The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 94

Vers. 22-28.-The first facts of gospel preaching. From the very first the gospel preaching was made to rest on an historical basis. Apostles fearlessly appealed to certain known/acts, which could not be gainsaid. It has been left to these later times to find myth and legend, when the contemporaries of the apostles dare not dispute the literal and truthful character of their statements. The interest of Peter's sermon-the first gospel sermon-lies mainly in its indicating what were early regarded as the essential facts of the gospel, and so the points to which the faith of men was called. The interest of the occasion of this sermon may be shown, and it should be impressed that we properly expect, at such a time, the utmost clearness and dtfiniteness. Whatever is essential to Christianity surely found expression then, in broad statement and 6 enera.l principle. We find- L DISTINCT IDENTIFICATION oF JESUS. Peter will allow no possibility of confusion or mistake. There were doubtless many persons named "Jesus" in the country, but he speaks of Jesus of Nazareth; the Teacher who was so well known by this name; the man whom the elders of the nation despised and crucified. St. Peter, like St. Paul afterwards, testifies for "Jesus,'' whatever may be the disabilities that seemed to attach to him, and however Jew and Greek may despise him. They take Jesus, and ltis whole story, shameful crucifixion and all, and will not let any man doubt who it is that they preach. II. FmM ASSERTION OF DIVINE POWER IN HIB MIRACLES. " God did them by him." The miracles as facts could not be denied, but their testimony to the mission, authority, and power of Christ might be turned aside if it could be made out that they were impostures, clever medical triumphs, or works wrought by Satanic power. Therefore St. Peter so earnestly declares that the miracles are signs of Goa's power in Christ. :-ihow how this, once admitted, involves the truthfulness, sincerity, and goodness of Christ, since God would not work graciollll healing works through a bad <11Jent; and so it follows that Jesus rightly claimed the office and mission of Messiahship. This line of argument from the miracles is of permanent value in Christian evidence, Press our Lord's words,'," Believe for the very worlca' sake." III. Oua LonD's ACTUAL CRUCIFIXION .AND .AOKNOWLEDGED DEATH. There is per- mitted no dispute u to the personal guilt o( Jes\lll; he was admittedly innocent, freed from charge by every court that tried him, and made a victim to prejudice and malice OH, ll, 1-47,] THE AOTS OF THE APOSTLES. 89