A TURNING POINT IN BIBLICAL HISTORY

-- Acts 2:1-47 --

 

            The events that took place on the Day of Pentecost that we read about in Acts 2 marked a turning point in Bible history. Pentecost was a Jewish feast day held 50 days after Passover. (Leviticus 23:15-16) Jews came to Jerusalem from all over the world. (Acts 2:5) The apostles were gathered when there was a sound as of a mighty rushing wind and there were tongues that were parting asunder that sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:2-3) Even though the apostles were uneducated they were able to speak, by miracle, in such a way that all who were present could hear in their own language. (Acts 2:11) Most of the people were astonished about what was taking place on that Pentecost but some of the people accused the apostles of being drunk.   

 

Jesus Christ and His Plan of Salvation

 

            Peter and the other apostles preached Jesus Christ to the people. They showed the people that they were not drunk but that they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach about Jesus Christ and to make know God's plan of salvation. They taught that Jesus, (1) Fulfilled what was written by the prophets about the Savior (Acts 2:16, Acts 2:25), (2) had a great miracle working ministry (Acts 2:22), and (3) That He died was buried and was resurrected (Acts 2:23-24).

 

 The Salvation Message Touched Their Heart

 

            The preaching that the people heard about Jesus pricked their hearts. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37) They knew that they were without excuse and they saw no hope for themselves except in the mercy of the crucified Redeemer. Peter gave the right response to their question because he gave God's response. He said, "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." (Acts 2:38) Many of these people took this message to heart. "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)

 

Do Not Miss Heaven

 

            Salvation is available for everyone. "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) God's offer of salvation is extended to every person in every nation. Do not miss the opportunity of going to heaven! Have you decided yet what you are going to do about your soul? If you want eternal life in heaven, there is only one correct response; repent of your sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus and live for God daily.

 

By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street,

Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA