INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Pentecostal’s Reprove
2. The Pentecostal’s Request
3. The Pentecostal’s Response
Introductory Remarks.
1. Today's lesson will discuss a theme: “The Pentecostal’s Conversion.” This lesson is one of several that will deal with the Acts of Conversions, as seen throughout the Book of Acts. It must be understood that this book of conversions has been preserved and provided to us as an example of New Testament Christianity. We will see a “pattern of conversion” throughout these lessons. If the church of the 21st century claims to preach the 1st century’s doctrine, then our message and pattern of conversion should mirror the Acts of Conversion outlined in the Book of Acts. The notion that: “it doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as your heart is right” is not in accord with Jesus’ charge: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified),” John 7:37-39. See also John 5:39.
2. First, Peter’s preaching on the Day of Pentecost was a reproof and stern rebuke of the people. He outlines their rejection of Christ as the will of God. And that they had taken Him by wicked hands and crucified the Son of God. He showed in his message that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and it was through his death and resurrection He now sits and reigns on David’s throne. Further, the outpouring of the Holy Ghost was a sure testimony that Jesus is on the right hand of God exalted. He concludes his message by saying: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ,” Acts 2:36.
3. Secondly, Peter’s sermon resulted in the Pentecostal’s request: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” See Acts 2:37. Apostolic preaching should convict the person of their sins and answer how to obtain forgiveness. We must remain focused on this point. We are discussing the Acts of Conversion in the New Testament as seen in the Book of Acts. Those seeking New Testament conversion should adhere to Peter's instruction to these repentant believers. His response was direct and well understood by those crying: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” We would be wised to faithfully and reverently hear his instructions and appeal if we desire to be saved, even as these believers.
4. Lastly, we note Peter’s instructions and the Pentecostal's response. Note Peter’s instruction to their cry: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The promise is unto you, your children, and all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words, he testified and exhorted, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:38-41. Let me remind you again that we are discussing what the 1st-century believers were instructed to do to obtain forgiveness for their sins. Let me add that these instructions begin a “pattern in conversions” to be seen throughout the Book of Acts. I trust you are ready for this lesson? If so, let’s consider our first point, the Pentecostal’s Reprove.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE PENTECOSTAL’S REPROVE
A. Jesus approved of God. Peter begins his reproof of these Pentecostal attendees by stating: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know,” Acts 2:22.
B. Him, being delivered. “Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it,” Acts 2:23-24.
1. Delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. The God of heaven knew and foreordained these things regarding His Son. Peter declared to the people before the temple Beautiful: “Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days,” Acts 3:24.
2. Taken by wicked hands, crucified, and slain.
3. Whom God raised, having loosed the pains of death.
4. It is not possible for Him to remain in such a state.
5. Jesus’ betrayal, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection were:
a. The subject of prophecy, Psalms 22:1, 16; Isaiah 53; Zechariah 12:10.
b. The subject of promise, Matthew 16:21; and
c. The subject of apostolic preaching, Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:44-49; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
C. David speaks concerning Him. Peter refers here to prophecy: “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore, did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover, also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance,” Acts 2:25-28. See also Psalms 16:8-11. Christ has fulfilled this prophecy of David.
D. David speaks concerning the resurrection of Christ. Notice: “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, who is dead and buried, and his tomb is with us. Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his loins, he would raise Christ to sit on his throne according to the flesh. He saw before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, and neither did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised, of which we all are witnesses,” Acts 2:29-32.
1. The patriarch David – both dead and buried.
2. David is a prophet, knowing God has sworn an oath on him.
3. That of the fruit of His loins, Romans 1:2-4. See Jesus' comments on this relationship, Matthew 22:41-46.
4. He would raise Christ to sit on his throne, Luke 1:31-33.
5. He saw this before and spoke of the resurrection of Christ.
a. That his soul was not left in hell.
b. Neither his flesh did see corruption.
6. This Jesus hath God raised - of which we all are witnesses, Acts 1:1-8.
E. Therefore, being at the right hand of God. He concludes: “Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ,” Acts 2:33-36.
1. Christ is at the right hand of God – EXALTED. See Mark 16:19; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:22.
2. Promise of Holy Ghost—received Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:14-18. The Holy Spirit was given not only to the apostles on that day but also to all the baptized, repentant believers, as stated in Acts 2:38.
3. God made Jesus – both Lord and Christ, Acts 2:36; John 6:69.
a. Paul preached Him as Lord and Christ, Acts 17:2-3.
b. Apollos preached Him as Lord and Christ, Acts 18:27-28.
c. Peter emphasized that God had made Jesus both “Lord and Christ.” He is Lord of all and Messiah and Saviour for all people.
d. Therefore, we should hear Him, Matthew 17:5. And hear from those who speak for Him. Notice our Lord: “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me,” Luke 10:16. See also John 5:46-47. Let’s consider the Pentecostal’s Request for Peter.
