A large group of these men came together because they heard the noise. They were surprised because, as the apostles were speaking, every person heard in their own language.
They were all amazed at this. They did not understand how the apostles could do this. They said, "Look! These men we hear speaking are all from Galilee.
Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others have changed their religion to worship God like Jews. We are from these different countries, but we can hear these men in our own languages! We can all understand the great things they are saying about God."
Then Peter stood up with the other eleven apostles. He spoke loudly so that all the people could hear. He said, "My Jewish brothers and all of you who live in Jerusalem, listen to me. I will tell you something you need to know. Listen carefully.
'God says, In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,* your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams.
"My fellow Israelites, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you. He proved it by the miracles, wonders, and miraculous signs he did through Jesus. You all saw these things, so you know this is true.
Jesus was handed over to you, and you killed him. With the help of evil men, you nailed him to a cross. But God knew all this would happen. It was his plan—a plan he made long ago.
David knew this before it happened. That is why he said this about that future king: 'He was not left in the place of death. His body did not rot in the grave.' David was talking about the Christ rising from death.
Jesus was lifted up to heaven. Now he is with God, at God's right side. The Father has given the Holy Spirit to him, as he promised. So Jesus has now poured out that Spirit. This is what you see and hear.
Peter said to them, "Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Then God will forgive your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The believers spent their time listening to the teaching of the apostles. They shared everything with each other. They ate together and prayed together.
The believers shared a common purpose, and every day they spent much of their time together in the Temple area. They also ate together in their homes. They were happy to share their food and ate with joyful hearts.
The believers praised God and were respected by all the people. More and more people were being saved every day, and the Lord was adding them to their group.