The book of Acts supplies numerous examples of conversions to Christ. In that Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6), the importance of these examples can not be overstated. The only way to have fellowship with God is to be converted to Christ.
In Acts 2, we read the first example of the gospel preached (14-36). Peter affirmed His sacrifice and His resurrection from the dead. A great number from the audience that day believed what Peter proclaimed about Jesus, and asked the question “what shall we do?” (37). Peter told them to repent and be baptized “for the remission of sins” (38). Summary: The gospel was preached. Believers in Christ were called to repent and be baptized to have their sins remitted. Three thousand souls did as Peter commanded, and were added to the church as they were saved (41).
In Acts 8, Philip is recorded preaching in Samaria. The people there “believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (12). Among those who believed was a man named Simon, who had previously deceived the people with his practice of sorcery. As they believed, the text reveals that “both men and women were baptized” (12), including Simon (13). Summary: The gospel was preached. Believers in Christ in Samaria were baptized.
Also in Acts 8, Philip was directed to a man of Ethiopia, a Jewish proselyte who was reading from the prophet Isaiah when they met. He didn’t understand who the prophet was referring to (in chapter 53), and invited Philip to come up into the chariot and travel with him. Philip “opened his mouth, and beginning at this scripture, preached Jesus to him” (35). In response, The eunuch said, “‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart you may.’” Philip confessed his faith that “Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (37), and then Philip baptized him (38). Summary: The gospel was preached, and the eunuch believed. He confessed and was baptized.
In Acts 9, Saul of Tarsus was traveling to Damascus when the Lord appeared to Him. Saul believed the Lord’s voice when He said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (5). Saul acknowledged Jesus as Lord, and asked, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” (6). Jesus told him to go into Damascus, and await instructions (6). A penitent Saul did so, neither eating nor drinking for three days until Ananias was sent to him by the Lord (9-16). Ananias preached to Saul, and Saul was baptized (18). Consider Saul’s own testimony of his conversion, noting that Ananias had instructed him, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Summary: Saul of Tarsus was shown that the gospel of Christ was true. As a penitent believer, he asked for further instructions. He was told to be baptized for the purpose of washing away his sins.
In Acts 10, God sent Peter to the house of a gentile named Cornelius. Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household (34-43). In response to their faith, Peter commanded them “to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (48). Summary: The gospel was preached to Gentiles as well. When the Gentiles believed, they were baptized.
In Acts 16, Paul traveled to Philippi, and preached the gospel on the river on the Sabbath day (13). A woman named Lydia heard the message of Paul, and she and her household, upon believing, were baptized (14-15). Summary: The gospel was preached to a household, and the “Lord opened” their hearts to heed it. Upon their belief, they were baptized.
Also in Acts 16, Paul and Silas were imprisoned for their faith. While in prison, the jailor asked them the question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (30). Paul preached to the jailor and his household (32). The jailor indicated his penitent spirit by washing the stripes of both men (33). We are told, “immediately he and all his family were baptized” (33). Summary: The gospel was preached to the household of the jailor. They believed. There is evidence of repentance. They were baptized.
So, what do we learn from these accounts of conversion in the book of Acts? We learn that the gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). We learn that, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). We learn that “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). We learn the necessity of a penitent heart. As Peter said, repentance is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). We learn that baptism is to “wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16).
We also learn that if we do the same things that these individuals did, we will be saved as well. When we hear the powerful gospel of Christ, we must believe it. If we believe, our hearts being pierced by its truth, we must repent of our sins. It is also necessary for us to confess Jesus as our Lord, and to be baptized so that we might “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). God is no respecter of persons. Everyone who responds to the gospel in this way can rest in the assurance that they are in fellowship with Him.
