:17). Believers are now immersed into the body of Christ through one baptism (Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:11-12). The dispensation of the Law has ended, as Christ is the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 10:4). Peter, though a key figure in the early Church, is identified as a shepherd (pastor) rather than a steward (John 21:17). Shepherds are appointed for the Church, not for Israel, in this new dispensation (Galatians 3:23-24; 1 Peter 5:2; Ephesians 4:8-11). This marks a significant shift in God’s redemptive plan, highlighting the Church's unique identity under the New Covenant.