Acts 2

I wonder what it would have been like to hear twelve seemingly-uneducated men speaking my language (and dozens of others) in the middle of the crowded square. The people who were listening realized that they were Galileans (which instantly meant they were from the boondocks and were nothing more than backwoods hicks!) What would I have thought? How would I have reacted? What would I think about this sight?

The story we find in Acts 2 is the story of the very beginning of the Church. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, begin to proclaim the Good News in languages they had never studied before! Jews and God-fearers from throughout the Roman Empire were assembled in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost and they were amazed at what they heard.

As Peter begins to preach to the people, he does say what we think he should say. Peter isn't very PC and he quotes a LOT of scripture. And we find through his simple presentation of the Gospel that three thousand people came to faith in Jesus Christ.

As Peter proclaimed the Good News, the people's hearts were touched and they wondered how they could be saved. Peter's response is this:

"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."

What an amazing story. From the humblest of beginnings the new church grew into an international movement within one generation.

What stands out to you from this chapter?