Peter the fisherman, trained by Jesus for three years before the crucifixion and for forty days after the resurrection, delivered a powerful message at Pentecost whose bottom line was the salvation of “about three thousand souls” (Acts 2.41). 

He knew his audience – they were Jews – so he brought out the prophet Joel and talked of the fulfillment of the scriptures.  These Jews also knew about current events, so Peter could remind them of Jesus’ miracles and the part they all played in the crucifixion. 

Then he tells the rest of the story – the crucifixion was part of God’s plan!  And God raised Jesus from the dead! And the great king David saw through time to call Jesus his Lord! Best of all, Peter is obedient to the task set forward by Jesus when he says, “we all are witnesses” to the resurrection.

The Holy Spirit’s work of conviction goes beyond the miraculous tongues of flame to also miraculously cause many in the crowd to be “cut to the heart.”  They cry out, “What shall we do?”  And Peter is ready with the brief, powerful, concept laden gospel message: “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.  For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Some believed immediately.  Others had questions and needed further understanding, so Peter continued to preach: “And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, ‘save yourselves from this crooked generation.’”