Crowd’s Reactions!

TEXT:

‘Many godly Jews were in Jerusalem that day for the religious celebrations, having arrived from many nations’ – Acts 2:5 TLB

THOUGHT:

Acts Chapter 2 records the historic Day of Pentecost when God filled the disciples with the Holy Spirit and they ran out into the streets of Jerusalem speaking in other languages the praises of God. The crowd that quickly gathered were amazed at what happened.

The Bible heading for these verses is, “The Crowd’s Response”. Today’s Teaching highlights four responses and reactions that happened on that day which are still being repeated throughout the world.

• They were confused – ‘And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language’ – Acts 2:6

True Christianity does confuse people. It does not concentrate on rules and religious practices but a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor does it promote doing the best one can in order to please God, for it labels everyone a sinner but teaches that everyone can be saved. No more uncertainty of faith because Christians know their sins are forgiven and they have eternal life!

For religious people like the Jews, the fact that works are not enough is confusing as is God loving the whole world and wanting everyone to be saved. Intellectuals like the Greek philosophers, are confused too, for they cannot work out faith with their natural minds. ‘The man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in’ – 1 Corinthians 2:14 TLB.

This why the Bible teaches, ‘Turn to the Lord and pray to him, now that he is near. Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the Lord, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive’ – Isaiah 55:6-7 GNT. Simply put, it is with the heart we believe, not our head!

• They were critical – ‘Others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”’ – Acts 2:13 NLT

The personal, supernatural infilling of the Holy Spirit was dismissed as being down to too much wine. Be careful what you say about Christianity. It is better to state you do not understand what is happening rather than dismiss it as human excesses or even devilish.

Peter reminded Christians they would be criticised, ‘You have spent enough time in the past doing what the heathen like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lust, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols. And now the heathen are surprised when you do not join them in the same wild and reckless living, and so they insult you’ – 1 Peter 4:3-4 GNT.

If people criticised Jesus every step of the way, they will do the same to you too. Do not shy away from their insults, hold your head up high and be salt and light to this evil generation!

• They were convicted – ‘Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?”’ – Acts 2:37 MSG

Peter’s preaching cut to the heart and some cried out, “What shall we do?” The true purpose of preaching is to bring a reaction either for God or against Him. Many in the crowd remained opposed to what they were hearing but to the thousands who felt convicted, Peter had a very clear and concise instruction, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ – Acts 2:38 NLT.

When a person is not at peace with God it is natural for them to feel uncomfortable or convicted as God’s goodness is trying to lead them to repent.

• They were converted – ‘Many of them believed his message and were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to the group that day’ – Acts 2:41 GNT

It is no use feeling bad about sin if you do not end up feeling good about God. Three thousand gladly took the opportunity to be saved. They were baptized in water in front of the crowds, unashamedly declaring their new-found faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

The Bible calls it, “Being born again”. ‘Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again.” You must be born again’ – John 3:3, 7 GNT.

What is your opinion of true Christianity? Are you confused about it, dismiss it as simply another religion or openly criticise followers of Jesus Christ?

It is not too late to repent and change your mind and actions. Ask God to forgive your sins and come into your heart and life. When you do that you will be able to say with certainty, “Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Lord”.