The Spectator., 1916-01-11
LESSON FOR JANUARY 16
PETERS SERMON AT PENrEcosT.
LESSON TEXT-Acts 2:14-47.

LESSON TEXT-Acts 2:4-4.
 GOLDEN TEXT-Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Acts 2:2l.
 Comparing, verse one (R. VI with the last clause of verse 15, we con clude that this was one early morning prayer meeting which drew a crowd. In this crowd (vv. 9, 10) and on this occasion we sec in miniature the evangelism of the world. What Peter hoped to accomplish is an interesting speculation and is answered by his manner and mode of testimony. His famous sermon" consists of 12 verses, and the balance in quotations from Joel, Psalms, etc.
 l. Tho Empowered Witness, w. 14- 36. CD Peter testified that Jesus is alive. (a) These men, speaking by the power of the Spirit, are not drunk en, but are speaking in soberness of a great fact. (b) This that they hear Ifs that" prophecied by Joel (2:2S, 29). This Jesus of whom they have been speaking had fulfilled this proph- ecy by mighty deeds (v. 22), by hay ing risen from the dead (v. 23) and of this the disciples were all witnesses (v. 32); he had also been exalted" (v. 33), and his glory Peter had wit messed upon the mount OI Peter 1: 16-18l. (2) Peter asserts that whoso- ever believes in Jesus as Lord and Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah. shall be saved (vv. 21, 36). (a) He | this world (b) saved unto life eter- nal Co he shall receive this same power the disciples had received. Pc ter's witnessing is the same as Jesus has a right to expect of us, the testi- mony of personal experience. backed up by the word of God. Jesus was in- dorsed by his miracles, the testimony of those who had seen him as the risen Lord ana by his fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.
 He was also exalted in the testi- mony given in all tongues by the em- towering spirit.
 n. The Powerful Result, w. 37-42. The truth of Peters words was car ried home by the Holy Spirit produc- ing deep conviction of sin. CD Con- version. The question of verse 37 was a result. They had seen the place of Jesus in the plan of prophecy of God. They saw the boldness of these disciples and they also saw their sin. @ Confession. Peters an swer to their question was plain and simple. (a) Repent" l. C.. change their minds and their attitude towards Jesus, from that which had caused his crucifiXion, to one of absolute sur render, of repentance and renunciation of sin; the surrender of the will to Jesus as Lord. (2) Be baptized" Outward water baptism is involved, but it is the symbol of the inward change of neart, of the renunciation of sin, death to self (Rom. 6:4) and the putting on of Christ Gal. 3:26, 27. 1 (3) Continuance (v. 42). Having ac- cepted and confessed Christ, they were to teach others, to have fellowship with believers in prayer and in break ing of bread, to continue in the way
 lll. Added Evidence of Power. w. 43-47. This passage is not brief for communism. It is interesting to note i that this communism was among be- lievers (v. 44. It was for a special occasion, for they had 'tarried at Je- rusalem" many days, and beyond doubt had not provided for long visit. It was according as each had need.' It was purely voluntary t5 4, 9). The Holy Spirit, however, does 1 bring unity and altruism among be- lievers which expresses itself in social relations and service. There is a i difference between the gift of the Holy l Spirit and the Holy Spirits gifts q Cor. l2). The baptism of the Holy Spirit or the gift of the Holy Ghost is always dependent upon real re- pentance and is accompanied by re- mission of sins. This experience is the blood bought right of every be- liever in the Lord Jesus Christ. To receive is to take or to claim, and by simple prayer and faith that to which we have a right (Acts 4:31; $: 15, 16; Luke HIS; I John 5:14, 15). By making Jesus Lord and Christ we shall receive the promise (v. 39) which, Peter ueClafeu, was TOT JeWlbn pe- lievers, their children for coming gen erations, and "all that are afar on. even as many as the Lord our God shall call" i. G., gentiles of every coming century.
 In other words, Pentecost was but an episode which ushered in an age. the age of the Holy Spirit, and he is for every child of God, Jewish and gentle, in every age and in every church.
 During that apostolic age every new manifestation of the spirit through its accompanying addition to the mum Der of believers-'The Lord added day by day those that were saved .. many believers; believers were the more added multitudes of both men and women tue word Of God increased; great co.n. pany of the priests were obedient to the faith"