Bible Study Series: Acts 2:22-36. The resurrection is the core to Christianity. God vindicated his Son after the Jerusalem and temple establishment rejected him. Now he has ascended to heaven, guiding his church to reach the globe. This is what the book of Acts is about.
Friendly greetings and a warm welcome to this Bible study! I write to learn. Let’s learn together and apply these truths to our lives.
I also translate to learn. The translations are mine, unless otherwise noted. If you would like to see many others, please click on this link:
At the link to the original post, next, I write more commentary and dig a little deeper into the Greek. I also offer a section titled Observations for Discipleship at the end. Check it out!
In this post, links are provided in the commentary section for further study.
Let’s begin.
Scripture: Acts 2:22-36
22 “My fellow Israelites, men and women, hear these words! God appointed Jesus the Nazarene for you, with miracles, wonders and signs, which God did through him, right in front of you, as you yourselves know. 23 In the counsel and foreknowledge of God, this man was handed over to lawless men and fastened to the cross, and you put him to death.
24 But God lifted him up, when he destroyed the agony of death, because it was impossible for him to be ruled by it. 25 For David said about him:
‘I saw the Lord before me always,
That he was at my right so that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart was cheered up
And my tongue rejoiced
for yet my flesh also shall rest in hope
27 because you will not leave my soul in hades,
Neither shall you give your holy one over to experience decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ [Ps. 16:8-11]
29 “Brothers and sisters! It is permissible for me to say to you with boldness about our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is nearby, right in front of us to this very day. 30 Therefore, since he was a prophet and knew that God swore an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne— 31 foreseeing this, he spoke about the resurrection of the Christ that he would not be abandoned in Hades, and neither would his flesh experience corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, of whom we are all witnesses. 33 So then after he was exalted to the right hand of God and after received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out this which you see and hear. 34 For David did not go up into heaven, but he himself says:
‘the Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I put your enemies
Under your feet for a footstool” [Ps. 110:1]
36 Therefore let the whole house of Israel know with certainty that God made him Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:22-36)
Comments:
22:
“words”: It comes from the noun logos (pronounced loh-gohss). See v. 40 for a closer look.
“Wonders and signs” are two words invariably attached to each other in the NT; that is “wonders” is attached to “sign,” but sometimes “signs” can stand without its partner. And “mighty deeds,” coming from the noun dynamis (or dunamis), is added to the two words.
Let’s review them.
Dunamis (or dynamis): it is pronounced doo-na-mees and dynamis is pronounced DY-na-mis, but most teachers prefer the first one): It is often translated as power, but also “miracle” or “miraculous power.” It means power in action, not static, but kinetic. It moves. Yes, we get our word dynamite from it, but God is never out of control, like dynamite is. Its purpose is to usher in the kingdom of God and repair and restore broken humanity, both in body and soul.
Sēmeion (pronounced say-may-on): It is mostly translated as “sign” or “miraculous sign.” A sign points towards the loving God who wants to heal and redeem broken humanity, both in soul and body. Signs are indicators of God breaking into his world, but not to show off per se, but to help people and announce that he is here to save and rescue.
Teras (pronounced teh-ras): It is often translated as “wonders” and is always in the plural. Only once does it appear without “signs,” in Acts 2:19, where wonders will appear in the sky. Wonders inspire awe and worship of God through Christ who performs the wonders. The purpose is to patch up and restore broken humanity. They testify that God in his kingdom power is here to save and rescue people.
For nearly all the references of those three words and a developed theology of them, please click on this link:
What Are Signs and Wonders and Miracles?
The reason the Father hid Jesus’s divine attributes behind his humanity is that the Father wanted Jesus to fully experience what it was like to be human, so he could fully relate to us. He was tempted in his humanity in every way that we were, but without sin (Heb. 2:14-18).
A great truth that can change your life: God today can work the same mighty deeds and signs and wonders—through you, based on Acts 1:8 and 2:1-4 and John 14:12. We must receive his Spirit-immersion and Spirit-empowerment. This is not to say that we have his fully divine attributes (not even close!), but he does give us the Holy Spirit in fire (purification) and power, so he through us can do those things. We share in his anointing and Spirit-empowerment, because he is the Spirit-baptizer-immerser (John 1:33; Acts 2:33).
Once again, for most of the Scriptures on those three terms and a more developed theology of miracles, sings and wonders, please click on the post Miracles, Signs and Wonders.
“Cross”:
Let’s move on.
