Peter's speech in Acts 2.14-41 is generally regarded as the first great missionary speech in the history of the Church. Its structure is particularly remarkable. It is at once simple, rigorous and deeply rooted in the Scriptures. It can be divided into five main parts.
1- Introduction: Refutation of the Accusations (Acts 2.14-15)
Peter begins by answering those who accuse the disciples of being drunk (Acts 2.13). He rejects this accusation by pointing out that it is only nine o'clock in the morning (Acts 2.15).
This introduction makes it possible:
- to set the facts straight;
- to gain the attention of the crowd;
- to prepare the theological interpretation of the events.
2- Explanation of Pentecost through the Prophecies (Acts 2.16-21)
Peter then explains that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2.28-32).
The central idea is:
“What is happening is not a phenomenon of drunkenness, but the fulfillment of the Scriptures” (Acts 2.16).
The speech therefore begins with the Bible even before speaking of Jesus.
3- Presentation of Jesus (Acts 2.22-24)
Peter then recalls:
- the public ministry of Jesus;
- his miracles;
- his death on the cross;
- his resurrection.
He affirms at the same time:
- human responsibility:
“You crucified him” (Acts 2.23);
- and divine sovereignty:
“by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2.23).
The culminating point is the resurrection:
“God raised him up” (Acts 2.24).
4- Scriptural Demonstration (Acts 2.25-36)
This part is the theological heart of the speech.
Peter relies mainly on:
- Psalms 16.8-11 ;
- Psalms 110.1.
He shows that:
- David was not speaking about himself;
- David died and his tomb is still with us (Acts 2.29);
- the Psalms foretold the resurrection of the Messiah;
- Jesus is that Messiah;
- his exaltation at the right hand of God explains the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The line of reasoning can be summarized as follows:
Resurrection → Ascension → Exaltation → Pentecost
Peter concludes:
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2.36).
This statement is the climax of the speech.
5- Call to Conversion (Acts 2.37-40)
Pricked in their conscience, the listeners ask:
“Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2.37).
Peter answers:
- Repent;
- be baptized;
- receive the forgiveness of sins;
- receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2.38).
He concludes with a solemn appeal:
“Save yourselves from this crooked generation” (Acts 2.40).
6- A Highly Elaborate Structure
The speech can be summarized as follows:
| Part | Contents |
| 1. Acts 2.14-15 | Refutation of the accusation of drunkenness |
| 2. Acts 2.16-21 | Fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel |
| 3. Acts 2.22-24 | Death and resurrection of Jesus |
| 4. Acts 2.25-36 | Demonstration from the Psalms |
| 5. Acts 2.37-40 | Call to repentance and baptism |
7- A Model for the Missionary Speeches in Acts
This pattern is found in most of the later speeches:
- starting from a concrete situation;
- shedding light on it through the Scriptures;
- proclaiming Jesus dead and risen;
- presenting witnesses;
- calling for conversion.
We find this structure in Peter (Acts 3.12-26), Stephen (Acts 7.2-53), Paul at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13.16-41) and even Paul before Agrippa (Acts 26.1-23).
Thus, the speech at Pentecost appears not only as the first great Christian sermon, but also as the literary and theological model of the apostolic proclamations reported by Luke throughout the book of Acts.