PODCAST
Both/And
April 30th, 2016
Acts 2:38-47
Today we scan some images of Christianity’s first converts. Following his preaching in Acts 2:14-36, Peter’s listeners considered the apostle’s promise of grace to “all who are far off” (v. 39). Luke paints an almost idyllic preaching portrait in the early church. Unfortunately, it’s never been that simple for preachers. In verse 40, Luke reveals that Peter had to wrestle in his preaching, noting that, “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’” Fortunately, a great many “accepted his message” (v. 41). In fact, roughly 3,000 people accepted Peter’s invitation that day and were baptized.
Acts 2 concludes with an ideal summation of life in this first-century community of faith. Marked by a common engagement with worship, study, prayer, celebration, and service, these throngs of early converts seemed to understand that repentance calls for both a changing attitude and a change of action.
Author: Jay Richard Akkerman
