From John to Pentecost: A Timeless Answer

Not only is the Bible a beautiful book of perfect symmetry, but it gives us answers to life's most important questions.



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In the previous episode, John the baptist was the subject as was his message of repentance that prepared the way for Jesus’s ministry.  Now we look at the book of Acts which also was penned by Luke.  It tells us about the birth and early days of the church.

We fast forward about four years from John, and the situation has changed:  Jesus’s earthly ministry has been completed, and before He ascends into heaven, He hands the preaching over to His followers.  Luke recorded yet another multitude listening to candid preaching, this time by Peter and the other apostles, and on the Day of Pentecost.  The message was this: the people were responsible for killing God’s anointed one:  Jesus.   Acts 2:37 says,

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?”

And there is that question.  The same question the people had asked John.  So, how did the apostles answer?  They said…

Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And here, we have perfect, matching bookends to the ministry of Jesus:  A message of repentance.  In both cases, the people realized there was something that must be done, and in both cases, the preachers gave them something to do.

Now I want you to notice something:  This message is timeless. Verse 39:

 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”

So, are you asking the question?  If so, are you open to the answer?