Sermons in Acts
There is one theme that runs through every sermon in the Book of Acts: The Resurrection of Jesus.
For Jewish Audience the Resurrection establishes Jesus as Messiah
For Gentile Audiences the Resurrection of Jesus, establishes the fact of life after death and that Jesus will be Judge of eternal destiny
Sermons
Acts 2 – Peter on Pentecost, Resurrection establishes Jesus as Messiah
3- Sermon following Lame man at gate – Resurrection establishes authority of Jesus as Messiah
5 – Before Sanhedrin, Jesus as messiah (Not a sermon actually, but a defense FOR preaching)
7 – Stephen on Trial – Jesus is Messiah, resurrection is more implicit than explicit.
10 – Peter before Cornelius, Jesus raised and is Judge of all, life after death.
13 – Paul in Antioch of Pisidia – Resurrection establishes Jesus as Messiah
17 – First 5 verses summary of Paul’s sermons Thessalonica, Jesus as Messiah. Later in Chapter, Paul’s sermon in Athens, Resurrection, Jesus as Judge of all, life after death.
23 – Not a sermon, but Paul uses Resurrection as a defense to create dissention between Pharisees and Sadducees
24 – Defense before Felix – Resurrection is key to Gospel
26- Paul’s Sermon of Defense before Festus and Agrippa – Jesus is Messiah.
Conclusion: The importance of the doctrine of Jesus’ Resurrection cannot be overstated. Take that event out and there is no Christianity at all. See I Corinthians 15. IMO, Evangelism works best by beginning with the Resurrection and working backwards. Once Jesus is in place, all other teaching and doctrine falls into place.
Please leave you thoughts in the comments section. See you next week.
