This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on April 23, 2017.

The Christian historian Luke records for us the first Christian sermon ever preached. It is of interest to all of us who have the calling to be preachers of the Good News.

Not surprisingly Simon Peter is the spokesman for the early Christians on the Day of Pentecost. He spoke after the remarkable display of the presence of God as the Risen Lord baptized his “little flock” in the Holy Spirit and then inspired them to offer a public display of spiritual worship in which they spoke of “the wonderful works of God.” And in a grand reversal of Babel, everyone was able to hear what was said in his own native language.

It became the assignment of Peter to explain what was happening. He declares that the New Age has broken into history, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel. At last, all who believe are filled with the Spirit—young and old, male a female—so they are all speaking as prophets. A special age of salvation has come so that “whosoever will” may call upon the name of the Lord and be saved before the final Day of the Lord comes in judgment.

Most of the basic elements of the Christian Gospel (the Kerugma) are found in this first Christian sermon. Much that happened in his life fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and types found in the worship rituals. “Jesus of Nazareth” has been “made” both “Lord and Christ.” He has ascended to a place of authority in the heavens. When the men of Israel heard “Lord,” they thought of deity. This name was reserved for God as the supreme one in their faith. When they heard “Christ,” they immediately think of the Promised One, the Messiah, the Anointed One.

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