Yoder

Peter’s second sermon in Acts 3 is often overshadowed by the well-rehearsed first sermon in Acts 2. John Howard Yoder particularly bemoans this for the loss of Christological emphasis that ensues in diverse discussions concerning the prophetic stance of the church.[1] It is all the more surprising given Peter’s dependence on the Deuteronomic quote (Deut. 18:15) for the conclusive impact of his address (Acts 3:22), including the unabashed Mosaic comparison (hōs eme) that casts Jesus among the highest order of what Israelite tradition projects into the role of prophet. In fact, the post-resurrection Jesus[2] claims even greater allegiance as the one upon whom “the restoration of all things” revolves and upon whom soul-survival rests. Yoder contends that all succeeding ecclesial expressions of prophetic practice should similarly be Christologically determined.