Lessons on evangelism from Peter’s sermon in Acts 2v14-41 – Pastor Dan Dwelly
[10min read]
At the end of my sermon last Sunday morning (‘The Message of the Movement’ 10-Mar-2024), I urged you to give some thought to what lessons we can learn from Peter on how he shared the good news about Jesus Christ the Lord. We didn’t have time to discuss it together then so here are some things that I have observed that I’d like to share with you now. I hope these will better equip you as you give witness to Jesus.
As I begin, it is important to say that we shouldn’t need to feel like we have to say all of the things I will mention in one go (especially if we’ve only got those 60seconds in a lift – as per my challenge on Sunday!). Neither is there a kind of order here, where you must follow each step sequentially. Remember, as I said on Sunday, I think the essence of all evangelism and ministry is to “bring people to Jesus”, to invite them to personally discover him for themselves.
I’d also add that, just like Jesus did, asking questions is just as important as making statements. Questions help you figure out where someone is at, as well as challenge their own views and presuppositions. I offer some example questions and phrases below.
So, here are eight things that make for good gospel proclamation: (1) Tackle objections, (2) Teach the Bible, (3) Take them to Jesus, (4) Talk about sin and the cross, (5) Triumph in the resurrection, (6) Tell them to repent, (7) Take time, (8) Team up.
(1) Tackle objections
We see this in Peter’s response to those who mocked the disciples’ speaking tongues, accusing them of being drunk (v.13). Peter aims to quickly clear that out of the way in v. 15 before giving them the true explanation. The point is, he is willing to address it, not ignore it. Most of the questions or accusations people have that get in the way of them considering Jesus are not new and there are good answers on questions of suffering, religious abuse, miracles, equality, science, etc. Their questions may also be your questions, so worth looking into them without fear. There are good resources too that can equip us to give an answer – so don’t be afraid of these objections. Learn to answer them or say you will think about it some more and get back to them. Sometimes, it can even be helpful to ask a person wrestling with faith, “What do you think is stopping you from believing?” This can help you pinpoint whether it is simply a hard heart, or a genuine question.
“What do you think is stopping you from believing?”
(2) Teach the Scripture
Peter quotes three key texts from the OT and alludes to several others in his sermon. He is basing his message on the Word of God. This is Peter’s authority! These aren’t his words, but the words of Christ in Scripture. Better still, these were the texts that his hearers believed as well – he used their own Bible to convince them. The best tool in your box is the Word of God – quote it, read it, explain it, share it, and let the Spirit do the rest.
“Can I show you a Bible verse that talks about that…?”
“I think it could help you if we looked at what the Bible says together
– would you like that?”
(3) Take them to Jesus
We noted Peter’s shift in v. 22 from Joel’s prophecy about the Spirit to a presentation of Jesus – “…listen to this: Jesus…”. Although tackling objections and questions is important (point 1 above), it can easily keep you away from talking about the main thing: Jesus. Learn to recognise this as you speak to people, especially if they aren’t able to get past those issues or it feels like they are deliberately putting up barriers. It’s OK to change the subject, because when Jesus stepped into the world, he changed the conversation entirely! We’re not talking about abstract, philosophical questions anymore – but a divine person, in history, who we can know personally!
“Jesus is really the heart of the matter so can I ask you, what do you make of him?
…Let me tell you what he’s done for me…”
(4) Talk about Sin and the Cross
Peter’s sermon is strikingly pointed: “you…put him to death…” (v. 23). He is boldly willing to identify their sin in relation to the death of Christ the Lord. The cruelty of sin is that it deceives us so we don’t believe there’s a problem but when the light of the gospel shines it will expose us. This is painful, but necessary! Peter also “warned and pleaded” with them (v. 40) because of the wrath coming on sin. Moreover, it is necessary to talk about sin if we’re going to talk about the death of Christ, because Jesus’ death is the answer to our sins. While some find it hard to accept their guilt, others will be deeply burdened by it already and our offering forgiveness in Christ is exactly what they need. The point is, you cannot become a Christian without confessing sin and trusting Jesus’ and his death, so it is a crucial part of our evangelism. Again, making it personal can help here: “I know how selfish and sinful I was, like we all can be, but I have been so amazed at Jesus’ love to die for me and forgive! Do you know why Jesus had to die?”
“What do you think is the biggest problem in the world and what can fix it?”
