Peter’s first sermon lasts about two minutes. As a result, 3,000 people become Christians through baptism. Sunday’s first reading from Acts describes their moment of conversion.
Peter’s preaching deeply shakes his hearers. In fact, literally, the text says his words pierced to the heart. This is the only place a New Testament writer uses the Greek word katanusso, which describes a deep penetration or stab wound. The word indicates that something sudden and unexpected penetrates people’s self-awareness.
“What shall we do?” they ask. Their moment of conversion arrives. Like the newly baptized in our midst, these listeners have heard the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. They must act to bring it to fulfillment.
Peter’s response is precise and concise, “You must repent and be baptized!” Repentance is an essential part of a genuine conversion. Baptism is a public demonstration of faith. Christians cannot live as closet believers in the risen Christ.
Peter expects his hearers to make a hard decision, to choose something that was not politically correct in their day. He expects them to turn their back on the norms of their society, to go against the flow, and to make a public commitment to Jesus Christ. Peter leaves no place for any hiding or hedging.
What are we to do?
On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them: “Let the whole house of Israel know beyond any doubt that God has made both Lord and Messiah this Jesus whom you crucified.”
When people heard this, they were deeply shaken. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, brothers?” Peter answered: “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that your sins may be forgiven; then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s promise is for you, your children, and all who are far away, all whom the Lord our God calls.”
In support of his testimony he used many other arguments, and kept urging, “Save yourselves from this generation which has gone astray.” Those who accepted his message were baptized; some three thousand were added that day.
Acts of the Apostles 2.14,36-41
- When have you experienced a moment of conversion?