Focus Verse:

But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power." (v. 24)

Background
Today's reading continues from yesterday's. Peter is in sermon mode and preaching to a Jewish crowd gathered in Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost, who are caught up in extraordinary events. A rational explanation is being offered and Jewish tradition drawn upon. This passage includes a number of elements that were often found in what we sometimes call the kerygma or the preaching of the Early Church.

Today it’s a common practice for a sermon in a church service to have about three points. For Peter and the early apostles there were often about six elements. They included that God was fulfilling what was prophesised; this has happened through Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection; Jesus is now at God’s right hand; the Holy Spirit has come; Jesus will return; and all can repent and respond to God’s grace.

It's a lot to take in, and it's unlikely then, as now, that rational argument on its own was convincing. We always need people to engage in public and wider debate about the truths of the Christian faith. It’s a vital task and done in numerous ways such as academics taking on the arguments of secular and humanist society, and authors such as CS Lewis who used his novels to more subtly share the Christian message.

Preaching and preachers were and still are important in the Church. We need to teach ourselves the story and implications of our faith. Sermons are one way to help with this, and can be intentionally inspiring and challenging. There are lots of ways to learn our faith but after a few years lecturing in colleges and universities, I’m convinced that this is best done in groups. A home group, following through a particular study at the right level is an excellent way for us to learn with and from each other. And it can help us discover gifts that could lead to becoming preachers and teachers in our local settings, if not further. Perhaps God is calling some of us today to take this as a next step of faith in our lives.

To Ponder:

Prayer
Loving God, thank you for those who in the past showed and shared with me your love and grace, and for those who do that today. Help me to show and share something of your grace to all I meet. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Skuce
Stephen is the Superintendent of the North Western District of The Methodist Church in Ireland.