Jesus of Nazareth

Apostle Peter explains that God approved of Jesus of Nazareth. He introduces Christ as sanctioned by God in three areas: miracles, wonders, and signs.

Therefore, all the signs, wonders, and miracles that Jesus of Nazareth performed, God approved of them.

Let’s continue with our Book of Acts Bible Study. Today’s references are from (Acts 2:22-32 & Psalm 16:1-11).

Let’s listen to Apostle Peter as he continues with his first sermon after Jesus’ ascension. He expounds on how God approves of Jesus’ actions.

Therefore he tells them:

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22).

What Did David Say About Jesus of Nazareth?

Then, he reminds these people what they did to Jesus Christ. But he was quick to explain that all this is parallel to the “foreknowledge of God”. It’s not done in isolation.

Therefore, he continues: “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” (Acts 2:23).

This same Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God, has He raised from the dead.

Earlier, I wrote that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is important. It’s a crucial component of the teaching of the Kingdom of God.

Peter Preached About Him

Therefore, here in Peter’s first sermon, he speaks about it.

As Peter explains the circumstances surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth and he did something unique. He utilizes scriptures to explain everything.

As a result, he quotes from Psalm 16:

“Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:24).

Peter Differentiates Between Jesus of Nazareth & David

“For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved” (Psalm 16:8 & Acts 2:25).

David confesses that Jesus of Nazareth is his focus. He is his strength. As a result, he is unmovable.

“Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Psalm 16:10 & Acts 2:26-27).

Peter Reveals the “Foreknowledge of God” in the Resurrection of Christ

“Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day” (Acts 2:28-29).

Jesus a Seed of David

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne,” (Acts 2:30).

So, this Jesus of Nazareth is a descendant of David according to the flesh. And scriptures substantiate this claim.

David, being a prophet, speaks of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, for he foretells that God would “raise up Christ” (Acts 2:30). And this He did.

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption,” (Acts 2:31).

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses,” (Acts 2:32).

Apostle Peter used the Scriptures to establish that Jesus of Nazareth whom the Jews killed, is the same Christ of the Scriptures. God approved of him. He raised him from the dead. And they are witnesses of his resurrection.

Why is Jesus Often Referred to as Jesus of Nazareth?

I have explained this is another Bible Study and will not duplicate it here. Nevertheless, the manner of naming Jesus and other Jewish men follows their traditions.

This is similar to asking, what is the surname of Jesus Christ?

Click the link above and read more.