II THE PENTECOSTAL’S REQUEST
A. The Pentecostal’s request. Note: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men, and brethren, what shall we do?” See Acts 2:37.
B. They were pricked in their heart. They were touched in their hearts by the actions of their leaders and themselves regarding the evil done to the Son of God.
1. Paul encourages us by saying: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:10.
2. These repentant believers were indeed grieved and troubled by their actions: “When they delivered up Jesus and denied him in the presence of Pilot when he was determined to let him go. But they denied the Holy One and the Just and desired a murderer to be granted unto them and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead,” Acts 3:13-15.
3. They now seek to correct this injustice and find favor and forgiveness from God for killing His only-begotten Son. Notice their request.
C. And said unto Peter. They asked Peter and the rest of the apostles. Let’s note that they address Peter and the rest of the apostles regarding their request.
D. Men and brethren. They refer to them as men and brethren. This was so, as a result of their Jewish heritage. Remember on Pentecost: “There were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven,” Acts 2:5.
1. Men from every nation and tongue, Acts 2:5-11. They were all Jewish brethren.
2. Soon, they would become Christians—children of God, John 1:11-12; Galatians 3:26-27.
3. They would be heirs of God and join-heirs with Jesus Christ. Paul wrote: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together,” Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:6-7.
NOTE: Discuss how to become a son of God, John 1:11-12; John 3:1-5.
E. What shall we do? Until this time in our lesson, I’m sure there has been little to no resistance to my preaching. If there is disagreement, it will surely be forthcoming. First, I stress that fully considering Pentecostal’s requests, they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” We will notice Peter’s response later. But for now, I want it to be clear that God has always demanded more than just saying, “I believe.” Throughout the Book of Acts, a similar question was asked by many searchers for the truth and salvation. Notice just as:
1. The Pentecostals asked: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” See Acts 2:37.
2. Saul of Tarsus asked: “Lord, what will thou have me to do?” Hear His reply:
a. “And the Lord said unto him (Saul), Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do,” Acts 9:6. Paul’s witness before the Council,
b. “And the Lord said unto me (Saul), Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do,” Acts 22:10. Paul’s testimony before the king,
c. “O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision,” Acts 26:19.
3. The angel of the Lord told Cornelius, “Send to Joppa for Peter.” Why,
a. “He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do,” Acts 10:5-6. When Peter arrived, Cornelius said:
b. “Now therefore, we are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God,” Acts 10:33. Peter told his brothers in Jerusalem that Cornelius said an angel told him to send men to Joppa for Peter,
c. “Who shall tell you words, whereby thou and thy entire house shall be saved,” Acts 11:13-14.
4. The Jailer asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do (so) that I may be saved?” And they replied: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, with thy house,” Acts 16:30-31. The jailer did not ask: “What must I believe.” But: “What is necessary for me to do?”
NOTE: See EGNT, Page 363, Acts 16:30. Now, after His parable,
5. Jesus said unto the multitude: “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46. Not every one that: “Sayeth unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 7:21-23.
6. Now, church, visitors, and friends, it should be clear that the searchers for truth and salvation will have something to do once they have found it. Obedience is not "works." It is "faith in action." This kind of faith justifies the believer, James 2:24. Now, let’s deal with the Pentecostal’s Response to Peter’s answer. Please follow me in your bible!
III THE PENTCOSTAL’S RESPONSE
A. Peter’s answer to their request. Notice: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38. Observe,
1. Repent and be baptized. I know this phrase brings many arguments to nullify Peter's statement: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.”
a. Please note that the Greek language joins these two verbs:
1) (Repent and be baptized) together.
2) By the word (and), a coordinating conjunction.
3) Making both the act of faith and obedience equally important.
b. Thus, the desired blessings of "the remission of sins and the receipt of the gift of the Holy Ghost" are granted. When,
c. After completing both: 1) the act of faith (to repent), and 2) the act of obedience (to be baptized).
d. If done: "in the name of Jesus Christ."
e. The repentant believer “shall receive the remission (forgiveness) of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost.” This shall be done by,
2. Every one of you – “in the name of Jesus.” These convicted sinners are told to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” There is no other name under heaven one can call upon to be saved except the “name of Jesus Christ,” Acts 4:10-12. Baptism is done in the: “Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,” Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:1-7.
