When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" When the people heard this,This phrase refers to the crowd's reaction to Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. Peter had just explained the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. The audience, primarily Jewish, would have been familiar with the Old Testament prophecies Peter referenced, such as those from Joel and Psalms. The sermon was delivered in Jerusalem, a city central to Jewish religious life, during a major festival, which meant the audience was diverse, including Jews from various regions. Act 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced… they were cut to the heart This expression indicates a deep conviction and emotional response. The Greek term used here implies a piercing or stabbing sensation, suggesting that the message profoundly affected the listeners. This conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out on the apostles at Pentecost. The concept of being "cut to the heart" aligns with Hebrews 4:12, which describes the Word of God as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. Act 7:54 On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged,… and asked Peter and the other apostles, Peter, as the spokesperson, stands with the other apostles, signifying unity and collective authority. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection, giving them credibility. This moment marks the beginning of the apostolic ministry, where they take on the role of teaching and guiding the early church. Act 8:34 “Tell me,” said the eunuch, “who is the prophet talking about…… “Brothers, what shall we do?” The term "brothers" indicates a sense of community and shared heritage among the Jewish people. The question "what shall we do?" reflects a desire for repentance and action in response to the conviction they felt. This mirrors the response in Luke 3:10, where the crowd asks John the Baptist a similar question. The inquiry shows an openness to change and a willingness to follow the apostles' guidance, setting the stage for Peter's call to repentance and baptism in the following verses. Luk 3:10-14 The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”… Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterOne of Jesus' twelve apostles, Peter is the primary speaker in Acts 2, delivering a powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost. 2. The Apostles The group of Jesus' closest followers who were present with Peter, supporting his message and ministry. 3. The Crowd Composed of devout Jews from every nation under heaven, gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. 4. Jerusalem The city where the events of Pentecost took place, a central location for Jewish worship and pilgrimage. 5. Pentecost A Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. Teaching Points Conviction of the Holy SpiritThe phrase "cut to the heart" indicates a deep conviction brought about by the Holy Spirit. This conviction is essential for genuine repentance and transformation. The Power of the Gospel Peter's sermon demonstrates the power of the gospel to pierce hearts and lead people to seek salvation. We should be bold in sharing the gospel, trusting in its power to transform lives. Response to Conviction The crowd's question, "What shall we do?" highlights the appropriate response to conviction—seeking guidance and taking action. When convicted, we should turn to God and His Word for direction. Community and Support The crowd addressed their question to Peter and the apostles, showing the importance of seeking guidance from mature believers and being part of a faith community. Repentance and Action The immediate response to the gospel message should be repentance and a willingness to change. This involves both a change of heart and a change of behavior. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to be "cut to the heart," and how can we recognize this conviction in our own lives?2. How does Peter's sermon in Acts 2 demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and why is this important for understanding the continuity of Scripture? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our response to the gospel is not just emotional but leads to genuine repentance and transformation? 4. How can we support others who are experiencing conviction and seeking guidance in their spiritual journey? 5. What role does the community of believers play in helping individuals respond to the gospel message, and how can we actively participate in this process? Connections to Other Scriptures Joel 2:28-32Peter references this prophecy in his sermon, explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a fulfillment of Joel's words. Luke 24:47 Jesus instructs that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, which aligns with the call to repentance in Acts 2:37. Hebrews 4:12 The description of the Word of God as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, relates to the crowd being "cut to the heart" by Peter's message. Romans 10:9-10 The response to the gospel message involves belief in the heart and confession with the mouth, similar to the crowd's inquiry about what they should do. John 16:8 Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, which is evident in the crowd's reaction to Peter's sermon. People Arabians, David, Elam, Elamites, Israelites, Joel, Parthians, PeterPlaces Asia, Cappadocia, Crete, Cyrene, Egypt, Jerusalem, Judea, Libya, Mesopotamia, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Pontus, RomeTopics Apostles, Brethren, Brothers, Cut, Ears, Heart, Hearts, Peter, Pierced, Pricked, Rest, Stung, TroubledDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 2:37 3212 Holy Spirit, and mission 7703 apologetics 6678 justification, Christ's work 5932 response 3257 Holy Spirit, gift of Library November 25 EveningWhosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.--ACTS 2:21. Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, and he reared up altars for Baal. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.--And … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path July 3 Evening March 4. "They were all Filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4). Pentecost Pentecost Monday Pentecost Tuesday The Name Above Every Name A Fourfold Cord A Pure Church an Increasing Church The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit Peter's First Sermon The Historical and Spiritual Causes of the Death of Christ The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society The Great Assize The Means of Grace Pricked in their Heart The Baptism of the Spirit The Promises of the Christian Home. False Teachings of the Apostasy. How Does it Come? Its Effects. Every Believer's Birthright. Links Acts 2:37 NIVActs 2:37 NLT Acts 2:37 ESV Acts 2:37 NASB Acts 2:37 KJV Acts 2:37 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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