Everyday Spiritual Life

Acts 2:41-47

On the day of Pentecost peter had preached and The Holy Spirit produced conviction on the peoples hearts according to Acts 2:37. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?“ Clearly the condition Jesus set in John 6:44 has been met. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:…” There is a sincere interest, not just a
“try it to get the toy” attitude.

Peter gave a clear response in Acts 2:38. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” They must repent, they must acknowledge their sin and the resulting necessity for salvation through Jesus Christ, as the very son of God. If they believed that, they were to be baptized because of their belief. They would receive the Holy Spirit as a result. Many acted on Peter’s statements.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)

Those who accepted their sin and willingly repented of it, believing in the Lord got baptized, and were added to the church. The reading implies that there were others who did not follow up, either by believing, or by being baptized. For those who did, the promise that they would receive the Holy Spirit, as promised, is demonstrated in the next few verses. Let’s examine the results.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

Jesus said the Holy Spirit would focus attention on the Things of Christ, not on his own glory, guiding them into all truth. He would effectively reinforce what the Apostles taught, as we see in John 16:13-15. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” This resulted in a recognition of the power the Holy Spirit gives.

“And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” (Acts 2:43)

Fruit is the natural product of the fruit tree, and the fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of his presence in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” It is apparent in the description of the Church attitude.

“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:44-47)

The love is obvious from the fact that every one was willing to share what they had so everyone had what they needed. Their faith is demonstrated by their willingness to give up their current advantages on behalf of others. They were meek, in singleness of mind working together for a single goal, rather than their own ideas. They were gladly rejoicing in what God was doing, and praising him for it. This was the everyday attitude of the believers, and should be of every Christian. Such goodness produced favor from all the people, and resulted in others being saved and added to the church.