cut to the heart

Acts
ch. 2
v. 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?"

it struck me today while reading this who Peter was talking to and why he used the words that he did. vs. 5-13 clearly set up Jews as his audience. yes, they were from all over, but they were also all Jews. in his following "sermonette," Peter quotes Old Testament prophecies three different times at length. maybe Paul wasn't being all that original when he said he would be all things to all men. Peter's words, inspired by the Holy Spirit are so right on the mark that, though he's ultimately accusing those he's speaking to of horrible acts, they are "cut to the heart" and respond in repentance and turning toward God. Over 3000.


God, give me the words to speak to those who need to hear them. and give me the ears to hear your words spoken to me.