A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 7
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Acts 2.22-36, Homily 6
Chapter 2 v. 22– We left off with Peter comforting the crowd, gaining their trust and confidence so he can teach
“Men of Israel” – calls on their ancient identity as the People of God
“Hear these words” – Sit back and hear me out for a moment is a calm and peaceful stance
Begins with the obvious (Jesus of Nazareth, miracles, etc)
“God did through Him” – not actions of men but of God
Chapter 2 v. 23 – Everything has the foreknowledge of God
SJC calls our attention again to Joseph (as a type of Christ – see Genesis 45.5) who also spoke of being “do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to save life.”
Importance of the Passion Story – SJC “Observe how everywhere they make it of great importance that the Passion should be confessed…”
Chapter 2 v. 24 – “Whom God raised up” – The purpose of Acts is belief in the Resurrection
Chapter 2 v. 25 – Invocation of the Patriarch David and Psalm 15(16)
At every point Peter returns to common ground before raising the crowd higher.
Prophet has already told us these things were going to happen
Chapter 2 v. 29 – “Men and brethren” – indicates something great is about the follow
NOTE: Peter’s pattern in speaking:
Men of Israel (for comfort, trust, confidence)
Men and Brethren (expanded audience to lead to a higher level)
Chapter 2 v. 30-33 – Concise expression of the Passion of Christ
“Fruit of His Body according to the Flesh” – Incarnation
“He would raise up the Christ” – Crucifixion
“Soul not left in Hades” – Resurrection
“Exalted to the Right Hand of God” – Ascension
“The Promise of the Spirit” –Pentecost
“Of which you see and hear” – YOU are witnesses (How can you not believe now?)
Chapter 2 v. 34-35 – SJC “His resurrection not like any other men”
Even David tells about all this when he said, “The Lord said to my Lord” Psalm 109(110)
It was about Christ that David spoke – all could agree with that point
Chapter 2 v. 36 – ACTION IS REQUIRED!
Once Peter reminded them they already knew about the Christ, AND that Jesus accomplished all the same things, THEN “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (BANG!)
Teaching on the Kingdom of God – launches from the statement “Lord and Christ” see Homily pp 41-44
- Now what?! SJC “He does well to end with this…” Beloved of God don’t need fear, so why use fear?
- Many people seek only to make money (kingdom of the world)
- “God promises the Kingdom and is despised…”
- A soul seeking the Kingdom is like a peaceful mountain top vs chaos
- “Nothing is more unpleasing than a man in a passion”
Life Application – “Wherefore I beseech you to do all you can to curb this savage beast. REPENT! Understanding our failings and pain must call us to repentance. We must fight the passions. We must fight the ways of the world. Why then would we welcome such ways into the Church? Orthodox worship is about preparing us for Heaven rather than the passions. This leads to the next verse (What shall we do? – Acts 2.37-39)