“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation” (Acts 2:40).
As Peter and 120 followers of Jesus were baptized by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus, Peter began preaching. This is the core point of his sermon: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (2:36). This message became the core message of the early church. Peter continues, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (38). “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation” (40). In this message, my heart always becomes burning and fast beating as I am directly hearing Peter’s loud and brave voice address those in front of him. I pray that you can also feel as I do.
Peter’s shouting, “save yourselves from this corrupt generation,” implies two meanings. It is judging that their religious faith, society and tradition are corrupted. It also implies, by “save yourselves,” to repent and be born again in the Spirit of Jesus. Paul also proclaimed this message of salvation as new creation: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The first church was begun by those whose hearts were burning and beating through the baptizing with the Spirit of the risen Jesus. I pray that you can experience this dynamic heart of the early church.
At that time, the church had not any theological structure or religious system yet. It was in a primitive state with burning hearts. But the early church began dynamically. This is the original church. I pray that St. Mark’s has this vital spirit, this dynamic heart. May the Holy Spirit of Jesus be with you in this journey of the early church.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Act 2:42).
– Rev. Yong Sub Sim
During Lent we are journeying with the early church by reading the book of Acts. Here is a bookmark that you can use to track the daily readings: Lent 2023.
