November 19, 2012
There is so much in these two chapters! Where to begin?!?
Peter, who at one point in his life was afraid to stand boldly for Christ, was now filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and he was a changed man. He boldly spoke to the people in Acts 2 telling them they must "change your hearts and lives." Now in Chapter 3 he boldly heals a man who was crippled for 40+ years. Peter boldly speaks to the people again telling them, "So you must change your hearts and lives! Come back to God, and he will forgive your sins" and times of refreshing will come from the Lord. Peter and John were put into jail, but Peter boldly spoke to those who imprisoned them telling them, "Jesus is the only One who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through him." (Acts 4:12)
Acts 4:13 - "The leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak, and they understood that these men had no special training or education. So they were amazed." They couldn't argue against the miracles Peter and John performed and they knew what they were saying was true, but still they did not (or would not) believe. They still did not want the truth about Jesus told. They instructed Peter and John to quit talking but Peter and John could not stop. Acts 4:20 - "We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard."
It was the power of the Holy Spirit that gave Peter (an ordinary and uneducated man) the ability to speak boldly. The people wondered how they could heal a cripple. God allowed the people to see the miracles so they would believe. It isn't enough to just see, you must also believe and "change your hearts and lives." They were witnesses so they could KNOW it was the power of Jesus. But even when they could not deny the truth some still refused to surrender and believe.
While some were fighting against the truth, the believers grew even stronger and united together. They prayed and praised the maker of the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. (Reminds me of Psalm 8.) They understood that scripture was being fulfilled. They cried out to the LORD:
There is so much in these two chapters! Where to begin?!?
Peter, who at one point in his life was afraid to stand boldly for Christ, was now filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and he was a changed man. He boldly spoke to the people in Acts 2 telling them they must "change your hearts and lives." Now in Chapter 3 he boldly heals a man who was crippled for 40+ years. Peter boldly speaks to the people again telling them, "So you must change your hearts and lives! Come back to God, and he will forgive your sins" and times of refreshing will come from the Lord. Peter and John were put into jail, but Peter boldly spoke to those who imprisoned them telling them, "Jesus is the only One who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through him." (Acts 4:12)
Acts 4:13 - "The leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak, and they understood that these men had no special training or education. So they were amazed." They couldn't argue against the miracles Peter and John performed and they knew what they were saying was true, but still they did not (or would not) believe. They still did not want the truth about Jesus told. They instructed Peter and John to quit talking but Peter and John could not stop. Acts 4:20 - "We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard."
It was the power of the Holy Spirit that gave Peter (an ordinary and uneducated man) the ability to speak boldly. The people wondered how they could heal a cripple. God allowed the people to see the miracles so they would believe. It isn't enough to just see, you must also believe and "change your hearts and lives." They were witnesses so they could KNOW it was the power of Jesus. But even when they could not deny the truth some still refused to surrender and believe.
While some were fighting against the truth, the believers grew even stronger and united together. They prayed and praised the maker of the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. (Reminds me of Psalm 8.) They understood that scripture was being fulfilled. They cried out to the LORD:
"And now Lord, listen to their threats. Lord, help us, your servants, to speak your word without fear. Help us to be brave by showing your power to heal. Give proofs and make miracles happen by the power of Jesus your holy servant." Acts 4:29–30
"After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God's word without fear." Acts 4:31
"And God blessed all the believers very much." Acts 4:33Lord, we ask that you bless us, and bless us indeed. Enlarge our territories. May we see your hand working in our lives. Protect us from evil that we would harm no one. Amen.
*****
My sister and brother-in-law showed up at Mom's today totally unannounced, and are planning on staying until Thursday morning. Who shows up (from a western state) purposely unannounced and stays four days? Who does that? Especially to an elderly woman with whom you have a very strained (and almost non-existent) relationship with? That is just so incredibly selfish, rude, and disrespectful.
Next Entry: Acts 5:1–42
Next Entry: Acts 5:1–42
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