Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace and peace I pray abound in your lives. As I sit to write this letter, my heart is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the journey we have embarked upon together in faith. From the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon us in power and might, to the present days of growing the church amidst trials and triumphs, we have witnessed the hand of God move mightily among us.
Recalling the day of Pentecost, it was not merely an event but the fulfillment of our Lord’s promise—the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers, unites, and emboldens us. On that day, we saw tongues of fire and spoke in languages not our own, a testament that the Gospel was not meant for one people but for all nations under heaven. Three thousand souls were added to our number, a divine harvest that marked the beginning of the church’s explosive growth.
As we navigated those early days, we continued to honor our traditions, meeting in the Temple courts and breaking bread in our homes with glad and sincere hearts. This dual adherence to our faith in Christ and the practices of Judaism provided not only a bridge to our past but also a platform to proclaim the Messiah to our fellow Jews. Yet, the very success of our mission drew the ire of the Sanhedrin, leading to threats and persecution that eventually scattered us beyond Jerusalem’s walls. Yet, what was meant to suppress the Gospel instead spread its flame further, fulfilling Christ’s commission to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile, marked a pivotal chapter in our history, challenging our preconceptions and reaffirming God’s plan for inclusivity in salvation. This event was not just a turning point for the early church but a personal epiphany for me, revealing that God shows no partiality, but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right. The inclusion of Gentiles into the fold was a fulfillment of prophecy, and a call for us to embrace all humanity in our mission.
As we reflect on these events, it becomes clear that our journey is one of faith and obedience, guided by the Spirit. The challenges we faced—from internal disputes to external persecution—have not only tested our faith but have also strengthened it, knitting us together as the body of Christ. Each trial has been an opportunity to witness the power of God, who sustains and delivers His people.
To you who are now part of this unfolding story, I urge you to hold fast to the teachings you have received, to live out your faith with courage and compassion. Like us, you are called to be a light in the darkness, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Let your lives be a living testimony to the grace of God, serving one another in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.
Let us also remember that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
In closing, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Be diligent in prayer, fervent in spirit, and joyful in hope. Support the weak, help the poor, and bless those who persecute you, reflecting the character of Christ in all that you do.
Grace be with you all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Yours in the bond of peace,
Peter
A Fisher of Men: Peter's Reflections on the Birth and Growth of the Church