And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. – Luke 24:47

“Beginning at Jerusalem.” The apostles were not to pick and choose where they should start, but they were to begin at Jerusalem. Why? There were people in Jerusalem who had seen their children and their friends healed of dreadful diseases. Jesus bids His disciples face the lion in his den, and declare the gospel on the spot where, if it had been untrue, it would have been contradicted with violence. Our Lord seemed to say, “Point to the very place where My death took place. Tell them that they crucified Me, and see if they dare deny it. Bring it home to their consciences that they rejected the Christ of God.” Hence it was that, coming to the very people who had seen these things, the preaching of Peter had unusual force about it. In addition to the power of the Holy Spirit there was also this—that he was telling them of a crime which they had newly committed and could not deny. And when they saw their error they turned to God with penitent hearts. I like this thought—that they were to begin at Jerusalem, because there the events of the gospel occurred. This is a direction for you, dear friend, if you have been newly converted do not be ashamed to tell those who know you…Never be ashamed of Christ. Come straight out and say to your friends, “You know what I was, but now I have become a disciple of Jesus Christ.” Begin at Jerusalem; it was your Lord’s command. He had nothing to be ashamed of. There was no falsehood in what He bade His disciples preach, and therefore He did as good as say, “Hang up My gospel to the light. It is nothing but truth; therefore display it before My enemies’ eyes.” If yours is a true, genuine, thorough conversion, I do not say that you are to go up and down the street crying out that you are converted, but on due occasions you must not hide your convictions. Conceal not what the Lord has done for you, but hold up your candle in your own house. ~ C.H. Spurgeon