Peter’S Conclusion
PETER’S CONCLUSION
ACTS 2:29-36
It should have been obvious from Jesus’ life that he was no ordinary person, but the greatest miracle was to follow: God raised him from the dead!
We may take these verses as a single unit. They form the third and concluding part of Peter’s Pentecostal address, and follow the earlier pattern—namely, a personal address (2:14,22) to his hearers (2:29: “Brethren”); a statement of Christian conviction (2:29-33); and an Old Testament quotation which buttresses that affirmation (2:34-35). Note the extra feature in this final section (2:36).
The allusion to Psalm 16 is now explained. Though written by David, it cannot refer only to him because he died (2:29: note the somber finality of “and was buried”—a phrase which belongs also to the earliest Christian creed of 1 Corinthians 15:3ff.). His psalm, however, expresses the confidence that this will not happen to God’s anointed King, whom David typified. The only possible conclusion, then, is that David was speaking prophetically of the Messiah (2:30-31). He died—but, when men had done their worst, was vindicated by God in the resurrection.
Three proofs are supplied of the reality of his resurrection here:
The mention of the Lord’s exaltation requires justification; and Peter finds this in Psalm 110:1. The dialogue is between God (in his Old Testament name, the Lord =Yahweh) and his anointed. David prefigured the Messiah (so all Jews and Christians believe; 2 Samuel 7:12-14), but David never ascended to heaven. He must, therefore, again have been speaking of the Messiah, “great David’s greater Son” (2:34-35).
The conclusion is irresistible (2:36). As Jesus of Nazareth alone fulfills both Psalms, he is the true Messiah who is now installed in the place of honor. His Messiahship, once concealed, is now displayed; and his title to worship, as Lord, is proved (Romans 1:3-4; Philippians 2:9-11).
Meditation
The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now.