22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:
“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
*Commentary* After using Joel’s prophesy to explain to a crowd of many thousands of Jews, why the Galileans are speaking tongues of languages they didn’t previously know, Peter now lets the Jews know that what they have done to Jesus was foretold and deliberately done in God’s plan. Peter does so by quoting David. Most of the people present know very well who David was and have probably heard his words many times in teachings. The Holy Spirit in Peter now reveals the meaning behind some of David’s words to God in Psalm 16. These words were written some 1000 years earlier.
David’s words depict a God of strength (at his right hand). He gives David strength (I will not be shaken). David speaks of the reassurance he has, knowing that God will not let his “Holy One” (Jesus) see decay. Nor will he abandon him to the dead. This brings David hope and joy. Peter must realize that this reveal will also give the Jews hope and joy. Especially after realizing they have sacrificed their own Messiah.
- Do you think Peter’s intention here is to place guilt on the Israelites for the crucifixion? Or, is it to absolve them of their guilt, by revealing that it was God’s plan all along?
- What does David mean when he says “I saw the Lord always before me” and then says the Lord is at his right hand?
I dont think it’s really about guilt at all or to absolve them of anything. It is very matter of fact.. this was gods plan, He was the messiah. This is what you did to him. How they felt or didnt feel is on them.. they didnt believe he was the messiah and many still dont today and are still waiting for their messiah. What Peter did was declare it. He put forth the truth and they must seek out their own salvation through fear and trembling, as must we all. I think this is more of a declaration of the events. Like when Jesus said “it is finished” before he died. All of us, being sinful, helped put those nails in his hands, helped crucify Jesus on that cross, because he went through it for us. I dont know though I may read this again later and think of it a whole different way.
Nicely stated, Nattalie.
I do not think there is a correct or incorrect answer to this question. We do not know Peter’s mind set here. But I believe it may have been both. Like Nattalie says it is a matter of fact ,but people need to led to the truth of their decisions and the consequinces of the choices they have made. I believe that Peter pointing out to them their part in the death of Jesus could make them feel guilty, and if you do not feel guilt you do not feel your need to repent and your need for forgiveness. Peter was following the lead of the Holy Spirit, and the reason for this sermon was to win others to the saving knowledge of Jesus.