THE CONVERSION OF THE 3,000 JEWS (Acts 2)

By Donnie V. Rader

In Acts 2 we find the beginning of the fulfillment of the great commission to carry the gospel to the world beginning at Jerusalem (Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47). This chapter tells the story of the first converts under this commission. Peter later refers to this as “the beginning” (Acts 11-15).

In this chapter we will see what the prospective converts were told, what they believed and what they did in becoming Christians. Let’s consider an overview of this chapter.

I. The Reception Of The Holy Spirit (vv. 1-13)

The apostles received the Spirit (vv. 1-4). On the day of Pentecost, the apostles (“they”, v. I. refers back to the apostles of Acts 1:26) received the Holy Spirit as was promised in John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13 and Acts 1:1-5. They were able to speak in other languages as the Spirit directed them.

The multitude was amazed (vv. 5-13). There was an audience that had gathered in Jerusalem from all parts of the earth (v. 5). Their reaction to the Spirit-filled apostles was one of amazement (vv. 6-8, 12). Some accused the apostles of drunkenness (v. 13).

II. Peter’s Sermon (vv. 14-36)

Explanation of the events (vv. 14-21). Peter begins by stating that the apostles were not drunk and reasoned why that could not be (vv. 14-15). However, they were witnessing something that was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel (vv. 16-21).

Jesus was raised from the dead (vv. 22-36). Now, Peter gets to the heart of his sermon: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Three points are made about his resurrection. (1) This is the one that they had crucified (vv. 22-24). Though their wicked hands had put him to death, God had raised him up. (2) David had prophesied of this resurrection (vv. 25-31). Peter quotes from Psalms 16:8-11 and gives evidence that David did not speak of himself, but of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (3) Jesus is now exalted as Lord and Christ (vv. 32-36). The climax of the sermon is “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (vv. 36).

III. The Response Of The Multitude (v. 37-41)

A. They asked what to do (vv. 37-40). Upon hearing the evidence of the resurrection, the people asked what they needed to do (v. 37). Peter responded by commanding repentance and baptism for the remission of sins (v. 38).

B. They gladly received the word and obeyed (v. 41). Those who had an open mind to receive the truth, willfully obeyed the instructions they had been given. The number was about 3,000.

IV. They Continued In The Apostles’ Doctrine (vv. 42-47)

They followed apostolic authority (v. 42). After this large number was baptized, they did not seek to serve God as their own desires dictated. Rather, they continued in the doctrine taught by the apostles.

They continued stedfast (vv. 42).

They worshipped (v. 42). The things that are mentioned in verse 42 are acts of worship.

They were benevolent to their brethren in need (vv. 44-45).

They continued in daily service to God (vv. 46-47).

What Do We Learn From This Case Of Conversion?

We learn what they were taught in order to become Christians. They were taught about the resurrection of Christ and what it means.

We learn what they believed. They believed the message they were taught (v. 41).

We learn what they did. They heard the message (v. 22). They believed the message about Jesus (vv. 36, 41). They repented of their sins (v. 38). They were baptized (vv. 38, 41).

We learn what they received upon obedience to the gospel. They received the remission of sins (v. 38). God then added them to the church. We conclude that when they were baptized for the remission of sins they became a part of the church. The same steps one must follow to become a Christian are the same steps to enter the Lord’s church.

You can be saved just like the 3,000 on the day of Pentecost. If you have not obeyed the gospel, why not do what they did?

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 12
May 6, 1993

The Grace of God

By Randy Harshbarger

“Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). How could Barnabas see the grace of God? Is the grace of God something tangible? Can we literally hold the grace of God in our hands? After receiving the grace of God, could we then place it on the mantle over the fireplace for viewing? Obviously, the answer to these questions is no! The grace of God is more important and more significant than anything that even remotely pertains to this life. Without the grace of God none of us would be saved. Without the grace of God we would be wandering aimlessly in sin. We cannot save ourselves (Jer. 10:23) or earn our salvation (Rom. 4:4). Thank God that all men can benefit from his grace. The question is: Will you and I “see the grace of God and be glad”?

Barnabas saw people who were saved by grace. In that great statement about grace by the Apostle Paul we read: “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved)” (Eph. 2:8).

Barnabas saw people who needed to continue in the grace of God. “Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). We have the promise that our Saviour is ready and able to help us do what is right; let us always turn to him (Heb. 4:14-16). Walking in the ways of God (Psa. 119:11) keeps us “perfect” or upright spiritually. When temptations come, the way of escape is provided; yet, we must turn away finding refuge in the Lord not in sin (1 Cor. 10:13-14). Fighting the good fight of faith, standing for the truth of the gospel, and working out our salvation is a good matter of grace (1 Tim. 6:11-12; Phil. 2:12-14). God’s “good work” is that we might be saved (Phil. 1:6). Opportunities to serve and worship are essential (2 Pet. 1:5-11; 3:18).

