November 14, Acts 2
The disciples didn’t know what would happen when the Spirit came. But since Jesus said the Spirit would come, they knew he would and they recognized him when he did. The wind sound, the pyrotechnics and the miraculous ability to speak in multiple languages attracted a crowd. Like most crowds, this one contained both seekers and skeptics. Some were amazed and wondered what all this meant; others dismissed the tongue-speakers as drunks.
Peter denied the drinking charges and quoted the prophecy that was being fulfilled before their eyes. The miraculous demonstrations were predicted, but the prophet’s point was the coming judgment of Israel and the salvation of those who called on the Lord.
We may miss the full impact of the Pentecost sermon because we already know the occasion, the sermon content and the results. If we could hear it as they heard it, Peter’s words would glow with intensity.
The apostles were brave to stand in the city where Jesus had been crucified seven weeks earlier and say, “You knew that Jesus was approved by God. You saw the miracles. But you killed him!” Peter explained it was God’s plan, described in the Scriptures, for Jesus to die and be raised from the dead. The crowd had been told that Jesus’ body was stolen. But Peter said God raised Jesus from the dead, and made the one they had crucified both Lord and Christ.
The convicting message cut to the listeners’ hearts. They wanted to know what to do. Peter responded with two commands and associated two promises with those commands. The commands? Repent and be baptized. The promises? They would receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Repentance is a change of mind. People who had 50 days earlier cried out for Jesus’ crucifixion now confessed him as the Son of God.
The Jews were familiar with ritual washings, and had seen baptism associated with repentance in the ministries of both John and Jesus. So baptism was a reasonable and familiar expression of faith and public identification.
Do you believe Jesus is the Christ? Have you done what Peter told people who believed it that first day to do? Have you turned away from sin, changing your mind from doing what you wanted to do to what he wants? Have you, as a believer, been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? Don’t think of baptism as a ritual that earns your forgiveness. Jesus did that work at the cross. Baptism is the means that Jesus and his apostles commanded for expressing our trust in him and identifying with his death, burial and resurrection. Don’t debate him about it. Trust him. Obey him. He will keep his promises.
That first day, three thousand people believed the message, turned from their sins and were baptized. The Lord added them to the company of the saved. When you respond as they did, he will do the same for you.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—November 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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