The Birth of the Church: The Conversion of 3,000 (Acts 2)
Introduction:
Acts chapter 2 stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity, marking the birth of the church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Today, we will delve into this transformative account, exploring the reception of the Spirit, Peter's powerful sermon, the multitude's response, and the early church's devotion to the apostles' doctrine.
I. The Account (Acts 2)
A. The Reception of the Holy Spirit (vv. 1-13):
• A. The Apostles Receive the Spirit and Speak in Tongues (vv. 1-4):
◦ The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in other languages.
• B. The Multitude Is Amazed (vv. 5-13):
◦ A diverse crowd, gathered from various nations, heard the apostles speaking in their native tongues.
◦ The audience was:
▪ In Sin
▪ Thinking they were okay.
▪ Having some knowledge of God.
II. Peter’s Sermon (vv. 14-36):
• A. Explanation of the Events (vv. 14-21):
◦ Peter clarifies that the apostles were not drunk, but fulfilling the prophecy of Joel.
◦ Joel’s prophecy included:
▪ Revelation
▪ Confirmation
▪ Salvation
• B. Jesus Is Raised From the Dead (vv. 22-36):
◦ Peter proclaims that Jesus, whom they crucified, was raised from the dead.
◦ He cites David's prophecy as evidence of Jesus' resurrection.
◦ He declares Jesus as both Lord and Christ.
◦ What they heard:
▪ Conviction of sin.
▪ Evidence of the resurrection of Christ.
III. Response of the Multitude (vv. 37-41):
• A. They Asked What to Do (vv. 37-40):
◦ The crowd, deeply convicted by Peter's words, asked, "What shall we do?"
◦ Peter's answer:
▪ Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (vv. 38-39).
▪ "Save yourselves from this perverse generation" (v. 40).
◦ What they were told:
▪ Repent.
▪ Be Baptized.
▪ The Great Commission.
• B. They Gladly Received the Word and Obeyed (v. 41):
◦ About 3,000 people were baptized and added to the church that day.
◦ Acts 2:
▪ Repent (v. 38)
▪ Hear (v. 22)
▪ Know (v. 36)
▪ Baptized (v. 38)
▪ Remission of sins (v. 38)
IV. The Disciples Continued in the Apostles’ Doctrine (vv. 42-47):
• A. Followed Apostles' Authority (v. 42):
◦ They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.
• B. Were Steadfast (v. 42):
◦ They were steadfast in fellowship.
• C. Worshiped (v. 42):
◦ They participated in the breaking of bread and prayer.
• D. Feared (v. 43):
◦ They were filled with awe at the wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
• E. Took Care of Needy (vv. 44-45):
◦ They shared their possessions, providing for those in need.
• F. Served Daily (v. 46):
◦ They met together daily in the temple courts and in their homes.
• G. Grew (v. 47):
◦ They praised God and enjoyed the favor of all the people, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 1
◦ What they became:
▪ Active Christians.
▪ Worshiped, Dedicated, Active.
- Preaching on Letter to the Church in Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11
- Preaching on Righteous Judgment vs Unrighteous Judgment John 7:24
- Preaching on Wrong is Always Wrong
Conclusion:
The conversion of the 3,000 in Acts 2 is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter's compelling sermon, and the multitude's obedient response marked the beginning of the church, a community devoted to God's Word, fellowship, and service. May we, like the early church, embrace the apostles' doctrine, live lives of devotion, and witness the ongoing growth of God's kingdom. Amen.