NOTE: I know this is an item of contention to many believers. However, the “word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth,” Psalms 33:4.
3. For the remission of sins. Brothers and sisters, visiting friends, and inquirers of the truth, we will now deal with the real issue many religious leaders have with Peter’s instructions to these inquirers' question: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
a. First, I want to caution you to keep the real question before us. And that is, “what shall we do” to obtain forgiveness for crucifying the Son of God? Peter’s instruction involved two things (repentance and baptism) “for the remission of sins.”
b. Some would argue that they were already saved at Peter’s instruction. However, the language does not suggest this to be true. Remember, they asked, “What shall we do?” Peter is now providing the answer to their question. Remember, they did not ask: “What must we believe, but what must we do?”
c. Further, others would argue that the Greek preposition “for” or “eis” in the text preceding the phrase “the remission of sins” really means “because.” However, in Strong’s G1519, “eis” is translated as “i.e., for, into, unto, towards, in the direction of, to obtain" but never as “because.”
d. We find the phrase “for the remission of sins” in another critical passage in the Bible, Matthew 26:28. There also, the preposition “eis” is translated as “(for) the remission of sins.”
e. In some literature (Commentaries and Books), these teachers and preachers will improperly suggest that “because” in a similar verse means the same thing in our text under discussion, Acts 2:38. The problem, however, is this word in Greek translated “because” is not “peri,” as in Strong’s G4012, or “eis” as in Strong’s G1519. Let’s move this forward a little more.
1) Here is one of their scripture texts in question. Here, after Jesus heals a leper: “saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for (peri) thy cleansing (they insert – because of thy cleansing) those things which Moses commanded, for (eis) a testimony unto them,” Mark 1:44. Here is the problem with this insertion.
2) The two Greek words found in Mark 1:44 are “peri” and “eis.” They are placed next to the words in the text where they are found in the verse. Note that “peri” is translated as “for thy cleansing.” And “eis” is also translated as “for a testimony.” Neither of these words is translated as “because” in this text.
3) The Greek word that is translated as “because” is “hoti,” as in Strong’s G3754 in the New Testament. Notice its use in this verse: “And he (Christ) healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, (hoti) because they knew him,” Mark 1:34.
4) It is true that “hoti” is translated as “because.” However, “eis” is not translated as “because” in the scriptures under discussion in this lesson. There must be integrity in preaching and teaching regarding the correct translation of the Greek language. See Strong's Dictionary of the Greek New Testament. The parentheses (--) and Greek words inserted in the text are mine for emphasis only.
5) In summary: “Because” or “hoti” looks backward, while “for” or “eis” looks forward to a desired action or blessing not yet received. Here is another one of their reference verses: “The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because (hoti) they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and behold, a greater than Jonas is here,” Matthew 12:41. Here again, the Greek word is “hoti” or “because;” and not “eis” or “for;” as it is in the case of Peter’s preaching in Acts 2:38.
6) Therefore, the blood of Christ was not shed “hoti” “because of remission;” but “eis” “for the remission of sins,” and baptism is not “hoti” “because of remission;” but “eis” “for the remission of sins.” The argument of “because” is used widely by many who are afraid of the truth of Peter’s answer to those asking, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” To obtain the forgiveness of their sins, Acts 2:37. I make no apology for the truth of God’s word, 2 Corinthians 13:8; Galatians 4:16.
7) Peter's answer was for them to: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ "eis" for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38.
8) If you desire the forgiveness of your sins, you will have to do likewise. “The word of God is right, and all of His works are done in truth,” Psalms 33:4.
4. Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. God has promised his Spirit after our obedience, Acts 5:32; Ephesians 1:13-14. If we do not have the Spirit of Christ, “we are none of His,” Romans 8:9.
B. The promise to them and their children. “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call,” Acts 2:39.
1. Promise is unto you and your children. Salvation is promised to the entire Jewish nation, Romans 1:14-17. Jew first and Greek are part of the promise of Christ and the gospel, Ephesians 3:1-7.
2. To all that are afar off. Salvation was promised to the entire Gentile world. Peter first spoke of this promise on the Day of Pentecost. Peter’s preaching to the house of Cornelius (first uncircumcised Gentile) some 10-11 years after Pentecost. The fulfillment of the promise of Christ, John 10:16.
3. Even as many as the Lord our God shall call. The call to salvation is for all. “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” Revelation 22:17. Recall Jesus: “If any man thirst let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said… (But this spake he of the Spirit…because Jesus was not yet glorified), John 7:37-39. [Text shortened for brevity].
