Today we see our first sermon after the Holy Spirit filled the apostles. Peter is delivering this message of hope, explaining what happened to Jesus,
“But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip…So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”” (Acts 2: 23-24, 34)
I love what happens next! Verse 37 says, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” I’m sure Peter was a good speaker. He chose his words well and probably paused at all the right moments, but what happens next is totally the work of the Holy Spirit.
“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. (Acts 2:38,41)”
Can you imagine 3000 people repenting of their sins and accepting Christ after hearing you deliver the gospel message? That could only happen under the power of God. When I read passages like this I feel peace knowing it’s not up to me to save the world, it’s just up to me to do what God calls me to do.
Read today's passage at Biblegateway Acts 2:14-18, 21-24, 36-41
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