Our focus will be on Acts 2:36-42, and we’ll form groups to discuss and answer the following four questions:Here are the answers to the questions based on Acts 2:36-42:

1. What was Peter’s primary message? (Acts 2:36)

Peter’s primary message was a proclamation of Jesus’ identity and His significance in God’s plan of salvation. He declared:

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

• Key Points:
  • Jesus is both Lord (sovereign ruler) and Christ (the Messiah promised by God).
  • The crucifixion of Jesus was not merely an event but a divine act that fulfilled God’s redemptive plan.

Peter’s message was a call to recognize their role in rejecting and crucifying Jesus while emphasizing the hope found in His lordship and Messiahship.

2. How did the people respond to his message? (Acts 2:37)

The people were deeply convicted by Peter’s words. Their response was:

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?'”

• Key Points:
  • They experienced deep conviction (“cut to the heart”) as they realized the gravity of their actions in crucifying Jesus.
  • Their question, “What shall we do?”, demonstrated humility, repentance, and a willingness to change.

The response highlights the power of the Holy Spirit working through Peter’s message to convict the audience.

3. What does true transformation look like? (Acts 2:38, 40, 41)

True transformation involves repentance, receiving the Holy Spirit, and actively living out faith. Peter’s instructions and the people’s actions reveal this:

“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)

• Key Elements of Transformation:
  1. Repentance: Turning away from sin and aligning oneself with God’s will.
  2. Baptism: A public declaration of faith and identification with Jesus.
  3. Forgiveness and Receiving the Holy Spirit: Spiritual renewal and empowerment for living a godly life.

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)

• True transformation also includes joining the community of believers, showing immediate obedience, and growing in faith.

4. What is the model of the first church? (Acts 2:42)

The model of the first church is described in Acts 2:42:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

• Key Components of the First Church:
  1. Devotion to Apostles’ Teaching: A commitment to learning and applying the Word of God.
  2. Fellowship: Building a strong, supportive community of believers.
  3. Breaking of Bread: Sharing meals and celebrating the Lord’s Supper as an act of unity and remembrance.
  4. Prayer: Persistent communication with God, both individually and corporately.

This model emphasizes a church centered on teaching, community, worship, and prayer—a blueprint for all churches to follow.

Summary

• Peter’s Message: Jesus is Lord and Messiah, crucified for our salvation (Acts 2:36).
• Response: Conviction, repentance, and a desire for change (Acts 2:37).
• Transformation: Repentance, baptism, forgiveness, receiving the Spirit, and joining the faith community (Acts 2:38-41).
• Church Model: Teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer as foundational practices (Acts 2:42).