When asked what he will say to American Catholics, their pope recently declared, “I will say whatever the Holy Spirit inspires me to say.” What did the inspired preachers of the first century say? What did the Holy Spirit direct them to preach when they stood before an assembly? This study should be enlightening. If you want to know what should be preached and how it should be preached, examine the book of Acts.
Peter on Pentecost (Acts 2)
His first words were, “You are wrong” (cf. v. 15). Next, he said, “Today is the fulfillment of prophecy” (vv. 16-21). Then he preached that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God. Grace is not explained. Love is not mentioned. He demanded that the multitude “repent and be baptized” for the forgiveness of their sins (v. 38). There were “many other words” by which he exhorted the people saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation” (v. 40).
Peter on Solomon’s Porch (Acts 3)
He began with a rebuke: Why do you look as though we have done something by our own power? (cf. v. 12). You killed Jesus Whom God has glorified (cf. v. 13). “You denied the Holy and Righteous One” (v. 14). “You killed the Author of life” (v. 15). Power is in trust in God (cf. v. 16). You have acted in ignorance (cf. v. 17). Repent! (v. 19). Prophecy is being fulfilled (cf. v. 22). Blessings will come when you turn from your wickedness (vv. 25, 26). No mention of grace or love. Some of the listeners were greatly annoyed (cf. Acts 4:2), and some believed (Acts 4:4).
Stephen before the Council (Acts 7)
He reviewed the history of the Jewish nation and how it became a nation (vv. 2-50), which was followed by a rebuke for sin: “You always resist the Holy Spirit” (vv. 51-53). There is no discussion of grace or the love of God.
Philip in Samaria (Acts 8)
“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ” (v. 5). “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (v. 12).
Philip to the Ethiopian (Acts 8)
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus” (v. 35). “And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?’” (v. 36).
–Andy