Barnabas saw people who needed to grow in grace. We must seek to live as the Lord instructs. Peter says: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Pet. 2:1-2). The Lord provides the formula for spiritual growth. His plan is divine and is one of grace. We can be strong in his grace (2 Tim. 2:1), as we put on the armor he provides (Eph. 6:10). We can grow, fight, and persevere. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” We are enabled to continue in the grace of the Lord as we rely on his power and might (Eph. 6:10ff).

Barnabas saw people who could fall from the grace of Christ. To turn back to sin (2 Pet. 2:20-22) is to say that the grace of God means nothing to us. Turning to errors jeopardizes our standing with God (Gal. 5:4). Refusing to obey the words of the Spirit of grace (Heb. 10:29), puts us in danger of losing our salvation. “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby may be defiled” (Heb. 12:15). To promote and engage in the sins of the world while shouting “it doesn’t matter since I’ve been saved by grace” is to turn the grace of God into lasciviousness (Jude 3-4). False teachers seek to pervert the grace of God, turning it into a license to sin (2 Pet. 2:1-3).

How are you handling the grace of God? 2 Corinthians 6:1 says: “We then, as workers with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” To obey the gospel and then turn from the Lord is to receive his grace in vain. Through compromise whether in doctrine or in life, we can make void in God’s grace. Seeking to please the Lord by doing what the Bible says is not meriting one’s salvation. After our miserable efforts are finished, we still stand in need of God’s grace. Let us live for the Lord as we look for the salvation to be given at the last day (I Pet. 1:5).

“To obey the gospel and then turn from the Lord
is to receive his grace in vain. Through compromise whether in
doctrine or in life, we can make void God’s grace. Seeking to please
the Lord by doing what the Bible says is not meriting one’s salvation. After our miserable efforts are finished, we still stand in need of God’s grace. Let us live for the Lord as we look for the salvation to be given at the last day.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 21
May 6, 1993

Support for Jay Horsley

By Harry A. Osborne

The work in Vilnius, Lithuania is progressing very well. There have been twelve baptisms and mere is a growing number of people attending the Bible lectures and private classes. The possibilities for future growth excite all of us who have had a part in this work. However, a great need exists for someone to work full time in this promising field of the Lords work. Brother Jay Horsley was in Vilnius for about seven weeks last fall and has now committed to go three full-time for at least two years. As soon as support is raised, brother Horsley is prepared to begin this new work. My hope and prayer is that churches and individuals who might read this plea will meet this challenge to expenses. Brethren! can you help in this effort either on a onetime basis or with monthly support? The work in Vilnius needs brother Horsleys help at this time. He is a faithful man who will work energetically to preach the gospel to many who have never heard that message and to ground those who are babes in Christ in the truth. If you are able to have fellowship with brother If anyone would like to know more about the work in Lithuania (a former state in the Soviet Union), I would be glad to discuss such and help in the contact of others who have been involved in this work. All of us believe that the work in Vilniusis merely the start of the spread of the gospel to all to Lithuania and much of the western pal of the former Soviet Union. Please help in this effort if it is at all possible.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 15
May 6, 1993

Possessed By Our Possessions(6): They First Gave Then selves to the Lord

By Jady W. Copeland

This article and the number three article are the very core of our theme  “Possessed By Our Possessions.” We ask again, “Do we control our material possessions or do they control us?” If we are in control, then everything we do with our goods will honor God. Do they cause us to do something that would not honor him? If God is my master, he is in control. Likewise if I am in control of my possessions they serve me.

The broad base of Christianity is love. “We love, because he first loved us” (In. 4:19). God is love, and if we choose him as our master, then the attributes he has (to perfection) must be our desires and resolves. The Lord set our priorities and our rule for living in Matthew 22:37 when he said for us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is total commitment to the master who created us and gave us perfect directions for life here and hope for the life hereafter.

One’s master can be known by looking at his service (Rom. 6:16). We are the “servant of him whom we obey.” If we look at the servant, we can know who is the master. If we obey the desires of Satan, he is our master. If we obey God, then he is our master. One who is not serving God (whether in ignorance or simply refusing to obey the Lord) has Satan as his master. And one cannot serve both. if “things” control us we are the servant of materialism. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24). God and mammon are opposites. We make the choice either purposefully or by default  perhaps ignorantly. We can (with God’s help and strength) be master of our material goods or in weakness we may let the desire for money, goods, houses and pleasure so control our lives that in effect we are mastered by possessions. Many Christians (I am afraid) honestly believe they are in control of their total being but when the test comes God takes second place.

