Acts 2:37-47

Acts 2: 37-47

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Questions to consider:

• How do people respond to Peter’s address? Have you ever responded in this way? When? For what reason?
• List the aspects or manifestations of the new life of those who receive Peter’s word. Do any of these aspects characterize you?

Possibilities for prayer:

This passage gives us an inside look at what the early church community looked like—and it’s something beautiful and yet somehow intimidating to many as well. Let’s pray that God would give us the courage to push into making our community look more and more like this passage from Acts, and that He would be guiding us in how to actually make that happen.