Acts 4:5-12 (NRSV)
Read Acts 4:5-12 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, Verse 6with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. Verse 7When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" Verse 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, Verse 9if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, Verse 10let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. Verse 11This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' Verse 12There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."
Devotion
We have three girls within 5 years of one another, and when they were younger, had many arguments or conversations with them about who was in charge. Who did their work the best? Who finished first? Who was most in trouble?
Peter and John might have had similar conversations as they went around talking about this man, Jesus, telling them that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead! On top of that, when they healed a crippled man, they landed in jail. The elders and chief priests challenged them, asking by what power have you done this? How can you be in charge? By power of the Spirit, Peter boldly proclaims that no matter how they perceive it, it is by power of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified, but whom God has raised from the dead, this man has been healed. Indeed, salvation is through Him. Indeed, Christ is in charge.
Prayer
Dear Savior, may your power continue to break through in all things great and small. May we live our lives in the confidence that you are with us always. Amen.