Peter's model sermon

If any sermon recorded in scripture is a prototype it would be Peter's on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit had brought such understanding to this uneducated fisherman and ex-denier of Jesus that he could boldly and effectively proclaim "Christ and him crucified" from three Old Testament texts -- Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11 & Psalm 110:1 (the OT text most often cited in the New Testament). James Montgomery Boice highlights six aspects that make this sermon a template of Christ-centered preaching.

1. His ministry. This is described not as a ministry of teaching but as a ministry of miracles or signs, the point being that God accredited Jesus by them.

2. The crucifixion. Peter emphasized that the crucifixion was by the express plan and foreknowledge of God; that is, it was no accident. He also said that those who were responsible for it were guilty of sin.

3. The burial. Peter contrasts Jesus' burial with David's burial, which was permanent. Jesus' burial was real but temporary.

4. The resurrection. Peter deals with the resurrection at greatest length, quoting Psalm 16:8-11 and then expounding it in verses 29-32 [of Acts 2].

5. His ascension. The ascension links the work of Christ to Pentecost, to what was the present. It is from his present position with the Father that Jesus "has poured out what you now see and hear" (v. 33).

6. Christ's present ministry. Pentecost is proof that Jesus Christ is still working.

This last point reminds us that Acts is truly a continuation of Luke's account of Jesus work, now carried on through the work of his promised Holy Spirit. Luke tells us that 3,000 were added to the church as a result of Peter's Spirit-filled preaching. The work goes on.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Eph. 2:19-22)

Quote from Acts: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997) pp. 51-2