23:
“In the predestined counsel and foreknowledge of God”: God’s foreknowledge and predestined counsel was revealed in Scripture, which Peter quotes in Psalm 16. Yet he adds that the betrayal and crucifixion was done by the hands of men. So God ordained Christ’s death and crucifixion, but man did it. He says this to inform his listeners that none of the recent tragic events in your life caught God by surprise. And neither do your tragic events catch him by surprise. We will never be able to fully understand the interaction between God’s decretal will (his will by decree) and man’s free will. I suggest you don’t spend much time quarreling or discussing it with people, for the issue will never be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction (see Acts 5:21 and 30 for more discussion).
“counsel”: BDAG is considered by many to be the authoritative Greek lexicon, and it defines the term thus: (1) “that which one thinks about as possibility for action, plan, purpose, intention”; (2) “that which one decides, resolution, decision”; (3) it can even be a council that takes up proposals and deliberates, council meeting. Here it is the first definition.
24-28:
The good news: But God also decreed that he would be resurrected. God did not abandon him in the grave but raised him up. It was impossible for death to rule him. The Greek verb can mean “hold down,” “hold back,” or “restrain” or “arrest.” Death or the grave could not hold him down or hold him back or restrain him or rule over him. And it cannot do the same to you, either (1 Cor. 15:54-57).
You may be going through your own tough times. It is impossible for you to be ruled by death and destruction and defeat. When you go through it, God will lead you (Ps. 23) and resurrect you to his presence as you walk out your salvation.
“hades”: The term is not as clear in the details as we have been taught. It is mentioned 10 times in the NT: Matt. 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27, 31; Rev. 1:18; 6:8; 20:13, 14. And Matt. 11:23 // Luke 10:15 are parallels, so the number of distinct times is actually nine. And hades is not elaborated on in detail, and not even in Revelation, except for some symbolic usage. Hades itself will even be thrown in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14).
And then you too will rejoice, know the paths of life, and be filled with joy, just as the Psalmist promised in v. 28.
In v. 25, God is said to have a “hand.” He is spirit (John 4:24). This is not to be taken literally. It is anthropomorphic, a big word meaning God is described in a human way, so we can understand him better. “Hand” in this context stands in for his power and strength. After all, man works with his hands and shows his power in battle, for example, after which he reaps the reward of sitting on the throne. “Sitting at his right hand” means God rules and has everything in “hand.”
In v. 26, “heart … tongue.” These are not the physical heart or tongue, because a heart cannot bed cheered up, and neither can the physical tongue rejoice. Rather, the heart speaks of the innermost being, and tongue stands in for speech. My spirit is glad, and so my speech reflects my joy, even in the middle of the ultimate trial—death. “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). This supports the truth that we should no longer call prayer language by the archaic and obsolete word ‘tongues.’
Here are the basics about resurrection in the New Testament:
1.. It was prophesied in the OT (Ps. 16:3-11; Is. 55:3; Jnh. 1:17)
2.. Jesus predicted it before his death (Mark 8:31; 9:9, 31; 10:33-34; John 2:19-22)
3.. It happened in history (Matt. 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1-8)
4.. Power used to resurrect Jesus:
a.. Power of God (Acts 2:24; Eph. 1:19-20; Col. 2:12)
b.. Christ’s own power (John 10:18)
c.. Jesus is the resurrection (John 11:25-26)
d.. Power of the Spirit (Rom. 8:11; 1 Pet. 3:18)
5.. Nature of Christ’s resurrection
a.. The same body that died was raised (Luke 24:39-40; John 20:27)
b.. It was a physical body
(1) He ate (Luke 24:41-43; John 21:12-13; Acts 10:40-41)
(2) He could be touched (John 20:27; 1 John 1:1)
(3) It was a gloried body (1 Cor. 15:42-44; Phil. 3:21)
(4) He passed through locked door (John 20:19, 26)
(5) He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9)
c.. It was also a transformed and glorified body
12. Do I Really Know Jesus? What Was His Resurrected Body Like?
And for a review of the basics, please click on this post, also:
11. Do I Really Know Jesus? He Was Resurrected from the Dead
You can also go to youtube to find out the evidence for it. Look for Gary Habermas or Mike Licona.
For a table of his appearances and other facts, please see:
14. Do I Really Know Jesus? He Appeared to His Disciples
“life”: God offers people who love and know him eternal life in the here and now, so it means both life now and life in the age to come. The kingdom breaking into the world system through the life and ministry of Jesus brings eternal life right now.
Now let’s look at life more closely.
