Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-01-10
Jan. 81: The Believing People-Acts 2:37-4

Between the lesson of last week and
this came the outline of Peters consent,
given by Luke only in the most condensed
form. From what is given us we should
conclude that it was the most simple and
direct statement of facts concerning the
wonderful gift that had that day come
upon the disciples. and concerning Christ
who had promised and bestowed the gift
with the pointed declaration that Jesus
the crucified, was both Lord and Christ.
Peter was bold preacher that day, and
he used all planness of speech, The
present lesson gives us an idea of the
immediate effect of that sermon upon those
who listened, and it is worth our while to
mark the results. First notice that the
plainness of speech used did not seem to
offend those who heard. 1t affe cted their
hearts. But not in the way of stirring up
pride and revengeful opposition to the
truth. 1t would be natural to expect that
the people would be terribly enraged at
the charge made against them in the
sermon. But we are to remember that
this preaching was under the special
direction of the holy spirit, so that,
while it was plain and severe it was yet
so uttered that it left the opposition
unarmed, and the hearts of those who
heard broken. For the real Specification
of the term, pricked in the heart;
is that their hearts were broken
into penitence. The question they asked
is the best proof of good and efficient
preaching. The multitude: inquired respect-
fully "what shall we dop' 1t is always an
excellent compliment to any sermon that
men remain to inquire what shall we do.
For this indicates that they have heard in
such way as TO affect their hearts and
produce change in purpose for the
future; and, further, it indicates that they
are willing to receive instruction, they
have taken on a teachable disposition
preaching.
Peter was not ut loss to know how to
answer such a question. The preaching
to which he had first listened from the lips
of the Master gave him a ready answer.
Repent was always put first in the early
eXhortations. Change your mind or bear
ing toward Jesus, was part of what was
implied in that word as it was used on the
day of Pentecost, and it is a very impor-
tant part of its meaning now.
From the spirit Of hatred which had
prompted them to slay Christ they were to
turn to Il spirit which would lead them to
accept him as their Savior and only hope;
such change as that can without violence
be called conversion. But more than
this, and a thing quite as important for
them to do was this: they were to
acknowledge the change wrought in them
by the outward sign of baptism. The
putting away of the old mind or old
disposition toward Jesus, was to be
outwardly witnessed by tho washing
of baptism. Peter did not make any
compromise with those men in view of the
peculiar circumstances in which thev
were placed by their former lives, bnt set
before them at once what would be
required of them if they escaped the
condemnation that their sins merited.
But in giving the strict requirement of
the gospel, he also held out encouragement,
"Ye shall receive the holy ghost" he says,
if the steps of repentance and confession
of Christ are first taken. Every sermon
falls short of being real gospel sermon
which does not have in it some encourag.
ing promise. He assured them that the
promise of this great gift was for them
and their children, and to all that are afar
off. 1t was not boon bestowed upon the
disciples as apostles simply but upon all
who will believe and turn unto the Lord. |
Peter then continued in the line ofatelling |
exhortation, urging his hearers to save
themselves from the guilt and doom of
those who had put to death the Lord of |
glory. This cxhortation being ended those
who were willing to accept Jesus on the
testimony they had and to confess him
before the world were at once baptized |
and received into the fellowship of the
believers.
Some considerable importance attaches
to the expression "gladly received the
word" it indicates a mind open to the
truth ready TO receive it even though it be
most unpleasant to the natural man. 1t
was not an easy thing for stubborn Jew
to yield and confess as the Son of God one
he had been taught to despise. Butla love
for the truth had taken hold of them, 50