“A Man Approved By God” – ACTS 2:1-22

People simply cannot tell the story of Jesus without God’s help.

As the book of Acts unfolds the story of Jesus (1:1) is the focus and the storytellers are the apostles and the church. Peter will rise up by the power of God and lead as Jesus had prepared him to do. The fact is, through Peter and his willingness to be useful to God we know the story of Jesus today.

This book of Scripture is called “Acts of the Apostles”, but could more suitably be called “Acts of the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit comes in power as Jesus foretold and guides people into truth, confirms the Word spoken by the Apostles and the church, confirm the Apostles and the church themselves, and preserves a written record of these things for us. God clearly wanted us to know wonderful the story of Jesus with precise application.

I know the story “A Tale Of Two Cities” by Charles Dickins because I read it once in High School. The problem is that I do not remember the details because I did not keep on reading and studying this book so it has absolutely no real impact upon my life.

You know where I’m going with this.

So many people are not impressed with the story of Jesus. They believe, yet they are not moved. They know, but they do not understand. Our Bible is not a “bestseller” or a “classic” … it is the Holy Spirit-inspired account of the work of Jesus in His life and through His church.

How many truly “know” the story of Jesus?

As the disciples and the 12 were together (2:1-2), the Holy Spirit came in power (2:3-4) upon the 12. Here is the first instance where the Holy Spirit acted visibly to confirm these twelve men to the disciples and the Jews (2:5). These unlearned men could speak and would be heard in the language of the hearer (2:6-11). To simply call this “impressive” would be to minimize the majesty of the miracle of Pentecost. “If” this account is true, then by the power of the Holy Spirit (2:11b) Jesus Christ changed the world! Peter arises and is the mouthpiece of God – the Father and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Scoffers are quickly cast aside (2:12-15) and the truth is revealed (2:16-21). The power of God has brought salvation to mankind.

How is it, then, that so many (believers and scoffers) are unimpressed?

The sad reality of the answer to that question lies in the application of these “convincing proofs” (1:3). When Peter uttered the glorious name of Jesus (2:22) on that particular Day of Pentecost, the world was turned upside down. Our translations say God “approved” Jesus to mankind with the miracles, but this word does not fully convey the thought. Literally, God looked at men and pointed them to Jesus with the wonders and signs – the most amazing being the resurrection.

Like “A Tale Of Two Cities”, the majority of people either never read the Bible or are not moved by the story of Jesus. Or, being moved initially, are not motivated to apply the inspired message to daily life and spiritual growth.

How does one “believe” the virgin birth and put the “book” away?

How can we read of the healing and resurrections or witness with our mind’s eye Jesus walk on water and allow His story to gather dust?

Why does the sad agony of His death and glorious triumph of His resurrection not inspire us?

Through Peter, the Holy Spirit got folks’ attention. From this point forward, Christians are confirmed by the Holy Spirit and the word of truth is confirmed for all. Jesus came to build His church. His church is living proof of His story.

The story does not end with the closing of the Bible … the story of Jesus is still being written through you.