Conversions in Acts, Part 1

Introduction

Jesus had just ascended back into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God, The Father. Then ten days later, on Pentecost, the world, as they knew it, changed again; as the church was brought into existence.

Most of the Jews who traveled hundreds of miles for the Passover, stayed that much longer for Pentecost and then they planned to return home afterwards. Little did they know, that one sermon would change those plans and their lives forever.

The Attention Getter

As chapter 2 begins, we see ‘The 12’ gathered together in the temple as the Holy Spirit descends upon them (2:1-4). The event made such a noise that it attracted a sizeable crowd to the scene which they witnessed the apostles speaking in various tongues (vs. 5-11). The reaction was, surprisingly, mixed. Some were amazed, while others just assumed that these were drunk men (vs. 12-13). As stated in a previous article, the 120 referenced did not receive the Holy Spirit. It was just the 12 apostles.

Peter’s Sermon

Now that they had everyone’s attention, it was time to preach the gospel to these people. Notice here, that there weren’t any other miracles being performed. If they were that important to salvation, they would have kept going.

This was the moment that Jesus had prepared His apostles for, and Peter stood before everyone a preached a sermon (vs. 15-35). He laid out for the Jews many things they were familiar with from scripture as well as the things they have witnessed with their own eyes.

Keep in mind that Peter, and some of the others, were simple fishermen. They had the ability to read and write but they most likely didn’t do much studying of the Old Law like the scribes and Pharisees. This is why they had the full attention of the crowd.

Peter concluded his sermon by saying, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36) Simply put, Peter was telling them that they murdered the Son of God and that now, having been resurrected, He’s reigning over all. You can’t get any plainer than that!

What Shall We Do?

The people’s reaction is found in the next verse, Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Although it doesn’t say it, we can easily surmise that they believed everything Peter said; especially that of Jesus being Lord and Christ. The reason we know is that, in verse 37, they asked what they can do about it.

You will also notice that there wasn’t any direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon these individuals. If such a thing were true, this would be the perfect time for it to happen. But the Holy Spirit was guiding Peter in his words in preaching the gospel. The apostle Paul confirms this in Rom. 1:16 and Rom. 10:17.

Their question, ‘what shall we do’ indicates that they needed to do something aside from believe. There’s no doubt that they believed because Peter’s words brought on godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10). They knew that there was something that needed to be done to rectify their sins.

Peter gives them the answer, Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

Keep in mind, this is what Jesus told His disciples AFTER His resurrection and BEFORE His ascension (Mk. 16:16; Mt. 28:19). Baptism is an essential part of conversion as that is what washes away your sins. Asking Jesus into your heart or praying the ‘Sinner’s Prayer’ won’t make you clean from your sins. You will notice in all of the conversions that baptism is mentioned every time.

Verse 39 mentions ‘to all who are afar off’. This is in reference to the gentiles being saved the same way. The Mormons would have you believe that Jesus referred to them as He supposedly travel to Ancient America before His ascension. There is no scripture to support that whatsoever!

Another way to look at this phrase, ‘afar off’, two people could be standing 3 feet apart from each other, physically, but, mentally, a million miles away. The gentiles’ conversion comes later in the establishment in the church (see Acts 10).

They that “Gladly” Received…

In verse 41 we read, Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:41) The reason I emphasized the word, gladly is because not all of the translations have that word.

I find it extremely important that it should be in there because this was the moment that they got their sins completely washed away! No more sin sacrifices on a regular basis as Jesus was our sacrifice once for all (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 7:27; 9:12; 10:10). We also see, in Acts 8:39, the Eunuch went on his way rejoicing after being baptized. He, too, gladly received the word.

3000 souls were added to them signifies the start of the church; the first congregation founded in Jerusalem. It doesn’t state whether the apostles or the 120 were among the 3000, or in addition to them, but you can be assured that ALL of them were baptized.

They Continued…Added Daily

As we conclude the chapter we are told, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, (Acts 2:42-44) These people, having heard the gospel and seen the miracles performed, didn’t want to leave. They wanted more of what they’ve seen and heard. They sold their possessions and the money was distributed as anyone had need (vs. 45).

No one wanted to go home! Unlike some who are baptized today, they see it as the final step and decide to just go home and wait for heaven. Those of the first century couldn’t get enough. The proof of this is found in the last two verses, So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)

Notice in the last verse that they added to the church daily. This means that there is no schedule of any kind to be put on to have to wait to be baptized. As crazy as it may seem, there are some congregations who make you wait until next Sunday’s service or a certain “Holy Day” in which many can be baptized at once (Easter).

In the Lord’s church, if you are ready to be baptized, all you need is someone to baptize you and a substantial amount of water to be immersed in. The time of day or day of the week is irrelevant.

Conclusion

Paul writes, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16) You will notice that not one of the 3000 hoped to obtain the miracles. They wanted their sins washed away; they wanted salvation that Jesus was offering.

This is how you save souls; through the preaching of His gospel, not any sort of miracle. If you need help in your walk with God or are ready to answer The Lord’s invitation, do it now (2 Cor. 6:2) and do not wait for a more convenient time (Acts 24:25).