Neville Turley

“Peter replied, “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 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39 (NIV)

Simon Peter was a born leader. An impulsive man of action, he often spoke without thinking. Peter’s immediate reaction in times of stress would often lead him to be corrected by our Lord.

Our Lord loved him. He was the first disciple to be called by Jesus.  A fisherman, he was with his brother, Andrew casting a net into the Sea of Galilee when Jesus walked by. “Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Mark 1:17) True to his nature, Peter at once left his nets to follow Jesus.

Gifted with languages by the Holy Spirit, Peter immediately sprang into action by preaching to the many Jewish foreigners.  That day the prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled. It was Peter’s first ever sermon and he based it on a prophecy of Joel:  “…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved … ”(Joel 2:28-32)

After listening to Peter, 3 000 people accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and they were baptised. 

The Holy Spirit continues to empower Christians today to reach out to others in their mother tongue. Some 5,1 billion people have access to the complete Bible which is available in 563 languages. Pray that as God's word continues to become available, more and more people will turn to Jesus and be added to his church.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, may we too share the gospel message so that others will respond  and be saved.  We pray this in the name of Jesus.  Amen