Acts 2:41

They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

'RECEIVED HIS WORD'-588. apodechomai ap-od-ekh'-om-ahee; from 575 and 1209; to take fully, i.e. welcome (persons), approve (things): -accept, receive (gladly).

-'receiving with approval' (Gr.Ex. N.T. p. 93); 'accepted what he said' (Mof).

'WERE BAPTIZED'-Which infers that those who rejected Peter's preaching were not baptized. Thus, people who reject the need to be baptized have rejected the gospel message. Carefully note that conversion is. process. These people weren't saved at the point that they believed Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 2:37).

'ADDED IN THAT DAY'-see verse 47. The Church Jesus spoke of is now established (Acts 20:28; Mark 16:18), and upon baptism the Lord Himself is adding the saved to this body. It is also referred to as the Kingdom of God (John 3:5; Colossians 1:12).

'ABOUT THREE THOUSAND SOULS'-

Point to Note:

'Some men, trying to defend. sprinkling or pouring mode of baptism, have argued that 3000 could not have been immersed during the remainder of that day, nor could. sufficient supply of water have been found near Jerusalem to accommodate. crowd like that.' (Reese p. 81) In response: (a) Peter's sermon started at Acts 9, Acts 9 a.m., and 12 apostles baptizing. person per minute could have baptized 3000 people in. 1/2 hours. (b) Jerusalem had more than enough water. Various pools existed in Jerusalem (the pool of Siloam, Upper Gihon and Lower Gihon, the Pool of Bethesda and the Pool of Hezekiah.)

Carefully note that people in the NT were baptized immediately Acts 1:41 'in that day' (Acts 8:35; Acts 10:47; Acts 16:33). Reese notes, 'It is rather anomalous to preach yourself purple in the face on the subject of the necessity of immersion to salvation, and then put off the actual baptism of. penitent believer for. week or two or longer.' (p. 82)