It is the noun zoē (pronounced zoh-ay, and girls are named after it, e.g. Zoey). BDAG says that it has two senses, depending on the context: a physical life (e.g. life and breath) and a transcendent life. By physical life the editors mean the period from birth to death, human activity, a way or manner of living, a period of usefulness, earning a living. By transcendent life the lexicographers mean these four elements: first, God himself is life and offers us everlasting life. Second, Christ is life, who received life from God, and now we can receive life from Christ. Third, it is new life of holiness and righteousness and grace. God’s life filling us through Christ changes our behavior. Fourth, zoē means life in the age to come, or eschatological life. So our new life now will continue into the next age, which God fully and finally ushers in when Christ returns. We will never experience mere existence or death, but we will be fully and eternally alive in God.
In this verse it seems to be the first definition, but, come to think of it, we cannot exclude the second one either.
In Acts 2-4, in those three chapters, Peter repeats these six themes (Richard Longenecker, Acts of the Apostles: Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Zondervan, 1984), pp. 277-78:
(1). The age of fulfillment has dawned, because all the hopes and anticipation of long ago has been realized in in Christ and the outpouring in the Holy Spirit.
(2). This fulfilment has been manifested through ministry (miracles especially), death and resurrection of Jesus (proof of Scripture is offered).
(3). Through the resurrection Jesus has been exalted to the right handoff the father and is the Messiah of Israel.
(4). The Holy Spirit in the Church is Christ’s present power and glory.
(5). The Messianic Age will be consummated with the return of Christ. Peter and others seemed to believe it would happen shortly, but they could not look 2000 years ahead and see us. But God could. Good thing!
(6). Repent, be baptized, saved, and receive the Holy Spirit.
This is a great sermon outline for beginners, both preachers who are starting out, and for an untrained audience.
Once again Peter was a “Bible guy.” He knew Messianic Bible prophecies. We should too, because we can learn more about God and improve our witness. Here is a table of them:
29-32:
Peter is the first in the church to use resurrection apologetics (defense of the faith by pointing to the resurrection). He has to eliminate David from the fulfillment of Scripture in Ps. 110:1. He’s not the one who was resurrected. Look! His tomb is close by, and he’s still in it! Can anyone show us Jesus’s body still in his tomb? No. Therefore, Ps. 110:1 is about Jesus, not David.
“boldly say”: it means boldness, outspokenness, frankness, plainness of speech, courage, confidence, fearlessness. Please, please don’t back down or get discouraged when you confront opposition. In fact, if you don’t encounter opposition in preaching the gospel, then something is missing from your gospel. You will know when you have the Spirit’s power flowing through you when you are bold. If you get easily intimidated, pray each day for the inner strength and power and anointing to stand and not to fold or flag during satanic or broken human attacks. I pray this almost every day, and it works! God did not make you timid (2 Tim. 1:7).
See the previous section for the basics about NT resurrection.
“Hades”: see v. 27 for more comments.
On the location of David’s tomb:
The site of David’s tomb mentioned in v. 29 is no longer certain but was probably on the south side of the southeast hill of Jerusalem near the pool of Siloam. Josephus said that John Hyrcanus looted the tomb of 3,000 talents of silver during the siege of Jerusalem in 135/134 B.C. and that Herod attempted the same. According to Josephus, Herod’s attempt was thwarted when two of his men were killed by a sudden burst of flame upon entering the tomb. Having second thoughts, Herod abandoned the project and built a white marble portico over the tomb. (Polhill, comment on v. 29)
Wherever it was, the ancient Jerusalemites knew where it was, so Peter’s point was strong.
33:
Jesus is the one who baptizes in the Spirit. He’s the Spirit Baptizer. He received the promise of the Spirit from his Father, and the Son is now the one who pours him out. Jesus received the promise of the Spirit from the Father, and Jesus poured him out. The three persons of the Trinity are in the same few verses.
“promise”: it is used 52 times in the Greek NT (and our word angel¸ meaning ‘messenger,’ is in it).
Let’s study this word more closely.
It primarily means that promises made to the patriarchs recorded in the OT are now fulfilled in Yeshua ha-Meshiach or Jesus the Messiah (here and Acts 7:17). Abraham would have many descendants (Gal. 3:14-29). David received the promise of a special descendant fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 13:22-23). Paul goes on to say the Jesus’s resurrection is proof of the good news that he preaches (Acts 13:32-33). John proclaims that the promise is connected to eternal life—which is begun to be lived down here and then never ending in heaven (1 John 2:25). All the promises in the OT are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).
