After His resurrection, Jesus Christ gave His disciples their mission: “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16).

That work soon began on the Day of Pentecost when the apostle Peter gave a powerful sermon to the crowds gathered in Jerusalem for the holy day.

After Peter preached about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, many were convicted of their sins.

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins’” (Act 2:37-38).

Those who responded were baptized, with about 3,000 being added to the Church that day!

Baptism pictures the death and burial of the old self, and the rising up to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4-6 ). Learn more about this deeply meaningful Christian ceremony in the related articles.