What had just happened before Acts 2:36?
Before Acts 2:36, Israel had the Messiah for three years; He performed signs, wonders, and miracles. They crucified Him, God raised Him from the dead, and according to His promise He sent the Holy Spirit. Peter had just rehearsed these events, and everything was falling into place.
Les teaches that Acts 2:36 begins with "therefore because of all that has just taken place." He explains that Israel had the Messiah for three years, performing signs, wonders, and miracles. They crucified Him, God raised Him from the dead, and now according to His promise He has sent the Holy Spirit, so everything is falling into place. Because of what Peter has just rehearsed, the house of Israel is addressed—Jews, not Gentiles—and they are still on covenant ground. Les emphasizes taking Scripture for what it says, not spiritualizing or allegorizing it, and notes this fulfills the covenant God made with Abraham.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
More Questions
How should Acts 2:36 be interpreted?
The portion of Scripture at Acts 2:36 has been totally confused by almost all groups, but it is to be read literally as it stands and not spiritualized or allegorized.
Why does Acts 2:36 begin with 'therefore'?
The 'therefore' in Acts 2:36 is there because of what Peter has just rehearsed about the Messiah, including his signs, wonders, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
Who was Peter speaking to in Acts 2:36?
When Peter says 'all the house of Israel' in Acts 2:36, he is speaking to Jews, not to Gentiles.
Who was Acts 2:36 addressed to?
In Acts 2:36 Peter addresses all the house of Israel and deliberately does not add 'and you Gentiles,' so the message is given to the nation of Israel.