Acts 2 Devotional

Poured Out from the Throne

“But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip.”Acts 2:24 (BSB)

Pentecost arrives with the sound of wind, tongues like fire, and a crowd from many nations hearing the wonders of God in their own languages (2:2-11). Peter explains that this is what Joel foretold: God pouring out his Spirit on all kinds of people (2:16-18). But his sermon is not mainly about the Spirit. It is about Jesus. The man they crucified was handed over by God's set plan, and God raised him, because death had no power to hold him (2:23-24). Now, exalted at God's right hand, Jesus himself has poured out what they are seeing and hearing (2:33).

Deeply convicted, the crowd asks what to do. Peter calls them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins, and says the promise is for them, their children, and all whom the Lord will call (2:38-39). Notice who is acting at the end. The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (2:47). The risen Jesus still gives forgiveness and his Spirit to everyone who turns to him.

To think about: What have you been trying to make right on your own that you could bring to the risen Jesus for forgiveness today?