Peter’s presentation of the gospel is deeply rooted in the story of Israel, drawing heavily from the Old Testament to frame his message. By doing so, he demonstrates that the good news about Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
In his Pentecost sermon, Peter quotes from the prophet Joel, emphasizing God’s promise of the outpouring of the Spirit:
- “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh… And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Joel 2:28-32)
Peter also references the Psalms to highlight Jesus’ identity and mission. Quoting Psalm 16, he proclaims the resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Scriptures:
- “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10)
Peter points to Psalm 110:1 to affirm Jesus’ exaltation as Lord and Messiah:
- “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’” (Psalm 110:1)
Peter’s use of Deuteronomy 18:15 presents Jesus as the new Moses, the prophet who would lead God’s people into a new covenant relationship. This portrayal aligns with Israel’s expectation of a deliverer.
Furthermore, Peter connects the Abrahamic promise to Jesus, citing Genesis 22:18:
- “And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection bring the blessing of salvation to the Gentiles.
Peter’s gospel message is a retelling of Jesus’ life and work, as recorded in Acts 10:36-42:
“As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea… how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did… They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear… He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.”
Peter’s account emphasizes Jesus’ anointing by God, His ministry of healing and doing good, His sacrificial death, His resurrection, and His role as the appointed judge of all. Proclaiming the gospel includes a narrative of what Jesus did.
Peter’s gospel message always includes a call to action. He urges his audience to believe, repent, and be baptized. This response is foundational to receiving the promises of the gospel.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Peter’s gospel proclamation is rich with promises of redemption and restoration. He uses various terms to describe the benefits of salvation:
- Forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)
- The gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
- Times of refreshing (Acts 3:19)
- Justification — being made right with God through faith in Jesus
- Peace (Acts 10:36), a reconciliation with God that brings inner and communal harmony
In his first epistle, Peter offers a summary of the gospel:
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit… who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” (1 Peter 3:18-22)
This passage summarizes the essence of the gospel: Christ’s sacrificial death, His victory over sin and death, His resurrection, and His exaltation as Lord of all.
Peter’s proclamation of the gospel weaves together the story of Israel, the life of Jesus, and the promises of salvation for all who believe. His message not only highlights the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises but also calls individuals to respond with faith, repentance, and baptism. In doing so, Peter lays a foundation for understanding and living out the transformative power of the gospel.
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