The Mind of David the Psalmist

Listening to Peter’s Words About Israel’s King

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The day of Pentecost is reported in Acts 2, and what a glorious day it was. There were people from all over the Roman Empire who had gathered in Jerusalem. When the Spirit fell and enabled utterances that others understood in their own language, people were both excited and perplexed. Some said, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12). Others said, “They are filled with new wine” (2:13), accusing the speakers of drunkenness.

It was the perfect time for a sermon.

Peter stood to address the masses and began to quote the Old Testament. He quoted Joel 2 (Acts 2:16–21), he quoted Psalm 16 (Acts 2:25–28), and he quoted Psalm 110 (Acts 2:34–35). In this article, I’m interested in what Peter said about David’s words from Psalm 16.