Portion: Acts 2:36–42 (Refer to Attachment)
Theme: Gospel Response – From Conviction to Community
Keywords (Pencil Notes): Repent, Promise, Community, Devotion, Save, Apostles
📜 Context (Concise):
This passage captures the powerful moment after Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches boldly, declaring Jesus as both Lord and Messiah. The people are deeply convicted, and what follows is a beautiful picture of response, transformation, and the birth of the early Church. Acts 2:36–42 highlights both the message and the model for those who respond to Christ today.
🧭 Structured Reflections:
🟣 Instruction :
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“Peter’s words pierced their hearts” (v.37)
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“Those who believed…” (v.41)
The Word of God is not just to inform but to pierce the heart. The people’s question, “What should we do?” reveals readiness for transformation. Belief is not merely intellectual—it’s a heart response that leads to action.
🟠 Command to Obey :
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“Each of you must repent…” (v.38)
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“Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” (v.40)
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“Devoted themselves…” (v.42)
Peter doesn’t offer suggestions—he gives commands. Repentance, baptism, and separation from the world are non-negotiable responses to the gospel. Devotion to teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer was not an add-on but the essence of early Christian life.
🧠 Illustration: Like entering a new kingdom, the gospel requires a change of passport—leaving behind the old citizenship of sin and joining a new community with new habits.
🟡 Promise to Claim :
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“You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (v.38)
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“This promise is to you, your children, and to those far away…” (v.39)
The promise of the Spirit is not limited by age, distance, or background. It’s a universal offer for all who call on the Lord. This is God’s seal on the believer’s life—empowering, guiding, and uniting us with Him.
🟢 Example to Follow :
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“God has made this Jesus… both Lord and Messiah!” (v.36)
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“Peter continued preaching…” (v.40)
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“The apostles performed many signs…” (v.43)
Peter models Spirit-led boldness. The apostles model faithfulness in ministry. And the believers—many of them new—respond with immediate devotion. These examples show how gospel proclamation and lifestyle go hand in hand.
✨ Practical Application:
Ask yourself: “How have I responded to the Gospel?”
Let the truth pierce your heart, lead you to repentance, and stir devotion. Join the community of believers—not just in name, but in lifestyle. Don’t delay. Like the early church, be quick to believe, bold to obey, and faithful to gather.
🧭 Action Step: Write down your personal response to Peter’s call. Have you repented? Are you walking in fellowship and devotion?
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