Bible Questions and Answers
Browse all the questions that have been asked at thisisyourbible.com and see their answers, read the most recent questions and answers, or have a look at some prepared questions and answers on key Bible themes.
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Firstly, all of the 3,000 who were converted after listening to Peter were baptized. Many churches today teach that baptism is not necessary for salvation. However, the Bible teaches that it is absolutely necessary [see Mark 16:15,16] as a first step of obedience in one’s new life in Christ.
Secondly, life in Christ was never meant to be lived in isolation but rather together in a community of believers. Note the importance of this community life. After teaching or doctrine, which is the foundation upon which life in Christ is built, comes “fellowship.” That is to say, living together in the love of God with other believers, one’s brothers and sisters in Christ. The breaking of bread is the weekly meeting together to remember Jesus and to refocus our commitment by partaking together of the bread and wine.
Thirdly, the importance of prayer in the life of the believer and that of the church as a whole. The new community of Christians prayed together regularly and intensely for the furtherance of the Gospel and the benefit of the church as a whole and for its individual members.
The book of Acts is full of these elements of life in Christ in action in the lives of the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we picture this scene on that day of Pentecost so long ago, we can magine the excitement and joy that obviously swept through the assembled group. We feel the thrill of thousands of people, realising the truth of Scripture, and the understanding presented to them through Peter. May we too apply Peter’s instructions to ourselves, and feel that thrill in our own lives, as we understand what Jesus means to us personally.
It was most fitting that this address should have been given at Pentecost, the Festival of Firstfruits, for that day instruction began that resulted in 3,000 baptisms. The mockers were silenced. The new converts avidly joined in the study and fellowship in Christ.
Their conduct also was without reproach: "praising God . . . having favour with all the people" (Acts 2:47), as Christ had done when growing up at Nazareth (Luke 2:52). The final result of Peter's Pentecost address was a rapidly expanding Church: “…And the Lord was adding to their number day by day, those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)
May we all share in the desires and goals of those first century Christians who were privileged to receive the testimony of Christ through the words of Peter on that wonderful day of Pentecost.
If you want to come to grips with what the Bible really teaches, why not take the free online Bible study course available on our website, www.thisisyourbible.com? This course will give you a background in the major themes of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. As with everything we offer, there is no cost to you other than your time and effort. You will also have a personal tutor to whom you may pose questions either from the course itself or those questions which come to you as you read the Bible.
