Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:41
This verse records the practical fruit of Pentecost: about three thousand souls were added to the early church after accepting the message and choosing baptism. The phrase “gladly received his word” indicates heartfelt acceptance rather than mere intellectual assent. The number demonstrates the explosive growth of the church at its birth and the effectiveness of Spirit-filled proclamation. The context shows communal life forming quickly: people respond, commit, and join a new community around apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
Theologically, this moment shows conversion as a communal act as well as an individual one. It highlights baptism as initiation into the people of God and the new life within the Spirit. It also signals the birth of the Messianic community that continues Jesus’ mission in the world.
Today, this invites church leaders to cultivate environments where people can respond openly to the gospel. It also challenges believers to welcome new members, nurture growth, and support newcomers through mentoring, catechesis, and integration into worship, service, and communion. It demonstrates that evangelism should produce measurable growth—though not for numbers’ sake alone, but for discipleship and mission.
Cross-References: Luke 15:7; John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7