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ACTS - In the Triumphal Procession of Christ
Studies in the Acts of the Apostles
PART 1 - The Foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Syria - Under the Patronage of the Apostle Peter, Guided by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1 - 12)
A - The Growth and Development of the Early Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1 - 7)

11. Peter and John Imprisoned and Taken to Court for the First Time (Acts 4:1-22)


ACTS 4:8-11
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole. 11 He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’

A few weeks prior to this event Peter had denied Jesus three times out of fear for his life. He cursed as if he had never heard his Lord´s name. Yet now he spoke filled with the Holy Spirit, and in him the promise of Christ was fulfilled, saying: “When they bring you to their synagogues and courts, do not worry about what you should speak. For the Holy Spirit will fill your mouths in that hour, and put the right words on your tongues. It is not you who speak, but the Lord himself. And no one can resist His wisdom and His power which works in you.” (Mt. 10:18-20)

The two apostles stood as Christ’s witnesses before the rulers of the Jewish nation. They did not speak sarcastically, but with all meekness to those who were responsible before God for leading their people. They honored them as elders to whom God had given wisdom, patience, and virtues.

In spite of that, the Holy Spirit led Peter to tell them that it was very strange to have them imprisoned and questioned for the good deed they had done in curing a man lame from birth. He considered their arrest, and the fact that they had been kept in prison all night, to be an injustice.

The two disciples, however, were not much affected by the injustice done to them. They did not talk about the healing or the power effective in their words. Instead, Peter went directly to the gist of the complaint, declaring openly God’s triumph in Jesus Christ. He did not talk out of fear or eloquence, but spoke to the rulers and all the people in plain language, knowing the importance of the hour. The Lord had qualified him to call the rulers of his nation to believe in Christ. Peter left no room for doubt about who Christ was. He was not simply a man whose life had expired. Peter declared with all clarity that Christ was Jesus, the young man of Nazareth, whom the rulers of His nation had given up to be crucified. Peter did not flatter them, but called them murderers, and even the enemies of God. They personally had crucified the Christ of the Lord. What a marvelous picture! Two fishermen become not the defendants, but the public prosecutors bringing charge against the murderers of the Son of God. They made clear to them that the reverent, judicious rulers had heinously missed the object of Old Testament history. By bringing to death the Christ, who had been promised thousands of years ago, they had broken the covenant between God and their people. Peter was the prosecutor in the name of God, and he fastened on the rulers the charge of transgression against their Lord. He proved that the Jews had not only sinned against Jesus, but also directly against God. The Holy One was not exalting them, but Jesus, whom He had raised from the dead. As such, the two fishermen condemned the chief priests, and hallowed Christ. They denounced false piety, the machinations of high office, and the haughtiness of splendor. They made clear that God does not regard the religious institutions of the Old Testament, but oversteps them. He was now giving authority to simple believers, those among the people who followed His Servant Jesus.

A great mystery is hidden in the name of Jesus. Hell fears this name more than the most deadly poison, whereas the heavens are constantly filled with praise to this name. The Holy Spirit glorified the Savior of the world, and God Himself seated Him at His right hand. Christ reigns with Him in the power of the Holy Spirit, one God eternal. Today He is working more miracles than He did while He was on earth, for He works through thousands of His servants. Millions of those who believe in Him have been renewed through the Holy Spirit. The living Christ is active, faithful, and triumphant. He who believes in Him participates in His power.

With the O.T. prophecy of the chief cornerstone, Peter clarified to the rulers that Jesus was the foundation, the power, and the crown of a huge, stately building, God’s spiritual temple. It is rising today in all the countries of the world, for he who believes in Christ builds on His temple. Christ is the head of the spiritual body that manages and directs all His active members. Christ’s spiritual body is the mystery of our age, and the result of His triumph on the cross. Have you, dear brother, been built up and established in Christ, or do you reject him like the rulers of the Jews, not recognizing the great, strong love of God in Christ?

PRAYER: O Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Savior who works today among the peoples of the world, raising up thousands of believers and building Your church in our hearts. Help us be faithful to You and not reject the drawing of Your Spirit, so that Your spiritual temple may be completed, and You may be its intended Head.

QUESTION:

  1. What was the significance of Peter’s address before the chief priests?

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