by Timothy W. Burnett
There is so much to be learned from this one section of scripture. Peter reminded the others that David did not ascend into heaven. Even to this day, David did not ascend into heaven. One of the popular beliefs among the confused Jewish people was that the saints of the old went to heaven after they died. This school of thought came from long standing ideas of other religions. The same general thinking has been passed from generation to generation even to the present time.
Peter spoke from Psalms where David said, "The Lord said unto my Lord..." Here Peter clearly distinguishes between God who is "the Lord" and Jesus Christ who is "my Lord." This by itself sits like a jewel in the bigger study of who Jesus Christ really is. By referring to "my Lord sit on my right hand," David foresaw the ascension of Jesus Christ.
Next Peter told all the house of Israel that God made the same Jesus whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). God's word does not change unless He redefines it. Prior to this time there was only one Lord, that being the Lord God. During the time that Jesus Christ walked on earth, people referred to him as "Lord" only because they recognized his position. Even land owners are referred to as Lords. Jesus Christ declared his Father to be the only true master and Lord over all. When we see the word "Lord" used in the Epistles it must be understood according to the context of the area where it appears. It either refers to our Lord Jesus Christ, or it refers to God in heaven. More often than not, it refers to our Lord Jesus Christ.
What happened? God redefined who was to be considered "Lord." During this present administration of the great and notable day of the Lord, people must consider Jesus to be the Lord who will return on the Lord's Day. It is also important to consider Jesus to be the living Christ who is seated at the right hand of his Father's complete authority, and will return to gather God's children together in the clouds. God has made him both Lord and Christ!
When the people heard what Peter said, they were pierced through their heart and asked, "what shall we do?" The same people who democratically rallied around the crucifixion of Jesus were suddenly pierced in their hearts by the truth. The combination of Peter's explaination and the power they witnessed resulted in the people being pierced in the heart. They recognized their error and asked the very honest question, "what shall we do?"
Home