As you read the Book of Acts, you soon notice several examples of people receiving the word of God. On the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, the apostle Peter preached the gospel of Christ to the Jews. Many believed and obeyed the gospel call. Luke wrote, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41).

     Later, Philip preached the gospel to the Samaritans. Hearing the message preached, believing “men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12). The apostles at Jerusalem soon “heard that Samaria had received the word of God” (Acts 8:14). The apostle Peter was sent to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Having believed the message taught, they were “baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:48). As with the Samaritans, the apostles in Judea soon “heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God” (Acts 11:1).

     The gospel is for people of all nations. Jesus Christ said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). In the first century, men preached the gospel as they traveled from place to place. Some of the people rejected the message, while others gladly received the word. The question before you now, “Have you received the word of God?”

All scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version.