Above all Others
Jesus Above All
Why Peter’s First Sermon Still Calls Us to Follow
In the second half of Peter’s first sermon (Acts 2:22–41), delivered just weeks after the resurrection, Peter doesn’t merely explain events—he makes a case. A bold, clear, compelling case for why Jesus is worthy of our trust, our allegiance, and our lives.
There are many truths packed into this passage, but at least four rise to the surface. Each one points to the same conclusion: Jesus stands above all others, and therefore deserves our faithful obedience.
1. Jesus Has God’s Clear Endorsement
Peter begins with something his audience could not easily dismiss: God publicly endorsed Jesus.
That endorsement didn’t start in Acts—it stretches back through the Old Testament, echoes at Jesus’ birth, and thundered audibly at His baptism when the Father declared, “This is my Son, whom I love.” But for the people gathered in Jerusalem, God’s endorsement was unmistakable in three tangible ways.
Through miracles.
Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and restored voices to the mute. He turned water into wine, fed thousands with a handful of food, and calmed violent storms. Many in the crowd had likely seen these things—or experienced them firsthand. As the old joke goes, “Next time you think you’re perfect, try walking on water.” Miracles were not tricks; they were evidence that God’s power rested on Him.
The Greek word Peter uses means “to arouse astonishment.” Jesus left people breathless. No one had ever spoken, acted, or loved like Him. They were, as the hymn says, “lost in wonder, love, and praise.”
These miracles were not just displays of power; they pointed to deeper truths. Every sign revealed something about the heart of God—His compassion, His nearness, His relentless love for humanity.
God’s endorsement was visible, audible, and undeniable. Jesus stands above all because God Himself testified to Him.
2. Jesus Completed the Impossible Task
Peter then moves to the cross—a moment many in the crowd had witnessed just days earlier. He names the tension plainly: the crucifixion was both God’s sovereign plan and humanity’s deepest sin colliding at the same moment.
And then Peter utters two of the most hope-filled words in all of Scripture:
“But God…”
“But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death.”
The word translated “agony” literally means birth pains. Peter is saying that death was not the end—it was labor. The tomb became a womb, and resurrection life burst forth.
Jesus didn’t merely survive death—He defeated it. No one else in human history can legitimately make that claim. Billions have lived. Billions have died. Only one has walked out of the grave by the power of God.
If Jesus conquered the one enemy no one else could, then He truly is above all.
3. Jesus Has a Proven Track Record in History
Peter then reaches back into Israel’s Scriptures, quoting David. He makes it clear: David wasn’t talking about himself—his tomb was still occupied. Instead, David was pointing forward.
Jesus was not a sudden, short-lived movement or a “flash-in-the-pan” messiah. His life, death, and resurrection were anticipated centuries earlier. The story of Israel had been bending toward this moment all along.
Prophecy after prophecy aligned—not just proving the resurrection, but affirming Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. History itself testified that Jesus was who He claimed to be.
When your life aligns with hundreds of fulfilled promises, credibility follows. Jesus stands above all because His story is woven into God’s redemptive plan across generations.
4. Jesus Holds the Highest Place of Authority
Finally, Peter declares that Jesus is now “exalted to the right hand of God.” There is no higher seat of authority. No greater position of honor. From that place, Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit—not just God’s blessings, but God’s very presence.
Peter, who walked closely with Jesus—who saw Him tired, tempted, joyful, and resolute—ends with this conclusion:
“God has made this Jesus… both Lord and Messiah.”
There are many leadership roles in this world, and Scripture tells us we will one day share in responsibility with Him. But no title surpasses Lord and Christ. One day, every authority will yield. Every knee will bow.
Jesus is above all.
If Jesus is endorsed by God, victorious over death, faithful through history, and exalted in authority—then He is worthy of our trust and obedience.
The question Peter leaves us with is the same one we face today:
Who—or what—will be above all in our lives?