(5) Triumph in the resurrection
Peter makes this a major point of his sermon and surveying the rest of the NT we see it is a central theme of all apostolic preaching too. Interestingly, he doesn’t try to prove the resurrection actually happened, he simply declares he saw it and the Scripture said it would happen. Again, there are good reasons to believe the resurrection took place, but we shouldn’t assume the evidence is enough to make someone believe nor that someone can reason themselves to faith. They need a work of the Spirit in their hearts too. The resurrection is something we can simply proclaim, lifting up Jesus as Lord, as ultimate Reason (Logos), and sharing the good news of defeated death and eternal life! Actually, the best evidence for the resurrection is the existence of the Church. She can provide a more compelling ‘proof’ of the resurrection because she bears witness today that Jesus really rose.
“If I was about to die, what would you say to me to give me comfort?”
“What difference do you think the resurrection would make if it is true?”
(6) Tell them to repent
As the crowd responds to Peter’s sermon, he calls them to repent and be baptised (v. 38). Repentance means a change of mind and, with that, a change of direction in life. That means turning from sin and the world to follow Jesus as Lord of your life. We’re not asking people to just pray a prayer and then go on their way. We’re calling them to give their whole lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter actually calls them to “Save yourself from this corrupt generation” (v. 40), turning their backs on the unbelieving culture around them. Baptism is the next step to take as it expresses faith and committed allegiance to Christ. We’re calling people then to jump from a sinking ship into a lifeboat. You can’t straddle between the two – you need to leap with both feet!
“What are you afraid of losing
or would find hardest to give up
in order to follow Jesus?”
(7) Team up with others
Notice two small details in v. 14 and v. 37 that mention the presence of the other apostles with Peter and their involvement in sharing the good news. Not to mention the other 108 disciples speaking in tongues! I’ve mentioned already the witness of the Church and sometimes the best thing we can ever do is simply invite someone to our church. Research shows that one of the most important steps to faith for many Christians was being personally invited to church. It wasn’t an invitation through the door, or a nicely advertised event, or even the best 60-second gospel presentation in a lift, as much as it was a Christian they know, taking an interest in them, and inviting them to their church. Christian proclamation can be a corporate activity. In a church community, they get to see the body of Jesus in person and get a taste of his love. In church, they get to hear the gospel proclaimed in rich and varied ways – through song, Scripture, sacrament and sermon, as well as by interacting with other brothers and sisters they meet.
“Would you like to come with me to our Easter Sunday service? …There’s a
special Explore Faith course my church is hosting that I’d love to take you to if you like?”
(8) Take time
Finally, note that Luke’s record only gives a portion of Peter’s sermon. In v. 40 we read how he continued to exhort his listeners with “many other words”. In other words, 3000 people weren’t all converted immediately. It took time, maybe several hours. It took “many words”. It certainly took prayer and patience. 60 seconds in an elevator may not be enough to see someone come to faith there and then (it can happen of course!), but it is enough time to sow a seed, or put a ‘stone in their shoe’ so that they go away challenged to think more. You may be one small step in their journey. God knows them and will continue to work on them well beyond your reach. So, look for ways to keep the conversation going and entrust the rest to the God who calls (v. 39).
“Would you like to grab a coffee and talk more – it’s on me?”
“Why don’t you swing by for a BBQ I’m having and we can chat then?”
“Can I get your mobile and I’ll ping you a link to a website that I think will help you?”
There is much more that could be said but hopefully you can already see how much Peter’s example could help us. Is there anything you would add to my list? There are lots of other points to be made too about prayerfulness, our heart motivations, the importance of ‘doing good’ as well as sharing truth, the possibility of rejection and persecution, and much more.
Perhaps for many of us, the real issue with our faithful Christian proclamation is that we just don’t really have anyone to proclaim to! We don’t have real, meaningful relationships with others or opportunity to engage with our neighbours. Perhaps, the first step for you is asking God to connect you with people on this level.
Let’s keep learning from the Scripture and the example of the Apostles, and let’s keep practicing, trusting God to equip us, grow us, and make us fruitful.
Almighty God, who calls us to yourself by grace,
thank you for the example of the Apostles
and their boldness to proclaim the Word of Christ.
May we learn by their example
and imitate their courage and zeal.
Go before us, in the power of the Spirit
and work in the hearts of the people we meet,
that they may become the good soil for the seed of your Word.
By your Spirit, give us words and wisdom to answer everyone.
And give us the encouragement of being used by you
to lead a lost soul to the Saviour.
We offer ourselves as workers in Your Harvest Field,
and ask your blessing.
For Jesus’ Glory and in his name,
Amen.