Why did Peter address his Pentecost audience as "ye men of Israel"?
Peter addressed his Pentecost audience as “ye men of Israel” because God was still dealing with His covenant people and had not yet breached that covenant promise. The instructions to go to the Gentiles had not been given, so the message remained directed to Israel, consistent with Jew-only preaching before Acts 7.
Les explains that Acts 11:19 looks back to Acts 7, when Stephen was stoned, seven years after Pentecost. The scattered, persecuted Jews traveled as far as Phenis, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word only to Jews, because God had not yet given them instructions to go to the Gentiles. He was still dealing with His covenant people as late as Acts chapter 7. Therefore, certainly in Acts chapter 2 He had not breached that covenant promise, and He was still dealing with the people of Israel. That is why Peter addressed them as “ye men of Israel, hear these words,” speaking of Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among them by miracles, wonders, and signs.
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:
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
More Questions
Why does Peter say "Ye men of Israel" in Acts 2 instead of addressing the Gentiles?
In Acts 2 Peter's Pentecost sermon is addressed only to "Ye men of Israel," and there is nothing in it concerning the Gentiles.
In Acts 2:22, who is Peter addressing by saying 'Ye men of Israel'?
In Acts 2:22, when Peter says 'Ye men of Israel,' he is addressing all twelve tribes, not just the residents of the two-tribe southern kingdom of Judah and Benjamin.
Did Peter address all twelve tribes when he said 'Ye men of Israel' in Acts 2:22?
In Acts 2:22, when Peter says 'Ye men of Israel,' he is speaking to all twelve tribes, not just to the residents of the two-tribe southern kingdom.
When Peter said 'Ye men of Israel' in Acts 2:22, was he speaking only to the two-tribe southern kingdom or to all twelve tribes of Israel?
In Acts 2:22, the words 'Ye men of Israel' are not limited to the residents of the two-tribe southern kingdom but address all twelve tribes of Israel.