Third Sunday of Easter Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Preaching Commentary

Setting the Context: After the introductory tag from 2:14a this week’s text begins with “therefore” in 2:36 (Greek oun, which is the second word in verse 36 in the Greek text), making it especially important to set the context for this passage, lest it seem as though a conclusion is being drawn ex nihilo. Remind the congregation that this is the conclusion of a lengthy address from Peter, and that the “therefore” stems from citations from Psalms 16 and 110 that prophesy of the resurrection and Lordship of Jesus.

Word Study: asphalōs: This adverb (rendered “with certainty” in the NRSV and lodged in the middle of verse 36) is emphasized in the Greek text by opening that verse. The…