Acts 2 is an incredible passage for numerous reasons. In addition to its declaration of the Spirit's coming and the radical move He had on the early church, the passage also teaches us much in regards to the preaching of the Gospel. Peter proves to be quite the orator and prophet in Acts 2 and there is much that we (regardless of our occupation) can learn from his sermon.
First of all, Peter teaches us it is necessary to be bold. Without hesitation, the man calls upon the prophecy of Joel and makes known to the people that it is the End Times and that they are on the wrong side of Judgment. In addition to this, he then goes on to proclaim (at numerous points) that those who are listening to his sermon are guilty of the murder of God's Messiah.
Some would like to look at these bold moves by Peter and rationalize them due to the culture and audience of the day; but is this a legitimate rebuttal? Closer examination does not affirm such. The truth is that the people Peter were addressing were no different that any other people of our day. They struggled with the biblical concept of resurrection, the judgment of God, and religious identity. They were arrogant, literal, traditional, and religious; just like our world today.
Peter never backed down from the truth of Scripture because he knew it was true, necessary, and God's gift of grace to mankind. If Peter would not have preached with boldness, then 3,000 people would not have been saved that day.
There is more that Peter's sermon teaches us about preaching, but for now I think it prudent to wrestle with BOLDNESS. Q: Are you bold in your presentation of the Gospel?
