The impact of Spirit-filled preaching Acts 2:37-47
Peter in his sermon sets out Christ as the Divinely appointed Saviour Who is able to save all who call upon Him for salvation. Cp Heb 7:24-25.
As his message comes to a conclusion it becomes clear that a tremendous change has been made in his hearers. Initially they mocked, v13. Now they cry out as if in pain for help to respond to the message and obtain the salvation he has preached. Here is the evidence of the Lord working through His word by His Spirit. Cp Mark 16:20.
I PIERCED HEARTS.
- They were wounded deeply by the preached word. It was what they heard that wounded their hearts. They were cut by the word of truth. This is a description of what is necessary to the salvation of a sinner. The sharp edge of the sword of the Spirit had been applied. The effect is graphically described in Heb 4:12. Spiritually, this simply describes the exposure of sin in every part of the being and the working of death as a consequence. There can be no salvation without such cutting!
- An inquiry is produced. This too is a work of grace. Cp 7:54. A man cut by the gospel can still reject it! This inquiry indicates a recognition of their need of outside help. This is the cry of mortally wounded men desperate to live.
- They ask the Apostles. The very men whose words had cut them! The same message that wounds is recognized as containing the answer and remedy. Cp James 1:21. The opening of the heart in conviction of sin is to the end that it is prepared to receive the healing truth, the good seed of the gospel.
II THE REMEDY FOR HEARTS WOUNDED BY THE GOSPEL.
Peter announces in a simple, precise and clear way, what they must now do.
- Repent. Repentance is an action that involves a recognition of the true nature of sin, Ps 51:4, Rom 3:20; sorrow over it, 2Cor 7:9-11; confession of it, 1Jn 1:7; and turning from it to God. It involves a change of nature, mind, direction etc. Men have a duty to repent, 17:30; and yet it is the gracious gift of God, 11:18, 2Tim 2:25.
- Faith. That faith is at work here is evident from one aspect of it that is emphasized in v41. Faith gladly embraces the promise of God and obeys His commands. The object of faith is identified here in the context of baptism, v38. They are to identify themselves with the Saviour!
- Remission. Where faith and repentance work pardon is experienced. Spiritual cleansing results and this is symbolized in their baptism.
- The gift of the Holy Ghost. The believing penitent who turns to Christ becomes the dwelling place of the Spirit. Cp Rom 8:9, 1Cor 6:19-20, Eph 3:17.
- Peter’s words enforced, v39-40. He reinforces his revelation of the remedy by referring to the promise of God. He evidently urges the truth upon these men with much intreaty!
III THE EVIDENCES OF A REAL WORK OF GRACE.
- Added to the Apostolic church, v41. These verses make it very clear that these converts immediately became part of the visible church. They joined themselves to the Apostles. A public affiliation with the people of God is a mark of the Christian.
- A steadfast spirit in the things of God, v42. The steadfastness of these new believers is defined as involving:
- The apostles’ doctrine.
- Fellowship. This will relate to both the Apostles and other believers. Cp 1Jn 1:3.
- The Lord’s supper observed. This is what is referenced here. These saints steadfastly remembered the death of the Lord Jesus.
- Prayers. They were part of the prayer life of the church.
- The fear of God, v43. A fear of God lies at the very foundation of the experience of salvation, Prov 9:10. They continued in that fear/reverent regard for the Lord. It is linked here to the continued display of God’s power among them through the Apostles.
- Self-sacrificing unity, v44-45. There was a desire for unity among these saints. The spirit of self-sacrificing kindness to one another is to be observed. It is no accident that these two things are brought together! The preservation of gospel fellowship is often costly.
IV HOW THE WORK WENT ON.
Cp v46-47. These verses describe the work of the Apostles.
- Daily continuance. Day by day they went on in the work that the Lord had called them to. The spirit of unity among them was preserved and they laboured together.
- Public and private ministry. They taught in the Temple; they met with the saints in more private settings for acts of worship.
- A single-minded, happy devotion to the work of God. Even to the basic matter of their food, they devoted themselves to the service of God. Gladness and praising God marked their routine.
- The response of the people, v47. The people delighted in such ministry among them. This was what they approved of and supported.
- The Lord continued to work, v47. In such a context the Lord is pleased to work