SUMMER SERMON SERIES, 6/14/26
CONVERSIONS IN ACTS: THREE THOUSAND AT PENTECOST
Acts 2
The church of Jesus Christ began almost 2,000 years ago on the Day of Pentecost, 50-days after the Passover and essentially after Jesus’ resurrection. The first CONVERSIONS IN ACTS resulted in THREE THOUSAND people being baptized into Christ out of obedience to the gospel message that Peter and the other apostles presented that day. What an amazing sight that must of have been watching the apostles baptizing thousands in one day.
Little did the multitude of people who had gathered on Pentecost to celebrate the giving of the Law to Moses, as the Jews had for centuries, realize that their day would end with them giving their lives to Jesus as the Son of God. Undoubtedly, many who had been baptized on that day had witnessed what they believed was a blasphemer being crucified on the cross just weeks before. I’m sure many were in the crowd yelling, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” when Pilate the Roman governor asked the people, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ” (Matthew 27:22).
Fifty-days later as they hear the apostles tell them that they “crucified the Son of God”, they were cut to the heart and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” What Peter tells them that they MUST DO to be forgiven of their sins in order to be saved, is what people still must do 2,000 years later to have their sins forgiven to receive eternal life.
ACTS 2:36-47
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
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?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
