Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
These converts were not merely believers of the apostles' doctrine but persevering believers, constant hearers who held fast the form of sound words they received, standing firm in the faith despite reproach and affliction. Their fellowship extended to both spiritual communion with the saints and active liberality toward the apostles and the poor, a twofold duty incumbent on all who have the means to perform it.
AI summary
serve God always, but cannot always worsliip, tlieretore they have stated times appointed tlieni. Now to cast olF the worsliip of (iod, is to renounce God himself, and connnunion with his church both on earlh and in heaven. ' Ye are they that forsake the Lord, and forget my holy mountain,' Isa. Ixv. 11.
Commenting on Ephesians 6:10-20
Peter's words struck thousands like a rod of God's strength, and what was strange and wonderful was how hard hearts suddenly became attentive, became troubled, became urgent. The Spirit worked by the word to begin and carry on a good work of grace where moments before there had been only resistance.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 2:37-41