In The Very First Christians (Part Two), we go back in time to watch the Holy Spirit transform the disheartened disciples into anointed apostles of Christ.

The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Acts 2:1-4 NIV

On Pentecost, Peter gave the first gospel message. That is, the first by someone other than Jesus.

Peter spoke to a large group on a street in Jerusalem and he made it clear that Jesus was both Lord and Messiah. He told them to repent and receive the gift of salvation.

Peter spoke so persuasively that many new believers were added that very day.

The First Gospel Message

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear…

³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸ Peter replied, “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. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” …⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:32-33, 36-39, 41 NIV

The Story Of The Very First christians

Much of what we know about the very first Christians comes from Luke’s second book, The Acts of the Apostles.

In this wonderful book, we see the exact moment when the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples and followers of Jesus.

After this, they went out in faith and began sharing the gospel message and welcoming new believers who had never seen Jesus.

We belong to this group of believers, those who did not know Jesus when he walked and preached on the earth. Though we have not seen him physically, we still believe. In this, we are just like those who listened and believed on the day of Pentecost.

The Faith of the First Christians 

Though much time has passed since those days, the truth of the gospel message has not changed. The faith of The Very First Christians was personal. And we have that same opportunity–to have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Once the Holy Spirit touched them, they no longer had allegiance to doctrines or buildings or priests. Instead, they placed their faith, loyalty, and hope in the living Messiah, Jesus Christ.

‘A Great Cloud of Witnesses’

Much has changed over the past two thousand years, but Jesus has not changed one bit. He still stands at the right hand of the throne of God interceding for us, just as he did for the very first Christians. Those early believers are members of ‘a great cloud of witnesses’ who have gone before us in our faith.

Yours in Christ, Kurt 

If you have not yet read the first post in this series, click here: The Very First Christians