Acts 2:37 – “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?'”

Extended Explanation

This verse captures the immediate reaction of the crowd after Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. He had just told them that Jesus, whom they crucified, is both Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:36). When they realized the truth, they were “cut to the heart.”

• “Cut to the heart” means they felt deep conviction and sorrow. They suddenly understood that they had rejected and killed the very Messiah they had been waiting for.
• “What shall we do?” – This shows that they did not just feel guilty; they wanted to respond. Their hearts were open to hearing what they needed to do to be made right with God.

This verse highlights an important truth: When people hear the truth about Jesus, they are forced to respond—either with repentance or rejection.

Historical Context

Peter is speaking to Jewish people in Jerusalem during Pentecost. Many of them had likely seen or heard about Jesus’ crucifixion just 50 days earlier. Some may have even been among those shouting “Crucify Him!” (Luke 23:21).

Now, after hearing Peter’s sermon, they realize:

1. Jesus was the Messiah, and they had rejected Him.
2. His resurrection proved He was sent by God.
3. They were guilty before God and needed to do something.

The phrase “cut to the heart” is significant. In Jewish culture, the heart represented the center of a person’s emotions, will, and thoughts. Their deep conviction showed that God was working in them, preparing them for repentance.

Theological Implications

1. Conviction is Necessary for Salvation – The people did not just feel sorry; they felt the weight of their sin. Without conviction, there can be no true repentance (John 16:8).
2. The Gospel Demands a Response – The question “What shall we do?” shows that they understood they had to act. True faith is not just believing in your mind—it leads to action (James 2:17).
3. God’s Grace is Available Even to Those Who Rejected Jesus – Even though these people had been part of the crowd that called for Jesus’ death, they were not beyond God’s mercy. This shows that no sin is too great for God to forgive if a person repents.
4. The Power of Preaching – Peter did not try to entertain or sugarcoat the truth. He preached the gospel boldly, and the Holy Spirit used it to convict hearts.

Literary Analysis

This verse is a turning point in Acts 2. Up to this moment, Peter has been preaching, presenting evidence and explaining prophecy. Now, we see the emotional and spiritual response of the people.

• “Cut to the heart” – This phrase emphasizes deep, painful realization. It shows that the truth pierced their conscience.
• “Said to Peter and the other apostles” – They didn’t just sit in silence. They actively sought guidance.
• “What shall we do?” – This question shows that they were willing to change. They were ready to take the next step.

This verse reflects genuine conviction, which leads to genuine repentance.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 16:8 – “When he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.”
• Zechariah 12:10 – A prophecy about the Jewish people mourning when they realize they have rejected the Messiah.
• Luke 24:47 – Jesus said that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached beginning in Jerusalem—this is happening in Acts 2.
• 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse shows that hearing the gospel should lead to action. When we realize:

• Who Jesus is (Lord and Savior),
• What He has done (died for our sins and risen from the dead), and
• What that means for us (we must repent and follow Him),

We cannot just sit still. We must ask, “What shall we do?”

For the Christian today:

• We should examine our hearts. Is there any unrepented sin? Are we truly living for Jesus?
• We should share the gospel boldly. Peter spoke with confidence, and the Holy Spirit worked through his words.
• We should never assume that someone is beyond forgiveness. Even those who rejected Jesus were given a chance to repent.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in this verse because:

1. He convicts people of sin, not to condemn them, but to lead them to salvation.
2. He offers forgiveness even to those who rejected Jesus.
3. He does not ignore those who seek Him. When the people asked, “What shall we do?”, God had an answer for them.

A loving God does not leave people in their guilt—He calls them to repentance and offers them a way to be forgiven.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about responding to Jesus:

• Jesus is the one they rejected, but He is also the one who can save them.
• Jesus is Lord and Messiah—His resurrection proves it.
• Jesus calls people to repent and follow Him.

Other verses that connect:

• Luke 5:32 – “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
• Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.”
• Matthew 4:17 – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus does not leave people in their sin—He calls them to turn to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to be “cut to the heart” by the gospel?
2. How does this verse show that repentance is more than just feeling guilty?
3. Have you ever asked, “What shall I do?” when convicted by God? How did you respond?
4. How does this verse challenge us to share the gospel boldly, like Peter?
5. What areas of your life need repentance and renewal today?

This verse is a powerful reminder that true faith requires a response. The crowd heard the truth, felt deep conviction, and asked what they needed to do next. The same is true for us today—when we hear the gospel, we must act.