Acts 2:29-47
Read Acts 2:29-47
Helpful Background Information:
In our primary text this week, Jesus is teaching the crowds in the temple and He chooses to borrow words directly from Psalm 110. This was a psalm that the people would have been well aware of, as it assured them that a descendant of David would reclaim the throne and reign as Messiah. When Jesus references this psalm, however, He draws out even more meaning from the words, showing the status and authority of the Messiah must be higher and greater than that of David. In other words, the Messiah they were waiting for wouldn’t simply be another king who resembled David. Rather, the Messiah would be One who, even David, would revere as Lord (Mark 11:36).
Later on, it becomes clear that this teaching left an impression on those who heard it. After Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, Peter preaches the first sermon that’s recorded for us in the book of Acts. In Acts 2, right after Pentecost, Peter stood up and proclaimed the marvelous work of God and the message of salvation. In verse 29, Peter contrasts the death of David with the death of Jesus. While David remained dead and buried, Jesus was raised to life again. Peter reminds his audience that it wasn’t David who ascended into the heavens (v.34a) but Jesus. That’s why He borrows the same words that Jesus quoted from Psalm 110 (vv.34-35). In doing so, Peter connects the dots for his audience, showing from the Scriptures that God had made the Jesus they crucified both Lord and Christ (v.36).
Reflection Questions:
Jesus points out that King David called the Messiah his “Lord.” What does this reveal about the identity and authority of the Messiah beyond being a political or national king?
How does this shape the way we understand Jesus’ divinity and kingship?
In Acts 2, Peter connects Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to Psalm 110. Why is the resurrection so central to proving that Jesus is both Lord and Christ?
How would Peter’s argument fall apart if Jesus had remained in the grave like David?
If Jesus is not merely a “new David” but David’s Lord, how should that affect the way we respond to Him today—in our worship, obedience, and daily lives?
Hint: reread Acts 2:37-38 to see the proper response.