“But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words'” (Acts 2:14)

The day before Peter could not and would not have preached boldly and confidently. However this day, the day of Pentecost, Peter is filled to overflowing with the Lord and Giver of Life. His zeal is a fierce love of God which he has and knows that all have been made themselves to received.

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37)

The crowd is cut to the heart; that is, they are deeply stirred and profoundly moved by Peter’s proclamation of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection having taking place for them. Humanity’s rebellion from God, moved the God of the universe not to seek revenge, but rather to launch our rescue operation ultimately and perfectly completed by Jesus Christ.

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts 2:38)

When we realize (anew) God’s love for us, it rightly moves us to ask, “What ought we to do?” Peter’s immediate instruction is to repent; that is, to get over ourselves and go beyond our having falling short of God’s standard. God has made us for more than our sins, more than our failings, more than our shortcomings that closes a ceiling upon us. Repentance for the forgiveness of sins is the pathway for freedom and fulfillment. On our part, it requires genuine acknowledgement of our sins and earnest commitment, with God’s grace (power),  to live in the Holy Spirt.