3000

[KyleB]

My father-in-law mentioned this today in passing, and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts.

In Exodus 32:28, around the time when Moses was delivering the message of the Old Covenant, 3000 people were slain because of disobedience to God.

In Acts 2:41, when Peter was delivering the message of the New Covenant, 3000 people were saved because of obedience to God.

My thought is "interesting, but probably a coincidence." Does anyone see any significance in this?

[steve]

I have heard preachers draw attention to that parallel. It has always seemed to me likely to be coincidental. Maybe not, though.

[Homer]

I have long considered the comparison to be an apt one. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3, referred to the Old Covenant as "the ministry of death" and on the day it was given 3000 died. And on the day of Pentecost, when Peter used those keys to throw open the gates of the kingdom 3000 are saved! What symmetry! I don't think it was an accident.