I am a Jesus pusher!!! Peter preached a sermon explaining the Pentecost event (Acts 2:14-39). His entire explanation is Jesus! What God, the Father, did in and through Jesus, He now wants to do in and through us. The Jews of the Dispersion were cut to the heart for they had crucified Jesus (Acts 2:37). Peter did not give the final “amen” and then leave; he stayed and continued to clarify the spiritual truth. Luke writes, “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them,” (Acts 2:40). The first word in the Greek text (heteros) is translated other.This highlights the additional discussion. Peter answered their questions and constantly brought them back to Jesus. It may have been a lengthy time.
Peter testified during this dialogue (Acts 2:40). The Greek word (diemarturato) is the root word for “testify” with a prefix (dia), which intensifies the witness. It expresses a pleading with them. He told them his experience with Jesus. He denied Jesus three times; yet Jesus forgave him. Would He not do the same for them?Peter exhorted during this dialogue (Acts 2:40). This Greek word (parakaleo) comes from “para” (to the side of) and “kaleo” (to call). It means to aid, help, comfort, or encourage. It is in the imperfect tense expressing “kept on exhorting.” Peter could not keep silent about Jesus. They must embrace Him. The subject of Peter’s sermon, his testimony, and his exhorting was Jesus. He was a Jesus pusher!!!