Acts 4:3-12 (New International Version)
3They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
5The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?"
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11He is
" 'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the capstone.a]">[a]'b]">[b] 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Probably no one in this story was as surprised as Peter. Remember, this is ta same person who talked boldly about following Christ to his death but then denied Jesus only hours later. Not the picture of the most effective follower. But look at Peter in today's Scripture passage. He is bold, he's preaching, he isn't afraid of being thrown in jail. Something is different--but what? The presence of the Holy Spirit is what changed Peter. Yes, he still made mistakes; but he had the power to stay faithful because he was relying on the Holy Spirit, not on himself. See the difference between Spirit-led living and just trying to do your best?
When you're challenged or tempted, do you turn to God for help?
Do you really believe the Holy Spirit will empower you?
Ask God to make the power of the Holy Spirit very real and present in your life.
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