ACTS of the Apostles

Tuesday, April 26

ACTS of the Apostles

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 3:11-26

Focus Verses: Acts 3:17-20

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…”

In our readings from Acts today, we see the Holy Spirit giving Peter boldness as he explained to the crowd in the temple that he and John had not healed the lame man by their own power (from yesterday’s passage). The people were gathering around the three men in astonishment of the healing. Immediately Peter identified the true source of the miraculous healing as Jesus Christ and asked why they were so surprised. He reminded the Jews that Jesus was the fulfillment of all prophecy concerning the Messiah and that they had rejected him and sent him to be crucified. Peter was now “preaching and teaching”! He was using everything the Holy Spirt was giving him to make sure the people in the temple knew of their wrong doings and the need to repent.

Ultimately Peter was being dynamic in spreading the Truth. He was obedient in using the situation God put him in for convincing those in the temple of their sins and encouraging them to trust Christ and experience his gracious salvation. He was giving them hope by encouraging them to accept the miracle of Jesus, admit that Jesus is indeed the living Son of God and repent their sins.

The same Holy Spirit that was alive in Peter is alive in us today! God will use us in our unique ways and situations to share the Good News. Be ready and willing!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all of the lessons of the apostles. I pray that we will be dynamic (and daring) in our words just as Peter was and that we will also spread the Truth, just as you intend. Let the Holy Spirit overflow through us so that we share your light and the way of forgiveness, refreshment and eternal life. Amen