Responding in Repentance (Acts 2:37-47)
Sermon Link
Reaction (verse 37)
Those who were listening to Peter had just been accused of crucifying Jesus, and the tension was tight. At first, they reacted with amazement when they saw the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples, but after Peter’s sermon their reaction was marked by conviction of sin. Just as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit was convicting “the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). They were made aware of their guilt before God and they stood convinced of their inability to save themselves. Peter’s sermon gives a good example of the purpose of the law in bringing people to the realization of their sin and their need for a Savior. By pointing out their sin in crucifying the Savior, they were “pierced to the heart” and made ready for repentance. When sin and death and hell are faced head on and the good news of salvation in Christ alone is declared, the Holy Spirit saves!
– Why is conviction necessary before we are able to believe in Jesus? Why is it is necessary for the Holy Spirit to convict people? How should the understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work in convicting people of their sin affect the way we share the gospel with others?
Repentance (verses 38-40)
The only proper response to the gospel is repentance (Lk 3:3; 24:46-47). Repentance is the turning around of the whole man. It includes a true sense of sin and hatred for it, as well as a decisive forsaking of sin and self-sufficiency. It is an embracing of Christ through faith and discipleship. Peter calls all to repent, not only for their involvement in the crucifixion of Christ but also for the condition of their heart. He also calls them to evidence their repentance and faith by baptism, the external sign of new life in Christ. Baptism is not the means of gaining salvation, but it is the outward expression of our faith. Forgiveness is promised to all those who repent and believe, and the Holy Spirit is gifted to each and every repentant believer. The promise of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit extends all the way down the generational line, as well as around the entirety of the globe.
– Why is repentance the only proper response to the gospel? Is repentance an ongoing reality in your own life? In what ways is your repentance demonstrated?
Relationships (verses 41-47)
As Jesus had promised, the Apostles saw a greater work accomplished at Pentecost than what had been seen even in Jesus’ own works (John 14:12). 3000 people were converted by the Holy Spirit, which is greater than the feeding of the four thousand. It was a clear demonstration both of the power of the Holy Spirit and the promise of Christ, and it was proof that where the Word of Christ is opened and applied faithfully, the Holy Spirit acts powerfully. Upon conversion, the new believers were brought into three new relationships.
1 – First, they were brought into a relationship with God and His Word. They were enthusiastic for the preaching and teaching of the Scriptures, giving evidence that a Holy Spirit-filled-church is a church that desires to study and submit itself to the Word of God. Their worship of God was both reverent (“sense of awe”) and joyful (“gladness”) (v43 and v46).
2 – Second, they were brought into a new relationship with other believers. Being added to the church, they were committed both to serving one another as well as submitting to the leadership. Their fellowship was marked by Christ-centered mutual affection and action, including everything from corporate worship (prayer, giving, singing) to private conversations. With the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, care for one another and generosity flowed freely and was dictated by love. The tone of this text is not what new members that were added to the church could receive, but what they could give!
3 – Third, they were brought into a new relationship with the world. Throughout the book of Acts, we never see a community of believers so inwardly focused that they fail to engage those outside of their community with the good news of the gospel. The good reputation of “having favor with all the people” positively impacted their public witness for Christ. As Christians were living among the world and loving the world, the Lord was taking people out of the world and adding them to their number.
– How has your relationship with God, the church, and the world changed since you became a Christian? Why is it impossible to have a changed relationship with God without a changed relationship with the church and the world? Is your interaction with the world marked by humble, loving concern and compassion? In what areas could you grow in that respect?