Cases
of Conversion: The 5,000
In Acts 4:4 the text says, “...many of those
who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about
five thousand.” Wow, what an exciting time in the early days of the
New Testament church! What brought about such a large number of converts
in a conflicted society?
It began with a simple act of compassion. In Acts 3 we read of Peter and
John healing a “man lame from his mother’s womb” (3:2). While
these miracles lasted for only a limited time, the love Peter and John
showed was to endure (1 Corinthians 13). Indeed, by our Christ-like
compassion we can open the door to teach others about Christ.
Yet, compassion was not merely enough. While a good example is to be
commended, it can be wasted if we fail to teach. So, Peter begins
teaching the people about God’s great love. He starts with God’s great
promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and finishes with the promise’s
fulfillment in Jesus Christ (Acts 3:12-16). This is the heart of the
gospel message—God’s love for mankind.
Yet, God’s love for mankind is not enough if we fail to see its purpose.
This crowd had sinned against God by crucifying Jesus Christ (Acts
3:17-18). They were in need of God’s forgiveness. This could only be
done if they would hear the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our
Savior (Acts 2:20).
Hearing was not enough either. They needed to do something with the
gospel they heard! Acts 3:19 says, “Repent therefore and be
converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of
refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” This conversion
process was quite similar to the repentance and baptism commanded in
Acts 2:38.
What a wonderful message! Even so, Peter and John are arrested in Acts
4:3. Despite their arrest, 5,000 souls are added to the number. Friends,
God loved you too. Jesus died for you, just as He did for the 5,000.
Will you turn from your sins and obey Him?
August 2006