How does Acts 2:37 demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit's conviction? Setting the Scene at Pentecost Peter has just finished proclaiming Jesus as the crucified and risen Lord (Acts 2:14-36). Thousands of devout Jews, gathered in Jerusalem for the feast, hear his words. The Verse Itself Acts 2:37: “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ ” Evidence of the Spirit’s Convicting Power • “Cut to the heart” signals an inner wounding no human rhetoric can achieve; it is the Spirit piercing conscience (cf. Hebrews 4:12). • Conviction is immediate—no debate, no excuses. The crowd moves straight to surrender: “What shall we do?” • The response is widespread (about 3,000, v. 41), showing the Spirit’s ability to work corporately as well as individually. • The focus shifts from Peter’s preaching to God’s action: conviction is attributed to the Spirit, not the preacher. What Happens When the Spirit Convicts 1. Recognition of personal guilt in Christ’s crucifixion (v. 36). 2. Urgency to act—conviction that merely feeling sorry is not enough. 3. Openness to apostolic instruction, leading to repentance, baptism, and reception of the Spirit (vv. 38-39). 4. Visible fruit: devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (vv. 42-47). Linking Acts 2:37 to Jesus’ Promise John 16:8: “When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” • Pentecost fulfills this promise; the Spirit exposes sin (“you crucified”), reveals righteousness (Jesus exalted), and warns of judgment (Psalm 110:1 quoted in v. 35). • 1 Thessalonians 1:5 shows the same pattern: “Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” Implications for Us Today • Effective evangelism depends on Spirit-empowered proclamation, not human persuasion. • Conviction is a grace gift: the Spirit wounds to heal, drawing sinners to repentance. • Expect the same piercing work whenever Christ is proclaimed in truth; He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • Our role: faithfully present the gospel; the Spirit applies it to hearts, producing repentance and new life. |
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