Before delving into the meaning of preach the gospel, preach the word and obedience, it is necessary to examine Acts Chapter 2, verses 39-47. Peter spoke of  this promise and what was the promise? It was the promise of salvation and the Holy Spirit. Peter made the promise of salvation in Acts 2:21 and the giving of the holy Spirit in Acts 2:38. Verse 39 restates what he said previously and then expands it to the offspring of the believers (not referring to infant or childhood baptism, rather when they are of age they too can receive the promise through obedience of faith) and those who are afar off undoubtedly being a reference to the Gentiles. Jesus said, And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (John 10:16). He told the apostles But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit fulfilled the words of Jesus that Pentecost Day and  Peter delivered the message of salvation.

Also in verse 39, Peter’s message contains the words as many as the Lord our God shall call. How does the Lord call men and women to him? It is through the gospel, not by some so-called miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit “getting all over a person” as many preach. The calling is through the gospel, the same message Peter preached on that day; the same message and method for salvation found throughout the New Testament. 

Then in verse 40, more evidence is found concerning Peter’s preaching. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Luke did not see fit to record  the many other words Peter spoke. The last instruction of  Save yourselves from this untoward generation is as close to “get saved” that ever will be found in the scriptures (occurs the only time here), and it does not refer to “get saved” as false teachers proclaim. Verse 41 reveals how they saved themselves Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. What word was received? All that Peter spoke from Acts 2:14 to verse 40. They were baptized into Christ and received salvation and the Holy Spirit as promised.

Verses 42 through 47 is the record of their new life in Christ, having been saved from their vile act of murdering their Savior. They had unity verse 44 through 46, and verse 47 shows that they praised God for their deliverance And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Men and women submit to the gospel of salvation and Jesus adds to his family, recording their names in the Lambs Book of life. (Found one time in Philippians 4:3 and 7 times in Revelation, 3:5, 13:8,17:8, 20:12 and 15, 21:27, and 22:19).

It is plainly written in the verses studied so far that the Holy Spirit doesn’t grab anyone and make them “get saved” as is commonly proclaimed. The Holy Spirit fell on the apostles and no one else on that day and did not include the 120 that the false teachers claim. That false idea is the path to their false doctrine of “get saved.”

The next lesson will begin with the meaning of preach the gospel and preach the word. They will be linked to obedience which will be examined in part V.

© 01-21-2012 DEC

 Next Preaching the Gospel Part IV