Day 45 : Acts 2:38-41
Read Acts 2:38-41
Helpful Background Information:
Reread Mark 4:30-34
Pentecost, the Jewish festival occurring 50 days after Passover, was a time when Jews from all over the Roman world gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the firstfruits of the wheat harvest (Leviticus 23:15-22). By God’s design, this feast also became the moment when the Holy Spirit was poured out on Jesus’ disciples, which marked the birth of the church. Just as the Law was given to Israel on Mount Sinai during Pentecost in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, God now gives the Spirit to His people, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32.
Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 explains that Jesus is the risen Messiah, and he calls people to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. The 3,000 people who responded that day connect directly to Jesus' parables in Mark 4:21-34, where He describes the kingdom of God starting small but expanding powerfully.
Reflection Questions:
How does Acts 2:41 relate to the words spoken by Jesus in Mark 4:30-34?
What does the Holy Spirit’s coming at Pentecost teach us about how God’s kingdom expands?
Acts 2:41 says 3,000 people were added to the church in one day. What does this teach us about the power of the gospel, and how should that impact our willingness to share our faith?
We can see Jesus’s words have clearly come true in that His Kingdom today is growing at an incredible pace. This is something to praise Him for. Yet the work is far from over … (Pause: Go reread Mark 4:24-25) … In what ways are you making an impact on the Kingdom of God with the opportunities He's provided you? (think of: your job, marriage, children, neighborhood, relationships with non-believers)