After Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon His Apostles, and on the Day of Pentecost, they bore witness of Him. Peter addressed the crowd and explained that the miracles performed that day, such as the Apostles speaking different known languages, fulfilled prophecy (Cf. Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21). He also referenced the miracles of Jesus that the people could remember. Peter informed them that their great ancestor David had predicted that the Christ would die, be buried, resurrected, and become Ruler over His enemies. Peter did not hold back from telling his audience what they needed to hear, as they were guilty of putting to death the Lord’s Christ (Acts 2:22-36). Many of their consciences were pricked, and they wanted to know what to do! 

Note some things Peter did not say: Peter did not tell them they had already believed and, therefore, were already saved. Nor did he command them to simply confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, nor to say a sinner’s prayer, nor to merely accept Jesus into their hearts. 

Instead, Peter told them (since they had believed) to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who gladly received his word that day were baptized and saved by the Lord Himself! If you found out that you are guilty of sin, would you ask, “What should I do?” If the Apostle Peter were present, what would he say? And how would you respond?

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 

~ Acts 2:36-41

Holy God in Heaven: Thank You for Your plan to send Your Son to this world, to give His life for my sins. I am grateful for His willingness to execute this plan, and for the Holy Spirit revealing it through the teaching of the Apostles. Thank You for the written word, including the first sermon preached in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts chapter 2. I also appreciate the eyewitness testimony of Jesus and His miracles, as well as the fulfilled prophecies that were written hundreds of years prior. Most importantly, I am thankful for the faith that has been instilled in my heart through these inspired pages. I believe in Jesus with all my heart as the Christ, Master, and One who stands ready to both judge and forgive. I humbly ask You to endow me with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and may I be an active member of your spiritual kingdom, glorifying You in all things. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Amen!