Two First Sermons

When Luke records Peter's sermon on Pentecost and Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch, he places before us the two most complete "first sermons" of the apostles. Both proclaim Christ as fulfillment of God's plan, but each is shaped by its audience and context.

Similarities

1. Scripture as Authority

Both root their sermons in Old Testament prophecy. Peter cites Joel, Psalms 16 and 110; Paul quotes Psalms, Isaiah, and Habakkuk.

2. Christ at the Center

Both emphasize Jesus' death and resurrection as the climactic act of God's plan.

3. Call to Response

Peter concludes with an appeal to repent and be baptized; Paul urges his hearers not to reject the gospel but to embrace justification in Christ.

4. Contrast of Outcomes

Both sermons produce division. Many believe and respond; others reject the message.

Differences

1. Audience

Peter speaks to Jews in Jerusalem, steeped in the Law and prophets. His sermon is filled with messianic proof texts. Paul addresses both Jews and "God-fearers" in a synagogue. His sermon is broader, giving more historical narrative to connect Israel's story to Jesus.

2. Tone

Peter is urgent and confrontational: "This Jesus, whom you crucified, God has made both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). Paul is explanatory and invitational, building a theological argument that climaxes with forgiveness through Christ.

3. Appeal

Peter demands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Paul stresses justification by faith, a theme that becomes central in his later letters (Acts 13:39).

4. Context of Signs

Peter's sermon follows the miraculous event of tongues at Pentecost, which he interprets through Scripture. Paul's sermon follows the blinding of Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:6-12), though Paul's preaching in the synagogue does not focus on the miracle but on Scripture and history.

Theological Points in Peter's Sermon (Acts 2)

1. The outpouring of the Spirit fulfills prophecy (Joel 2:28-32).
2. Jesus' miracles and resurrection demonstrate God's approval.
3. The resurrection fulfills Davidic prophecy (Psalm 16).
4. Jesus is exalted to God's right hand and has poured out the Spirit.
5. God has made Jesus "both Lord and Christ."
6. Repentance and baptism bring forgiveness and the gift of the Spirit.
7. The promise is for all, near and far (Jews and Gentiles).

Theological Points in Paul's Sermon (Acts 13)

1. God's covenant history with Israel culminates in Jesus.
2. The promises to David are fulfilled in Christ.
3. John the Baptist prepared the way.
4. The rulers in Jerusalem fulfilled prophecy by rejecting Jesus.
5. God raised Jesus from the dead, as foretold in Scripture.
6. Forgiveness of sins and justification come through Jesus.
7. A warning from Habakkuk: do not scoff or disbelieve God's work.

Possible Reasons for the Differences

Audience Needs

Peter confronts a guilty Jewish crowd who participated in rejecting Christ. Paul addresses Jews and Gentiles, needing to bridge Israel's story with a universal offer of salvation.

Historical Development

Peter preaches at the church's birth, stressing entry into the new covenant. Paul preaches in a missionary setting, emphasizing justification and the inclusion of Gentiles.

Personal Emphases

Peter, the eyewitness of Pentecost, focuses on repentance and baptism. Paul, called as apostle to Gentiles, highlights forgiveness by faith, a theme he would expand in Romans and Galatians.

Conclusion

Both sermons stand as models of gospel proclamation. Peter preaches for covenant entrance at the church's beginning. Paul preaches for covenant expansion as the gospel reaches the Gentiles. Together they show the unity of the message and the adaptability of the method: one gospel, preached in many contexts, always centered on Christ crucified and risen.