“Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them.” —Acts 2:14

Put yourself in St. Peter’s place. You’re standing before several thousand people, many of whom think you’re drunk. This is your chance to witness to the risen Christ. What are you to say? Will you mention that the risen Jesus personally appeared to you on Resurrection Day? (Lk 24:34) Will you mention Jesus’ evening appearance or that occasion a week later when Thomas touched His wounds? (Jn 20:19-29) How about the time when the risen Christ told you how to catch one-hundred and fifty-three fish, or when He ascended into Heaven? (Jn 21:4ff;Mk 16:19) What about the risen Jesus appearing to five-hundred brothers at once? (1 Cor 15:6)

Surprisingly, Peter never mentions any of these eyewitness accounts of the risen Christ. Instead, Peter talks about…