Peter Speaks Up

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” — Acts 2:38

When some people in the crowd said Jesus’ followers must have had too much wine, Peter stood up with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and spoke to the whole crowd.

Was this the same Peter who, just a few weeks before, had been too scared to admit he knew Jesus? It was! But now he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he wasn’t afraid any more.

“Listen carefully to what I say!” Peter said. “These people aren’t drunk, as you think. It’s only nine o’clock in the morning! No, this is what the prophet Joel was talking about long ago, when God said, ‘In the last days, I will pour out My Spirit on all people.’”

Then Peter told them about Jesus.

“Jesus of Nazareth did amazing miracles and signs among you, as you know. You put Him to death by nailing Him to a cross. But it was all part of God’s plan. And God raised Him from the dead, because it was impossible for death to keep hold of Him! We are all witnesses: we have seen Him alive. Now He is at the right hand of God in heaven, and He has poured out the Holy Spirit, which you have seen and heard today.

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

When the people heard this, it was as if a knife had gone into their hearts. They realised what they had done. “Brothers,” they said to Peter and the other apostles, “what shall we do?”

“Repent,” said Peter, “turn away from your sins and turn back to God, and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children, and for everyone who is far away, everyone the Lord our God will call.”

That very day, about three thousand people believed and were baptised!

When Jesus called Peter to follow Him, He said, “From now on you will catch people.” On the day of Pentecost, Peter’s net was very full indeed.

The promise kept: Peter said, “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16), and quoted God’s promise: “I will pour out My Spirit on all people.” Hundreds of years later, on the day of Pentecost, God kept it.

Read it in your Bible: Acts 2:14–41

Dear God, thank you that you forgive everyone who turns to you. Thank you that your promise is for children too. Please make me brave to tell others about Jesus, like Peter. Amen.