I am a Jesus pusher!!! Peter spent much time with the Jews of the Dispersion. After an entire sermon, he testified, exhorted, and clarified their need. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:41). What a description of these new converts! They are those who gladly received. It is a translation of the Greek word “apodechomai.” “Apo” is the prefix, which means “from.” The main Greek word is “dechomai,” which means “to take or to receive.” It is in the middle voice, which focuses on their personal preference. It helps to form the subject of the sentence. This verb is only used seven times in the New Testament. Exclusively Luke uses it. Luke uses this word six times to express the joy and openness of those who welcome a person or a group of persons.
However, in our passage, Luke uses it to focus on receiving his word. What a moment it was in the lives of these Jews. The devastating reality of their guilt was followed by the message of forgiveness. Jesus was the content of his word. Everything they missed, they could now possess in Jesus. Everything they had pushed out of their lives, they could now embrace as theirs in Jesus. God’s plan as fulfilled in Jesus could be their experienced. Love, peace, forgiveness, and the fullness of the Spirit of God is now theirs in Jesus. No wonder they embrace this word with gladness! It is the good news of Jesus. What a privilege to bear news of victory. I am a Jesus pusher!!!