Jesus is worthy.
Why Peter’s First Sermon Still Calls Us to Follow
In the second half of Peter’s first sermon (Acts 2:22–41), delivered just weeks after the resurrection, Peter doesn’t merely explain events—he makes a case. A bold, clear, compelling case for why Jesus is worthy of our trust, our allegiance, and our lives.
There are many truths packed into this passage, but at least four rise to the surface. Each one points to the same conclusion: Jesus stands above all others, and therefore deserves our faithful obedience.
1. Jesus Has God’s Clear Endorsement
Peter begins with something his audience could not easily dismiss: God publicly endorsed Jesus.
That endorsement didn’t start in Acts—it stretches back through the Old Testament, echoes at Jesus’ birth, and thundered audibly at His baptism when the Father declared, “This is my Son, whom I love.” But for the people gathered in Jerusalem, God’s endorsement was unmistakable in three tangible ways.
Through miracles.
Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and restored voices to the mute. He turned water into wine, fed thousands with a handful of food, and calmed violent storms. Many in the crowd had likely seen these things—or experienced them firsthand. As the old joke goes, “Next time you think you’re perfect, try walking on water.” Miracles were not tricks; they were evidence that God’s power rested on Him.
The Greek word Peter uses means “to arouse astonishment.” Jesus left people breathless. No one had ever spoken, acted, or loved like Him. They were, as the hymn says, “lost in wonder, love, and praise.”
These miracles were not just displays of power; they pointed to deeper truths. Every sign revealed something about the heart of God—His compassion, His nearness, His relentless love for humanity.
God’s endorsement was visible, audible, and undeniable. Jesus stands above all because God Himself testified to Him.
2. Jesus Completed the Impossible Task
Peter then moves to the cross—a moment many in the crowd had witnessed just days earlier. He names the tension plainly: the crucifixion was both God’s sovereign plan and humanity’s deepest sin colliding at the same moment.
And then Peter utters two of the most hope-filled words in all of Scripture:
“But God…”
“But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death.”
The word translated “agony” literally means birth pains. Peter is saying that death was not the end—it was labor. The tomb became a womb, and resurrection life burst forth.
Jesus didn’t merely survive death—He defeated it. No one else in human history can legitimately make that claim. Billions have lived. Billions have died. Only one has walked out of the grave by the power of God.
If Jesus conquered the one enemy no one else could, then He truly is above all.
3. Jesus Has a Proven Track Record in History
Peter then reaches back into Israel’s Scriptures, quoting David. He makes it clear: David wasn’t talking about himself—his tomb was still occupied. Instead, David was pointing forward.
Jesus was not a sudden, short-lived movement or a “flash-in-the-pan” messiah. His life, death, and resurrection were anticipated centuries earlier. The story of Israel had been bending toward this moment all along.
Prophecy after prophecy aligned—not just proving the resurrection, but affirming Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. History itself testified that Jesus was who He claimed to be.
When your life aligns with hundreds of fulfilled promises, credibility follows. Jesus stands above all because His story is woven into God’s redemptive plan across generations.
4. Jesus Holds the Highest Place of Authority
Finally, Peter declares that Jesus is now “exalted to the right hand of God.” There is no higher seat of authority. No greater position of honor. From that place, Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit—not just God’s blessings, but God’s very presence.
Peter, who walked closely with Jesus—who saw Him tired, tempted, joyful, and resolute—ends with this conclusion:
“God has made this Jesus… both Lord and Messiah.”
There are many leadership roles in this world, and Scripture tells us we will one day share in responsibility with Him. But no title surpasses Lord and Christ. One day, every authority will yield. Every knee will bow.
Jesus is above all.
If Jesus is endorsed by God, victorious over death, faithful through history, and exalted in authority—then He is worthy of our trust and obedience.
The question Peter leaves us with is the same one we face today:
Who—or what—will be above all in our lives?
Jesus is worthy.
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