Conversions In The Book of Acts - Ib

The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) - Part Two

In the continuation of our lesson of the 3000 souls converted on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon an analysis of these conversions is in order. Let’s look at some observations in regard to the sermon and see if we can find an applicable lesson for us today.

Peter’s focus was on the Word, not the signs and wonders. His explanation of the miraculous, the sound of a rushing wind, the fiery tongues and each Apostles speaking a different language, was no more than a quotation from Joel. Having explained the miraculous, he directed their attention to Jesus. Peter’s theme was the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus’ life and death which they knew. It was His resurrection and exaltation to God’s right hand that he seeks to prove. Peter’s objective: for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Messiah (Christ).

The reaction of the people is noteworthy: "cut to the heart" (pricked, very disturbed, convicted, will be found in some other vbersions). This shows the power of God’s word to convict - Ro 1:16 "I am proud of the good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles." When convicted, or convinced of a truth not all people will respond in the same way. For example, when Stephen made his speech in front of the Jewish council they became angry - Ac 7:54 "When the council members heard Stephen's speech, they were angry and furious."

The reaction of the people on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon was "what shall we do?" is also noteworthy. Peter commanded them to "repent", which was what Jesus expected Him to say - Lk 24:46-47 "He told them: The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, (repent, JMN) in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter commanded them to "be baptized", which was also in keeping with what Jesus commanded the apostles - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"; Mk 16:15-16 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."

The purpose of their baptism was explained: "for the remission of sins". The identical phrase was used by Jesus in Mt 26:28 "This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven." His blood was shed for many "for the remission of sins". In both cases, the preposition "for" means "with a view toward, in order to". Jesus shed His blood in order to provide remission of sins. One is baptized in order to receive remission of sins (for in baptism we are baptized into Christ’s death - see. Ro 6:3-6)

Those who were baptized were promised "the gift of the Spirit". I take the gift to be the Spirit Himself - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God." Not something the Spirit gives (such as salvation or spiritual gifts), all who become Christians receive the Spirit - Ga 4:6 "Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father."; 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." The Spirit is therefore "the promise" referred to in verse 39, who was promised by the Father and received by Christ and who was poured out by Christ on the day of Pentecost - Ac 2:33 "Jesus was taken up to sit at the right side of God, and he was given the Holy Spirit, just as the Father had promised. Jesus is also the one who has given the Spirit to us, and that is what you are now seeing and hearing." Thus poured out, one can now receive the in "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Spirit" in baptism, resulting in justification - Ti 3:4-7 "God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life."

Those who were baptized were "added" to the church - Ac 2:41,47 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.", "Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." When one is baptized (i.e., saved), the Lord adds him or her to His church, which is His body - cf. 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." Baptism is therefore the "door" to the church (in the universal, not local) sense.

The lesson for us today is that when preaching, teaching or hearing the gospel message our focus should be on the death, burial, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ - 1 Co 2:1-2 "Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn't use big words or try to sound wise. In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross."; 15:1-4 "My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don't, your faith was all for nothing. I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say." The evidence we offer as support should be the testimony of Scripture (the Old Testament prophecies) and the testimony of the eyewitnesses (the apostles). Our goal is for people to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him to be the Messiah, God’s Anointed One. When people are convicted of sin, and ask "what shall we do?", we should reply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (though not specifically mentioned, it is assumed in the call to "know assuredly...") - Ac 16:30-31 "After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home."’ Repent of your sins - cf. Ac 17:30 "In the past, God forgave all this because people did not know what they were doing. But now he says that everyone everywhere must turn to him." and be baptized for the remission of sins - cf. Ac 10:48 "Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days."; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’ Along with remission of sins, we should tell of the promise of the Spirit. The Spirit’s role in the life of the Christian is important - 1 Co 6:11 "Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God's Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God."; Ro 8:13 "If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say "No" to your desires." While the role of the Spirit is often misunderstood, we should not hesitate to make mention of Him as a promise and gift to those who obey God! - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God."

With the first example of conversion, we find Peter faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world." To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47-48 "They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter also faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord to include baptism along with faith as a proper response to the gospel - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned." To make disciples by baptizing them - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"

Is this the gospel and response being proclaimed today? Some preach the gospel of health and wealth, with a focus on "signs" and "wonders", rather than on the death, resurrection and exaltation of Christ! Some would tell the lost to simply "say the sinner’s prayer", is that what Peter said? Those who presume to preach and teach in the name of Christ, should be careful to preach and teach as did His apostles; those who wish to respond to the grace of God in Christ, should be careful to respond as did those who heard the apostles preach! Have you responded to the preaching of the gospel in the same manner as did "The 3000 On Pentecost"? Remember...
"...those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)

If you have not responded to the gospel message as those 3000 souls on the Day of Pentecost as we have just examined, by all means please contact me directly at jnlnewsted@nts-online.net

This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001

God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year

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Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
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