Acts 2:40-42

Holy Spirit places the shield of faith over us to protect us from the evil in this world. Many years ago He gave me a vision of the shield and three times He let me hear the pings of the fiery darts that were leveled at me. I remained safe in that protective enclosure. God always sees the heart of man.

Romans 14:1 (ESV) "As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions."

Unfortunately, harsh judgment still actively divides some Christians today - even though Scripture instructs us to be unified in faith in order to avoid division within the Church. (Ephesians 4:4-6) Yes, we're called to hold one another accountable as brothers and sisters in Christ, but only using careful discernment. (John 7:24) And in exercising this discernment, we must examine our own hearts to ensure our motives are pure. Whenever we quarrel over differences, we forget about Jesus' work on the cross. Therefore, the body of Christ should seek to be governed and guided by the mind of Christ because we all belong to Him. By His grace, we're accepted.

Cornelius was an officer in the Roman army. An angel told Cornelius to get in touch with Peter, and Cornelius sent three men to find him. Meanwhile, Peter heard the call of God’s Spirit in his heart. “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them” (Acts 10:19-20 NKJV).

The next day Peter told Cornelius about Jesus and the gospel, adding “God has shown me that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit” (Acts 10:28 CEV). Soon, the presence of the Spirit was among them, and they were replicating Pentecost. These things happen when we choose to follow Christ instead of our culture. Max Lucado

Acts 2:40-42

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The New King James Version

Crooked generation refers to all people—both Jewish and non-Jewish people—who reject Jesus. In the old testament, the phrase describes the people of Israel who rebelled against God in the wilderness.

The Church enjoys amazing growth as a result of Peter’s first Pentecost sermon, a testimony to the truth of the good news of Jesus and the power of His Spirit. Faithlife Study Bible

The response to Peter’s sermon was tremendous. Such impressive growth in the number of believers created additional needs and responsibilities. The apostles had the duty of training this large group and bringing them into fellowship with the other believers. This was a four-step process: (1) The new believers were to be trained in the apostles’ doctrine. Uniformity of belief concerning the person of Jesus Christ—based on the eyewitness testimony of His followers—was essential. (2) The new believers were to be trained in the fellowship of the church. The Greek word translated fellowship means sharing in the lives of other believers. (3) The new believers were to be trained in the breaking of bread, probably a reference to the Lord’s Supper. Some believe this is a broader reference to the “love feast,” a meal of fellowship in the early church. (4) The new believers were to be trained in the discipline of prayer. The NKJV Study Bible

From the first delivery of that Divine message, it appeared that there was Divine power going with it; and thousands were brought to the obedience of faith. But neither Peter’s words, nor the miracle they witnessed, could have produced such effects, had not the Holy Spirit been given. Sinners, when their eyes are opened, cannot but be pricked to the heart for sin, cannot but feel an inward uneasiness. The apostle exhorted them to repent of their sins, and openly to avow their belief in Jesus as the Messiah, by being baptized in his name. Thus professing their faith in Him, they would receive remission of their sins, and partake of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. Matthew Henry Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:5 “They have corrupted themselves; they are not His children, because of their blemish: A perverse and crooked generation.

Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.”

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.