Contemplative Bible Reading

Acts 2:37 (New International Version 2011)

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

This verse comes from the Day of Pentecost. Peter is preaching what some call the first sermon. This is the critical point in any attempt to bring someone the gospel. It is when the listener feels something burning inside and is moved to ask a question.

In this instance, the question is:

what shall we do?

Peter responds by telling them what to do. Notice later in verse 41:

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Not everyone liked Peter’s answer. Three thousand people followed Peter’s answer, and that is a big number, but that was not everyone.

Nevertheless, the message is a good one that God uses when people are drawn to ask a question. As a spreader of the gospel, seek that moment when the listener has a question. Listen to that question and be ready with an answer.