In the seventh lesson of the Discipleship series, Garrett Bookout studies Acts chapter 2 to show what discipleship looks like after Jesus’ ascension. He presents Peter’s Pentecost sermon as the model for fulfilling the Great Commission by proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and God’s eternal plan. Discipleship is framed as helping people recognize Jesus as Lord and Christ, committing to follow the King who reigns on David’s throne forever.

In this session of the Discipleship series, minister Garrett Bookout shifts focus to Acts 2, analyzing Peter’s sermon at Pentecost as the definitive example of how the apostles understood and obeyed Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples. After reviewing prior lessons on the nature of the commission (Matthew 28), the call to be like Jesus (Matthew 10), and the radical commitment required (Luke 14), Bookout explains that post-ascension discipleship centers on recognizing Christ’s identity and lordship. He provides rich Old Testament context, detailing how Jesus fulfills the major covenants—especially the Davidic covenant detailed in 2 Samuel 7, Psalm 89, and Psalm 2—where God promised an eternal king from David’s line. Connecting this to Peter’s confession in Matthew 16, the lesson highlights how Peter’s message culminates in declaring the crucified and risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, the culmination of God’s redemptive story. The core application is that making disciples today involves leading others to this same realization and full surrender to Jesus as King.

I. Opening Prayer and Introduction
II. Review of Previous Discipleship Lessons
A. Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission
B. Matthew 10:24-25 – “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher” (be like Jesus)
C. Luke 14:25-35 – Counting the Cost / Full Commitment
III. Transition to Acts Chapter 2
A. Why Acts 2 is crucial: First implementation of the Great Commission
B. Discipleship looks different after the Ascension (literal following vs. following the exalted Christ)
IV. The Content and Context of Peter’s Sermon
A. Not a “new” religion but the culmination of God’s story/Bible narrative
B. Jesus as fulfillment of the four major Old Testament covenants (Noaic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic)
V. Deep Dive into the Davidic Covenant
A. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – God’s promise to David of an eternal throne and kingdom
B. Discipline for sin but steadfast love (hesed/covenant loyalty) remains; never removed like Saul’s
VI. Supporting Old Testament Passages
A. Psalm 89 – Covenant with David’s offspring forever
B. Psalm 2 – The Lord’s Anointed (Messiah/Christ), King, and Son; nations rage but God installs His King
VII. New Testament Confirmation
A. Matthew 16:13-20 – Peter confesses Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God”
B. The “Messianic Secret” and timing of public proclamation; keys of the kingdom
VIII. Application to Discipleship Today
A. The goal: Help people recognize Jesus as Lord and Christ (v. 36 climax)
B. Proclaiming Christ as the center of God’s plan; disciple-making is leading others to full surrender
IX. Preview of Detailed Study of Acts 2:14-47 in Coming Weeks
X. Closing Prayer