MPV Commentary

14-21. Peter stood up with the eleven apostles, perhaps taking the lead in this public declaration.

15. These people are not drunk, but rather filled with the Holy Spirit. It was around nine a.m., the third hour of the day (see Ecclesiastes 10:16; Isaiah 5:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

17. In these last days, God's final dispensation on earth is unfolding. The Spirit will be poured out in a way that surpasses all previous times.

18-19. This gift of the Spirit will come to all people without distinction - sons and daughters, young men and old men, servants and handmaidens alike. They will see visions and have dreams as they receive this empowerment (see Joel 2:28).

20. God will show wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, referring to the events that would precede Jerusalem's destruction (see Luke 21:25-28).

21. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved - a promise pointing to the permanent establishment of salvation through faith.

22-28. A man approved by God has been with us, authenticated by miracles performed in His name. This is not a diminished view of our Lord's power, but rather an accurate representation of His progression from humiliation to glory (see John 2:11; 5:19).

23. The plan and foresight of God were involved in this event - the crucifixion and death of Jesus at the hands of wicked men.

24. It was impossible for Him to remain among the dead, as He had been promised not to see corruption (see Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27).

26-28. The Father's promise to David in Psalm 16 is being fulfilled - that though he would taste death, he would rise again without seeing corruption and be admitted to God's presence.

29-36. Peter sees in this psalm a figure of one Holy Man whose life was marked by devotion and spirituality, crowned with the assurance of resurrection-life and glory. This cannot refer to David himself, who is dead and buried (see Acts 2:27). The fulfillment of this promise is seen in Jesus, whom they had crucified but who has been exalted to God's right hand.

36. Therefore, let all Israel know that God has made this same Jesus, whom you have crucified, the Lord and Christ of God.

37-40. The people were pricked in their hearts by Peter's words - a beginning fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10 (see Romans 11:26). They asked what they should do next, demonstrating genuine compunction and a desire to change their ways.

38. Repentance is the first step - a change of mind that includes receiving the Gospel as the proper outcome of this transformation.

39. Baptism is the visible seal of remission of sins, and it's offered for the promise of the Holy Spirit through the risen Savior (see Ephesians 2:17).

40. Peter continued to testify and exhort them with many other words - a summary of his discourse that omits only the more practical parts.

Save yourselves from this wicked generation, as if Peter foresaw their hopeless impenitence and urged his hearers to hasten in for themselves and secure their own salvation.