This week as we continue through the book of Acts we will have a sermon on a sermon. The middle section of Acts 2 (verses 14-41) recount perhaps the second-most famous sermon known to man—Peter’s Pentecost sermon. There are a number of sermons recorded in the Scripture (most prominently, the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapters 5-7; Paul’s sermons in Acts 13:16-41 and 22:1-21), but this surely ranks among the best. Certainly, we know the initial response was extraordinary—“there were added that day about three thousand souls” as Christians (Acts 2:41). If you listen to, or read, sermons as part of your spiritual growth, this is one to reflect upon on a regular basis.
I have been blessed during my Christian life to sit under some marvelous preaching, both live preaching and particularly sermons written down. They have necessarily shaped my spiritual life—as any contact with the Scriptures will surely do. I hope that their influence on me is also evident in my own preaching, in terms of style, approach, and focus.
Other sermons that I have appreciated through the years:
- Sermons given at All-Souls Church in London by John Stott. Covering almost all of the books of Scripture, Stott marvelously walks us through the text. You can easily search for good sermons on the All Souls Church website. And Stott has an excellent British accent to boot!
- Speaking of accents, one of the greatest preachers of the mid-late-twentieth century was Martin Lloyd-Jones. Especially his series of 232 sermons on the letter of Ephesians (available in book form) or accessible from the Martin Lloyd-Jones Trust. I was also particularly impacted by his sermons on the Cross.
- While I don’t believe I have ever actually heard a sermon by James Montgomery Boice (you can hear them at oneplace.com), his sermons were collected in various books which I have been blessed by. Formatted like a sermon you would recognize, Boice was justly famous as the premier preacher of his day.
- Another preacher, whom I know more from his written collected works than from listening to, is RC Sproul. A powerful influence on my theology, Sproul was a wonderful teacher and theologian, but also a faithful churchman, preaching throughout his ministry. His teachings, available at Ligonier Ministries, are supplemented by his sermons.
- While many of these preachers may be familiar to you, my surprise on this list is Gordon Hugenberger, professor at Gordon-Conwell Seminary and preacher at the historic pulpit in Park Church in Boston. If you listen to him, you will be amazed at his biblical competency, his powerful delivery, and his ability to challenge. If there’s one person to “try” on this list, try Hugenberger, especially in the Old Testament.
- Finally, Timothy Keller’s sermons are readily available, and listening to him is a powerful use of time. Keller’s emphasis is not always a rigorous working through a text of scripture, but an overall stress on the Gospel’s impact upon God’s world. His ability to tie the biblical redemptive message with contemporary issues is unmatched.
As you prepare to hear a sermon on a sermon this week, read Acts 2:14-41.
- How does Peter’s quotation of the prophecies of Joel answer the critics who suggested the disciples were drunk? That is the second reason Peter gives… what is the first? In responding to critics, what does this suggest?
- Verses 22-24 are a marvelous summary of the Gospel message. Assuming you have time to elaborate on each point, what additionally would need to be said to fully challenge someone to follow the Lord?
- Peter leans heavily on David’s prophecies in Psalm chapter 16 to support his sermon here. What is the essence of his thinking and how persuasive do you imagine it was to a Jew living in Jesus’ time? How persuasive is it to you?
- Look at each phrase in verse 36. Ask how each builds to the conclusion that Peter is making in his preaching. For instance, how does “know for certain” fit? “God has made Jesus…”? Etc.
- How is the response of the crowd different than people’s response today? Should it be different? Why or why not?
By Henry Knapp