We often think of Peter’s first sermon as the one at Pentecost. After the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples, they see tongues of fire above them and begin to speak in many languages. Peter then preaches powerfully to the Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem and three thousand are baptized that day. What we hear in our lesson from Acts is before that. This is truly Peter’s first sermon, after Jesus’ ascension, but before Pentecost. Imagine the state these first 120 Christians were in. Jesus rose from the dead to their great joy. Forty days later, and he has ascended. His earthly ministry is complete. Now what?
