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What stands out the most, however, is not Peter's impressive knowledge of the Scriptures, his surprising eloquence and flawless theological exegesis. Make no mistake, these all are quite astounding given the fact that he is just an ordinary fisherman with no seminary training.
But, when we see Peter taking his stand, it's almost like he has just been handed a whole new life script and was running with it, all old rules that kept tripping him up out of the window.
Just few weeks ago, he cowered in front of a teenage girl and with swearing and cursing denied that he even knew Jesus. Then, as if that wasn't enough, he did it again. And again.
Today, he is standing before thousands of people, some of whom had passionately denounced Jesus a short month and a half ago, sending Him to the cross. Peter shows no sign of being intimidated by this potentially volatile crowd . He knows that they need to hear this message, for their very lives depend on it, so he says it, simple as that:
This Man... you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. Acts 2:23
And as if that wasn't enough, he does it again, just to make sure they don't miss the punch line:
Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified. Acts 2:36
Peter?!!! Are you crazy??? Do you realize what you are doing?!!! You are offending a whole bunch of people who not too long ago played a major part in killing your Lord, and they are fully capable of doing it again - to you.
But, Peter doesn't seem to care. And as far as being offensive? Well, his own miserable failure earned him the right to speak in such a way with all other miserable failures of this world.
Strangely, however, his powerful, in-your-face message doesn't appear to offend. His message moves his listeners where it matters the most and they are pierced to the heart.
Pierced to the heart. Just like Peter was pierced... just like the Lord was pierced.
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