Peter’s First Sermon

This sermon was delivered in the temple precincts. It was a Midrash on Joel 2:28-32. The Jewish audience expected that the prophecy would be spoken in Hebrew, the language of the temple and of the Torah. Instead, the languages of the Jewish Diaspora became the vehicle for the word of God. Luke, the missionary, understands from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that the people hearing the Word in their own language will serve as the mouthpiece of God. These people filled with the Holy Spirit will become witnesses and will proclaim the gospel in their own language.

Peter’s message establishes the significance of the event of Pentecost and makes it clear that the experience is to be shared. Peter’s message is that Pentecost has empowered the followers of Jesus to begin their worldwide witness of the events that have been fulfilled in their presence.