Another use of promise is the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Luke 24:49, Jesus tells the disciples that he is sending the “promise of the Father” to them (Acts 1:4). And it is fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4, where the Holy Spirit descends on the 120 in the upper room. Peter tells his audience that this is the promise of the Father (Acts 2:33). Paul links the promise of the Holy Spirit to the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:14). And believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit of the promise (Eph. 1:13).
Still another use of the word promise is that it forms the foundation of righteous living. Paul appeals for purity on God’s promises (2 Cor. 7:1). Children are told to honor their parents because the Fifth Commandment has a promise in it (Eph. 6:2; Exod. 20:12). Paul writes to Timothy that godliness is profitable both in this life and the next because of the promise of life (1 Tim. 4:8). The author of Hebrews encourages believers to persevere (hang in there) because of God’s promises (Heb. 4:1; 10:36). Don’t doubt, Peter says, that God will keep his promise of the second coming, even though some mock (2 Pet. 3:4, 9) (Mounce, pp. 541-42).
34-35:
There is a growing movement today, usually online, to treat Scripture as second-class. “Don’t proof-text! Don’t use it to smack down my lifestyle! That’s unloving!” But here Peter uses Scripture to support the resurrection of Jesus. I urge the church everywhere to drench their minds in the Scriptures and use it—not to angrily bludgeon people—but to guide them to the truth, even unpleasant truth.
Often prophecy makes the best sense after it has been fulfilled. This is true of Peter’s quotation of Joel.
To sit at God’s righthand means, as Bock explains:
The implication of this text is great, because for most in Judaism no person is able to sit permanently in God’s presence. God’s glory and person are too unique to allow this. [Bock refers to two intertestamental writings that may allow it] … The observation that Jesus has gone to God’s side, although it is expresses figuratively since God does not have a limited location or a right hand, led to high Christology, since it raises the question of who can sit in God’s presence. Who is holy enough to do so? This description of Jesus’s position suggests an intimate connection between Jesus and the Father and an equality between them. The vindication of Jesus is about more than he lives and other will be raised. It explains who Jesus is and how God showed him to be the Lord Christ. Here the title “Lord” has its fully, heavenly authority because of Jesus’s position.” (pp. 134-35)
36:
This verse seems to imply that Jesus was not Lord and Messiah until after his resurrection: “God made him” so. However, his earthly ministry shows everywhere in the four Gospels that he knew he was Lord and Messiah. The resurrection made, i.e. confirmed, that truth once again and for good. There is nothing wrong with repeating it to different audiences, in different ways.
Peterson agrees: “Peter’s sermon highlights the way in which this became known, as Jesus was progressively attested by God through ‘miracles, wonders, and signs’ (v. 23) and then climatically, through the resurrection (v. 24). Since he is Messiah, Jesus is raised from death and exalted to God’s right hand! However, just as there are several important stages in the life of a king, from birth to heir to the throne, to anointing, to actual assumption of his throne, so it is with Jesus in Luke-Acts” (comment on v. 36).
Schnabel also agrees: It does not mean that Jesus was not the Messiah and Lord before his resurrection and exaltation. The force of the statement refers to the contrasting attitude between those who rejected him and God who vindicated his own Son. By raising him from the dead and exalting him, God made Jesus to be Lord and Messiah, in the face of those who rejected him (Schnabel, comment on v. 36, p. 151). Let’s not overinterpret the verb “made.”
“Whom you crucified”: To the Jerusalem pilgrims and the residents of that city these were unpleasant words and arguments. Peter went right to the heart of the listeners. Recall that in v. 23, above, Peter says that you put him to death. That’s heavy. Did you ever hear convicting words and Scriptures?
9. Do I Really Know Jesus? He Died for You
“know”: Please click on this link for a fuller definition:
To conclude ….
Don’t be afraid of reasoned argument in sharing your faith. Sometimes a certain percentage of people need to hear the gospel from your sound mind, which clears away the debris field. The most effective topic of apologetics (defense of the faith) is the resurrection of Jesus. Learn about what happened at the empty tombs. Then you can share what your risen Lord did in your heart, how he changed it and your life.
GrowApp for Acts 2:13-36
1. Study 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. How important is the resurrection for history and for your life?
2. Why is the resurrection central to the Christian faith?
RELATED
The Historical Reliability of the Book of Acts
Book of Acts and Paul’s Epistles: Match Made in Heaven?
SOURCES
For the bibliography, please click on this link and scroll down to the very bottom:
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 