Peter here finishes his speech to the Jews gathered around the building housing the Upper Room. He concludes with a quote from Psalm 110, explaining that it referred specifically to the crucified Jesus. The Scripture analysis today will further undergird that fact.
Acts 2:34-36
34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”‘
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
The Lord said to My Lord
In English, the meaning of this phrase can be confusing. Who are the two Lords? Why is one labelled “the” Lord and the other “my” Lord?
If we look back to the original Hebrew from which Peter was quoting, the meaning becomes clearer. The first Lord, or “the” Lord, is YHWH, the holy name for God the Father. The other Lord, “my” Lord, is the word Adonai, or Master. Some Bible versions make the distinction by putting the first Lord, YHWH, in all capitals.
Peter further emphasizes his point that Jesus, of the line of David, was the promised Messiah. The Scriptures all witness to the fact, as do the apostles and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus proclaimed the same Scripture in Matthew 22:42-45.
This Jesus
This Jesus who was crucified, was not just some Zealot who wanted to challenge Roman authority and bring down the retaliatory arm of government. This Jesus was divine and used by God the Father as the ultimate, sinless sacrifice for the souls of all humanity who would but believe in His Name.
Hebrews 1:13 points out that none of the angels received the authority to sit at the right hand of God the Father. The right hand is a position of power and authority. Therefore, none of the angels are co-equal with God the Father, as Jesus is. Jesus is not an angel, either, as some teach.
Both Lord and Messiah
In fact, God the Father made this Jesus both Lord and Messiah. Jesus of Nazareth had been appointed by God the Father to be not only the Messiah, but also the Lord of lords, and King of kings. The Father had given Him that office, power, and authority, and also enabled Him to release the Holy Spirit to all who would receive.
He suffered more than any human ever has, yet, in His love for all humanity, He went to Hell and recaptured the keys to death, hell and the grave. Ephesians 4:8 says He took captivity captive and 1 Corinthians 15:26 tells us the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Since Jesus is both Lord and Messiah, He can decisively take away our sin as we submit to His authority. He can decisively wipe every tear away and create a new heart within us. We are weak, however, and like to point out our many faults. Yet, where we are weak, He is made strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Be encouraged, brothers and sisters. God is on your side! Jesus is rooting for you! He will strengthen and encourage you today.
