The term "First Converts" refers to the initial individuals who embraced the Christian faith during the early days of the Church, as recorded in the New Testament. These converts played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the early Christian communities.

Pentecost and the First Converts

The Day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, marks a significant moment in the history of the early Church. Following the ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles gathered in Jerusalem, where they received the Holy Spirit. This event empowered them to preach the Gospel with boldness. Peter, addressing the crowd, proclaimed the death and resurrection of Jesus, urging the people to repent and be baptized. Acts 2:41 records, "Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day." These individuals are considered among the first converts to Christianity.

The Conversion of the Samaritans

The spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem is highlighted in Acts 8, where Philip the Evangelist preached in Samaria. The Samaritans, who were historically at odds with the Jews, received the message of Christ with great joy. Acts 8:12 states, "But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." This event signifies the breaking of cultural barriers and the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

The Ethiopian Eunuch

Another notable early convert is the Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in the court of the queen of the Ethiopians. As he traveled from Jerusalem, he encountered Philip, who explained the Scriptures to him, particularly the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the suffering servant. Moved by the message, the eunuch requested baptism. Acts 8:38 recounts, "And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him." This conversion highlights the reach of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Cornelius and the Gentile Converts

The conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, as it signifies the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 10 describes how Cornelius, a devout man, received a vision instructing him to send for Peter. When Peter arrived, he preached the message of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. Acts 10:44-45 notes, "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles." Cornelius and his household were baptized, marking the beginning of the Gentile mission.

Lydia and the Philippian Converts

In Acts 16, Paul and his companions traveled to Philippi, where they encountered Lydia, a seller of purple goods. Lydia, described as a worshiper of God, listened to Paul's message, and the Lord opened her heart to respond. Acts 16:15 records, "And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us." Lydia's conversion and hospitality exemplify the transformative power of the Gospel and the establishment of a Christian community in Philippi.

The Jailer at Philippi

Later in Acts 16, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi. An earthquake opened the prison doors, and the jailer, fearing the escape of the prisoners, was about to take his own life. Paul intervened, assuring him that all the prisoners were present. The jailer, moved by the events, asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). Paul and Silas replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31). The jailer and his family were baptized, becoming part of the early Christian community.

These accounts of the first converts illustrate the dynamic and diverse nature of the early Church, as the message of Jesus Christ transcended cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries, drawing people from all walks of life into the fold of the Christian faith.