PRUMC Devotions

Acts 2:37-47

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “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. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Is it coincidence that Luke links his description of the first Christian converts with a portrayal of life in the early Church? We are told that upon hearing Peter preach, three thousand people were added to the church; further, these converts devoted themselves to learning, fellowship, and prayer. The result of the apostles’ and convert’s devotion was a church in which the needs of all were met. Free from worry about material possessions, members of the church were able to provide for the needs of the poor and downtrodden. We should probably not be surprised when we learn that “awe fell upon everyone” and that “day by day the Lord added to their number”.

Indeed, the order of the story seems like more than mere happenstance. Luke appears to be correlating conversion to Christ with the good works done by believers upon conversion. A subtle aspect of Luke’s description might be the notion that a relationship with Christ is more than a spiritual experience. If our lives have been touched by the saving power of God, then the effects should be felt both inside and outside the church. The Christian life cannot be led in seclusion; the world should experience the fruits of our relationship with Christ.

Prayer: God, help us to cultivate the fruits of your Spirit that rest in each of us, so that we might show your love to all.

Scott Grantland,
Duke Divinity School Intern