April 22

It is natural that we should turn to the Acts of the Apostles to see how the first preachers proclaimed the gospel. We have ample evidence to go on, for no less than twenty-two sermons or speeches are recorded in that book. Of these, nine are by Peter (Acts 1:15ff; 2:14ff; 3:12ff; 4:8ff; 5:29ff; 8:20ff; 10:34ff; 11:4ff; 15:7ff). Nine are by Paul (13:16ff; 13:46ff; 14:13ff; 17:16ff; 20:17ff; 22:1ff; 24:10ff; 26:1ff; 28:25ff). Others are as follows: Stephen at his stoning (7:1ff); Philip to the eunuch (8:30ff); James at the council (15:13ff); and Ananias to Saul (22:12ff). What a wealth of material we have here that we may learn how to preach the gospel. These men by the testimony of their foes “turned the world upside down” (17:6) and saw thousands converted (2:41; 4:4). This was followed by a seven-fold action: they were baptized, continued in the apostle’s teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, in prayers, giving, and holy joy. O for such converts today! —G. Goodman