The one church which Christ died for began in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2. We read of how on the Day of Pentecost, the Jews were all in one place – Jerusalem. There were Jews from all corners of the world. There were Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, Judeans and those from Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia. Others came from Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt and parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, Cretans and Arabs.

We read further that the apostle Peter standing with the other eleven apostles began to speak to the Jews who were present. He told them how they had crucified Jesus, who was both Lord and Christ. Hearing this, many of them were cut to the heart, meaning they realized they had done wrong. They asked Peter and the rest of the apostles in Acts 2:37, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?

This is the most important question! What shall we do to be saved? What did Peter tell them they should do? He told them very clearly in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Can it be more clearly stated than this, “repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins.” I do not think so! On that day, “then those who gladly received his word were baptized: and that day about three thousand souls were added to them, Acts 2:41. These three thousand were the first to be added to the church. The baptism of the three thousand was not an isolated event but was just the start.

Here is a list of them from the Book of Acts.

Peter Preaches First Gospel Message

After hearing the gospel preached by Peter, those who realized their sin, asked how they could correct themselves and receive salvation through baptism.

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

Acts 2:37-41

Philip Preaches in the City of Samaria

Phillip went to Samaria to preach Christ, both men and women were baptized after they were preached to the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:5-13

Philip Baptizes the Ethiopian Eunuch

After teaching the Ethiopian about Christ, and having come by some water, the Eunuch asked, if he could be baptized.

So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And 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.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

Acts 8:30-38

Part 2 – Continued: Examples of Baptism in the Book of Acts

If you are interested in following the will of God to be added to the church. Contact us at Alkire Road Church of Christ in Grove City, Ohio. If you live outside of the area, we can help you find a local church of Christ who can teach and baptize you.