3 Old Testament Quotes from the Sermon at Pentecost

How Peter Preached Christ
​Using Joel and the Psalms

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, in Acts 2:14–36, is one of the most powerful moments in the early church.

As the Holy Spirit descends and fills the disciples, Peter stands up and boldly proclaims that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. To prove his message, Peter quotes three Old Testament passages: Joel 2:28–32, Psalm 16:8–11, and Psalm 110:1.

Each of these scriptures sheds light on God’s redemptive plan, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the identity of Jesus Christ. Let’s take a closer look at each of these passages and see what we can learn from them.

1. Joel 2:28–32 – The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
   “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh…” (Joel 2:28). 
   
   The Spirit is for all people – Not just for prophets or kings, but for sons and daughters, young and old, even servants.
   
   Pentecost was a fulfillment – Peter declares that what the crowd sees—the disciples speaking in many languages—is not drunkenness, but the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.
   
   Salvation is for all who call on the Lord – Joel 2:32 emphasizes, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
   
   Peter begins his sermon by anchoring it in Joel’s prophecy to explain the miraculous events the crowd is witnessing. It’s not chaos—it’s divine clarity. The Spirit has come, just as God said it would.
   
   
2. Psalm 16:8–11 – The Resurrection of the Messiah
   “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your Holy One see corruption” (Psalm 16:10).
   
   David wasn’t writing about himself – Peter reminds the audience that David died and was buried. But Jesus, the true “Holy One,” was raised from the dead.
   
   Jesus’ body did not decay – He rose before death could claim His body.
   
   The resurrection proves who Jesus is – Peter boldly proclaims that Jesus is the Christ, and Psalm 16 foretold His victory over death.
   
   This passage not only proves Jesus' resurrection but also affirms Him as the fulfillment of God's promise to David. Jesus is the Holy One who conquered the grave.
   
   
3. Psalm 110:1 – The Exaltation of Christ
   “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool’” (Psalm 110:1).
   
   Jesus reigns at the right hand of God – This is a position of supreme authority and power.
   
   David called Him “Lord” – Peter emphasizes that David was speaking prophetically, acknowledging the Messiah’s supremacy.
   
   Jesus is both Lord and Christ – Peter concludes with the declaration: “God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36).
   
   ​Psalm 110 is the most quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament—and for good reason. It powerfully affirms Christ's identity as exalted King and eternal High Priest.

By quoting these three Old Testament passages, Peter masterfully connects the ancient promises of God to the risen and reigning Christ:

• Joel 2 – The Holy Spirit has come, marking the last days and opening the door to salvation for all.
• Psalm 16 – Jesus' resurrection fulfills David’s prophetic song, proving Him to be the Holy One.
• Psalm 110 – Jesus now reigns in glory, seated at the right hand of the Father as Lord and Messiah.

This bold sermon, grounded in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit, led to a miraculous response: “Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

Peter’s message still speaks today—Jesus is the promised Messiah, risen from the dead, exalted as Lord. And just like at Pentecost, the invitation still stands: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

If Peter used Old Testament Scripture to reveal Jesus as the Messiah, how might a deeper understanding of those same passages transform the way you see Christ—and share Him with others today?