Sincere Love (2 Cor. 8:1-9)

The Macedonians had “sincere love” and Paul wanted the Corinthians to have the same love as proven by the earnest way these brethren gave to their brethren. Notice verse five: “And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” It seems to me that “giving themselves to the

Lord” is about the same as loving God with all one’s being (Matt. 22:37). One who has given himself to the Lord will hold nothing back he is willing to use his time, money, efforts and all his abilities to the service of God and put nothing between himself and the Lord. Notice the “sincere love” of the Macedonians.

There are several expressions in this text that truly emphasize the great love in giving themselves to the Lord. Even in their “deep poverty” they joyfully gave to their brethren in need (v. 2). And this was “in much proof of affliction” that they gave of themselves. They gave “beyond their power” (ability, NAS). Being poor themselves, they were still willing to share what they had. And not only joyfully, but they gave “of their own accord” more than Paul evidently expected. In Romans 12:9 Paul wrote, “Let love be without hypocrisy.” As we look closely then at the attitude of the Macedonians who in their “poverty” gave joyfully even beyond their power, because they first “gave themselves” to the Lord and were thinking of the good they could do for the needy brethren, we truly see “sincere love.” It was not hypocritical love. With that attitude I think we don’t worry about the Macedonians being “possessed by their possessions.” (Read brother Robert Turner’s good article, Abound in This Grace Also in the March 4 issue of GOT.)

The Christian’s Attitude Toward the Material

Where is your life centered? On what do you concentrate your thoughts and deeds? In whom is your hope? From whence comes all good things (Jas. 1:17)? Isn’t it a shame that too many have their mind set on the “gifts” instead of the “giver”? When we look at our blessings, how can we who believe in God be so inappreciative of the source of these blessings? And too often we promptly set our minds, our affections, our time and all we have on the gifts and forget the giver.

Now let us note carefully Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:26: “For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” But this statement is preceded (v. 24) by the root principle  deny self. “Self” is at the bottom of most (if not all) sins. “Self” wants the things we can see, use and profit by at the present time. Jesus said, “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). And here he was talking of the necessities of life. Knowledge of our priorities is not our problem  pushing aside “self” and the desires for “things” (which give us pleasure here) and putting the kingdom first is the problem.

Perhaps if we look at the purpose of material things we can better appreciate the Christian’s proper attitude toward the things of the world. After all, is not food merely to sustain us in this life? What about the life to come? At the judgment, the things we may have accumulated in this life will seem pretty insignificant.

In the parable of the sower (Matt. 13) the seed that fell among thorns represented “he who heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (v. 22). In the lives of men there seems to always be competition between the “cares of the world and .. . riches” and the desire to serve God. If one seeks God first, serving God will win but if we love the riches and things of this life more, then God comes out second in the race. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Heavenly and Earthly Treasurers

Jesus said, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through and steal: for where thy treasure is there will thy heart be also” (Matt. 6:20-21). This statement by our Lord surely sets the priorities for his followers concerning material things. Live your life so that your goal is on heaven, for regardless of how hard this life may be, your treasure cannot be taken from you  if that treasure is in heaven. Earthly treasurers are temporary; they decay, are taken from you unjustly and thus in the long run give little lasting satisfaction. The statement by Harold Fowler sums up this idea: “Jesus knows that he cannot leave man as he is, bombarded by contradictory ethics and driven by inward desires and harassed by daily worries. Man must possess a moral principle that will rivet his attention on God, cause him to reject worldly ideals and treasure heaven above all other joys. Further, Jesus knows that there are two persistent, dangerous rivals to that one true objective that must command our undivided loyalty and effort, two rivals which will choke out his word every time: the worries of the world, the worries of life (Lk. 8:14) and the deceitful attractiveness of wealth (Matt. 13:2). Jesus must destroy man’s confidence in wealth as a genuine support, and by building confidence in the Father, he must exterminate man’s worry” (emp. mine, JWC) (The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1, pp. 368-369; College Press, Joplin, MO).

Have we truly “given ourselves to the Lord”? This is time commitment and total dedication. When we have that desire, when we have that commitment, then the attitude toward materialism will take care of itself. When one confesses that “Jesus is the Son of God” this is really unconditional surrender to him as Lord and Master. We must let him be our Master  not material things.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 14-15
May 6, 1993