The Eyewitnesses

Acts 2:25-28 David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’”
 
PETER used Psalm 16:8-11 to give the prophetic evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. He spoke of David’s prophecy that points to the LORD – the Father – speaking to David’s Lord – the Son. David could only refer to the Son as my Lord if the Lord was eternal in heaven before his incarnation in a manger.
   Peter goes on to explain: Acts 2:29-30 “Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.
   You could say David was an eyewitness to eternal life through the Messiah: (When David) saw what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. The Messiah, who died, would not remain in the grave.
   Then Peter confirmed Jesus did not remain in the grave: Acts 2:32 “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.” These are not empty words but sound evidence the apostles and all who had seen Jesus ascend to heaven are there to confirm Peter’s words. The eyewitnesses are crucial to the Jews believing Peter’s testimony. The law required penalties for lying, breaking the ninth commandment. Peter needed definite evidence Jesus is alive. The evidence was in David’s prophecy and the eyewitness’ testimony.
    Then Peter affirmed Jesus’ glorious status: Acts 2:33 Exalted to the right hand of God, Jesus has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Peter preaches about the Trinity. The tongues of fire, the sound of the wind and the apostles’ speaking in other languages are signs and sounds from the Father, Son and Spirit.
   Peter then preached the stunning truth: Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
   Peter has given the evidence Jesus has fulfilled David’s prophecy. He is the risen Son of God, sitting in power at the Father’s right hand. Then he says, “You crucified him.” What would you think if you knew you had killed the long-awaited Messiah, who is now risen to sit at God’s right hand?  
   In truth we all have caused the Savior’s suffering and death. Jesus came to die, so he could be the way for all who repent to live in his forgiveness of sin.
   Through Peter, the Spirit is bringing the Jews to the point they will either confess or deny Jesus and their need for a Savior. Pray the Spirit will guide you to help people know the right decision.