Acts 4
As a follow up to yesterday and other recent posts, once again we read about the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit was at work during Peter's defense of himself and John in front of the Sanhedrin.
In response to "[b]y what power or what name did you do this?", Peter boldly indicates that it was "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed" (v10). Peter then goes on to further clarify who Jesus is (quoting Psalm 118:22):
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! v8
As a follow up to yesterday and other recent posts, once again we read about the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit was at work during Peter's defense of himself and John in front of the Sanhedrin.
In response to "[b]y what power or what name did you do this?", Peter boldly indicates that it was "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed" (v10). Peter then goes on to further clarify who Jesus is (quoting Psalm 118:22):
"Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” v11-12
Even the Sanhedrin saw something special in Peter and John (v13), and Peter and John continued to demonstrate great courage and boldness (vs 20 - "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”) in the face of threats from the same people who crucified Jesus.
This snapshot of the Holy Spirit is supported elsewhere in scripture, including when Paul it writes that those who believe have the same power that raised Jesus from the grave (Ephesians 1:19-21) and when Jesus says He is "with [us] until the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, who has given me the Holy Spirit to be with me and You are always with me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings - unbelieveable! I worry and I have other sins. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
