Death Could Not Hold Jesus — Acts 2:14–36
Sep 24, 2026 4
What does Pentecost mean? Peter’s answer takes us straight to Jesus. He was crucified, but death could not hold Jesus. He is alive, he reigns, and he has poured out his Spirit.
Acts 2:22–24
[22] “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—[23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. [24] God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. (ESV)
The cross was no accident
The crowd in Jerusalem had heard the mighty works of God in their own languages. Some were amazed. Others thought the disciples were drunk. Peter stood up to explain.
He pointed them to Joel’s promise that God would pour out his Spirit on all his people (see Acts 2:16-21). That promised time had arrived. The last days had begun, the time between Jesus’ first coming and his return.
Then Peter told them about Jesus.
His hearers knew about Jesus’ mighty works. Yet they had rejected him and handed him over to be killed. Peter’s words were confronting.
But look again at verse 23. His death happened according to God’s definite plan and foreknowledge.
The cross was no accident. It was no plan B. God was working even through the hands of lawless men to bring about his rescue.
Jesus died in our place, for our sin and rebellion against God. And God raised him from the dead.
Death could not hold Jesus
Death could not hold Jesus down. Isn’t that good news?
Peter explained this from Psalm 16 (see Acts 2:25-28). David spoke about someone who would not be abandoned to the grave or see corruption. Yet David died, and his tomb remained. He was pointing ahead to the resurrection of the Christ, the promised King.
The apostles had seen this Jesus alive. Now Peter explained what his resurrection meant for Pentecost.
[33] Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. (ESV)
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
The risen Jesus had taken his throne at the Father’s right hand. As Peter explained from Psalm 110 (see Acts 2:34-35), David’s Lord was now reigning. The Spirit being poured out was the public evidence of his enthronement.
This is the heart of Pentecost: Jesus is risen, he is reigning, and he has poured out his Spirit.
The Good News is…
The one who died in our place is alive and reigning as Lord and Christ. He is the Lord we are invited to call upon for salvation. We can trust him as our King. He has kept his promise to send the Spirit, and he will return. Until then, his Spirit empowers his people to keep making him known.
Further reading: Acts 2:14-36
Reflection
Give thanks to God that death could not hold Jesus down. Give thanks to God that Jesus is enthroned as the Lord of all. Ask God to strengthen you by His Spirit to keep making Christ known.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited