Scripture printed text: Acts 2:32-33, 37-47
The Apostle Luke records the day of Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus resurrection from the dead, and reveals Himself alive to His disciples. Jesus commands them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father, with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says to His disciples that they will receive power by the Holy Spirit that will enable them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. After Jesus spoke these things, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
The disciples returned to Jerusalem and remained in an upper room. There, they continue with one accord in prayer and supplication. When the day of Pentecost was come, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Spirit gave them this ability. At that time, there were Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the noise, everyone came running, were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. These Jews thought Peter and those with him were drunk. But Peter stood and the eleven with him and shouted to the crowd, that they were not drunk, but filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter preached that God had predicted this long ago through His prophet Joel, how God said that He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.
Acts chapter 1-2 Peter continues to preach that God raised Jesus from the dead and that they were all eye witnesses of this. Also, Peter informs them that God made Jesus who was crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah. Peter then tells them that they must repent of their sins and turn to God, to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who believed Peter’s message, were baptized and added to the church that day three thousand souls in one day. These believers continued in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer.
Lesson outline:
- The Call to Community (Acts 2:32-33)
- The Community Form (Acts 2:37-43)
- The Community Grows (Acts 2:44-47)
Peter preaches to his audience the full story of God’s history plan of salvation, through His Son Jesus Christ. This exciting news, only fifty days old; Peter proclaims that Jesus is risen and ascended to glory, power and honor. Received from God the promise of the Holy Spirit poured out upon them, just as they witnessed that day. When the people heard Peter’s message, they were pricked to their hearts, and ask what shall they do. These people hearts were convicted and moved them to seek the next step. What should you and I do after being convicted by the word of God? We are all called to be saved by believing on Jesus Christ. Hearing the gospel preached should challenge us to change and turn from our sins and turn to God.
Peter responds to their question; he says to them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and then receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to every person whether near or far, young or old for them to do is believe and the same promise of the Holy Spirt will be poured upon them. The people gladly received Peter’s message and were baptized, and added to the church that day three thousand souls. Praise God for the harvest! This new community of believers didn’t leave but continued in the apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread and prayers. God’s word has power to save and His Holy Spirit will be upon anyone who will believe on Jesus.
As a result, fear came upon them as they witnessed the apostles perform sign and wonders. The people believed together, and had all things in common. By sharing their possessions and meeting those who had needs. Also, they continuing daily with one accord, worshipped together and praising God for His favor of salvation and His out pouring of His Spirit.
True believers praise God, for the promise of the Holy Spirit, which enables them to become effective witnesses for Him everywhere they go, not forsaking to remain on one accord, continuing in the teachings and fellowship with one another.