C. Peter’s persuasion. Preaching should also include sincere persuasion. Peter concluded his invitation with an appeal to obey. Hear him: “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40. Notice:
1. With many other words. Peter reasoned with them with heartfelt words to do something about their condition.
2. He testifies and exhorts. He gave testimony and exhortation.
3. Saying, save yourselves. He encouraged the audience to save themselves.
4. From this untoward generation. Save yourself from this wicked and perverse world. Allow God to forgive you for this grievous sin against His “only-begotten Son,” John 1:14; John 3:14-17.
5. Stated: when it comes to it – the only person you can take steps to “save is yourself.” Family, friends, husband or wife, must take the same steps to save themselves. If you are concerned for others (and I believe you are), first save yourself, be an example of faithfulness before God, and allow Him to help you gain those who will hear you and turn to Christ.
6. Notice Paul on the crucial fact. “But if the unbelieving (desires to) depart (leave), let them depart…For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how do you know, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord called everyone, so let him walk. And, so ordain I in all the churches,” 1 Corinthians 7:15-17.
NOTE: Illustrate Broken and Battered Wife’s Syndrome. No woman or mother is required to live with or stay with a man who is physically, verbally, or mentally abusive. Find refuge with family or in an institution established for such women and their families.
D. The Pentecostal’s response. Their response was: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:41. Notice if you would be loved:
1. They gladly received his word. I want you to note that “they were pricked to the hearts.” They experienced tremendous guilt for their betrayal and the death of Christ. But Peter’s testimony and exhortation changed these guilt-stricken hearts into hearts of gladness, enabling them to receive his word joyfully.
2. They were baptized – the same day. Peter pointed out its importance during his testifying and exhortation. They were made to understand its importance in their salvation and the need to respond immediately. This will be the case throughout the Book of Acts when someone responds to the gospel of Christ through preaching and teaching. This begins the “pattern of conversion” outlined in the Acts of Conversion.
3. There were added unto them. First, three thousand, and later, five thousand were added to their number. Let’s be clear here: It will be the Lord who adds them to the church. There was no vote, no letter of recommendation, no telling of Christian experience.
E. The Lord added to the church. “Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:47. These new converts formed the first members in the body of Christ, the church of Christ, in Jerusalem. Here are some of the things this church was committed to:
1. They continued steadfastly. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, and fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles,” Acts 2:42-43.
2. They had all things in common. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need,” Acts 2:44-45. They shared their possession with others, so much so that no one was without daily necessities, Acts 4:32, Acts 4:34-37. Illustrate: Barnabas Gift to the Apostles.
3. They continued in one accord. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” Acts 2:46. As we conclude this lesson, let me briefly review what we presented.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Pentecostal’s Reprove
2. The Pentecostal’s Request
3. The Pentecostal’s Response
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we see Peter’s preaching on the Day of Pentecost as a reproof and stern rebuke of the people. He outlined their rejection of Christ as the will of God. And that they had taken Him by wicked hands and crucified the Son of God. He showed in his message that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and it was through his death and resurrection He now sits and reigns on David’s throne. Furthermore, the outpouring of the Holy Ghost was a sure testimony that Jesus was on the right hand of God exalted. He concluded his message by saying: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ,” Acts 2:36.
2. Second, we noted that Peter’s sermon resulted in the Pentecostal’s request: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” See Acts 2:37. Apostolic preaching should convict the person of their sins and answer how to obtain forgiveness. We remained focused on this point. We discussed the Acts of Conversion in the New Testament, as seen in the Book of Acts. Those seeking New Testament conversion must adhere to Peter's instruction to these repentant believers. His response was direct and well understood by those crying: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” We would be wised to clearly and reverently hear his instructions and appeal if we desire to be saved like these on Pentecost.
3. Lastly, we noted Peter’s instructions and the people’s response. Peter instructed them to: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost...Then they gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:38-40. Let me remind you again that we discussed what the 1st-century believers were instructed to do to obtain forgiveness for their sins. Again, these instructions are the beginning of a “pattern in conversions” to be seen throughout the Book of Acts. I trust you have followed me throughout this lesson.
C. Review the invitation of Jesus as presented by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Let me remind you of what instruction the apostle Peter provided to these repentant believers: “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38. If the questions are the same; then, the answer must also be the same. We have seen our first “pattern” of New Testament conversions, as outlined in the Book of Acts. I appreciate your patience.
D. Exhortation. I now implore as Peter, “With many other words do I testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40. Don't let this opportunity pass you without responding to the love of Christ! He can forgive your sins. He is calling you today in the same fashion as He called the believers at Pentecost.
E. Motivation and persuasion. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men,” 2 Corinthians 5:11.
Sermon updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, on 8/24/2024.
