The use of Scripture is the foundation of Peter’s preaching. We see he is constantly using Scripture, not his or anyone else’s opinion, to make his points clear. He also uses Scripture to interpret Scripture. This is the key to wisdom! We are not to interpret Scripture in our own knowledge. Peter, himself, said it best in 2 Peter 1:20, “But know this first of all, that no prophesy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,” And Peter followed his own advice.
Peter uses the Scriptures to reveal the gospel message they contain, as they point to the one whom God would send for our salvation. So, if the Scriptures are the foundation of the message (and Jesus is the Word of God) then the message is that Jesus was the Christ, the lamb of God come to take away the sins of the world and to reveal God, the Father to us. And that is the gospel message, the heart and soul of preaching, to win the lost and to remind the saved of the word and testimony of our Lord Jesus, the Christ.
Peter finishes his sermon with an admonishment to his listeners in verse 36 “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.” And that message is still relevant for us today, for our sins put Him on the cross. We are just as guilty as the soldier who nailed Him to the cross or the Jews who cried out, “Crucify Him.” And so, Peter laid the foundation of his message with the Scripture, then the gospel message was preached, and finished with an admonishment to repent.
I would like to note that I use the pattern of this sermon by Peter when I preach.
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