The answer is: 3000

Acts 2:41

At Pentecost, an explosive moment in biblical history, we see a remarkable transformation—about 3,000 people embraced the teachings of the apostles and were baptized on that day alone! This wasn't just any gathering; it was a Jewish festival, seventh after Passover, that brought families together from grand distances, including places as varied as Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was in this electric atmosphere that the apostles publicly declared the message about Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Curiously, this event echoes back to the Sinai encounter where Moses received the law. In Exodus, about 3,000 fell in the desert due to idolatry (Exodus 32:28). This striking contrast emphasizes the theme of renewal and redemption: whereas 3,000 were lost, here, 3,000 found new life in the Spirit. It’s genuinely fascinating to see how the early church boldly turned a moment historically tied to failure into one of profound affirmation and empowerment.

Think also about the dynamics of conversion in this era! Many of these new believers might have been acquainted—or even hostile to—the overall message that the apostles were now preaching. They likely faced social and even familial pressures. Yet, the pull of genuine faith in the atmosphere of passionate preaching ignited their belief. This miracle shows that transformative faith brings a diverse community together, dropping barriers that religious convention had stood for centuries. Isn’t that the brilliance of such a movement?