The First Gospel Sermon

The fundamental requirement of the Gospel is faith. One cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). The first sermon preached that included the offer of complete forgiveness of sins is recorded in Acts 2:14-39. It concludes by giving answer to the question: “What shall we do?” (v.37) That question is the result of their conviction. They believed! The sermon was designed to produce that faith by supplying strong evidence– reasons to believe. What evidence did Peter supply?

• Prophecy about the events that were occurring that day (v.17-21)

• Miracles, signs, and wonders openly done by Jesus (v.22)

• The public life of Jesus known to multitudes of people (v.22)

• The unique and unprecedented death of Jesus, an innocent man (v.23).

• The Resurrection– the ultimate proof. (v.24)

• David’s prophecy about the resurrection (v.25-27, 30-31).

• David’s body still in the tomb vs. the empty tomb of Jesus (v.29)

• Testimony of many eye witnesses who saw Jesus alive after the crucifixion. (v.32)

• The outpouring of miracles (v.1-12) on this Pentecost in Jerusalem. (v.33)

Peter’s conclusion: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (v.36). Many who heard were cut to the heart. They believed. Their faith caused them to ask: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (v.37). Faith is not spiritual wishful thinking. Bible faith is a conviction of truth on the basis of incontrovertible evidence.

Do you believe? Then you should be asking: “What shall we do?”