Who was Peter addressing in his Pentecost sermon, and on what covenant ground was he standing?
Peter addressed only the nation of Israel in this sermon. He stood on the same covenant ground as before the crucifixion: the Abrahamic covenant and the other various Old Testament covenants. He charged Israel with rejecting and crucifying their Messiah, though Rome carried it out, and called them to repent and be baptized.
Les teaches that Peter is only addressing the nation of Israel, and he is still on the same ground he was on before the crucifixion—the Abrahamic covenant and the other various Old Testament covenants. Peter says, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words," and then charges them that Jesus was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, yet they took Him and by wicked hands crucified and slain Him. Les explains that Peter accuses the nation of killing their Messiah, not with their own hands but by demanding it and causing Rome to carry it out; they openly rejected their Messiah. In verse 36, Peter says nothing about a Gentile, but calls the whole house of Israel to know assuredly that God made this same Jesus, whom they crucified, Lord in Christ. Because God raised Him from the dead, He is still alive, and Peter makes it known. The message to Israel was to repent of having rejected their Messiah, and to prove repentance with baptism.
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:
More Questions
Who was Peter addressing in his Day of Pentecost sermon in Acts 2?
In Acts chapter 2 on the Day of Pentecost, Peter is speaking to Jews — he addresses them as 'ye men of Israel' — so there is no question about who he is talking to.
Who was Peter speaking to at Pentecost in Acts 2?
Peter was addressing Jews, and Jews only, on the Day of Pentecost; the Bible does not say he was speaking to pagan Gentiles.