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
Something inside of Peter changed when the reality of Jesus' resurrection set in. It was only a few weeks earlier that Peter had denied Jesus in the temple courtyard. Today's scripture reading describes him standing in front of the same Annas and Caiaphas as he did at Jesus' trial, but now proclaiming the power of Jesus' name. His belief in Jesus as the salvation of the world gave Peter the strength he needed to be bold in both his actions and his words, even at the risk of being condemned. These actions included carrying on Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick and tending to those on the margins of society, which is what caught the attention of the religious leaders of his time. As we are living into the Easter season, may we also find ourselves emboldened by the empty tomb to carry on Jesus' work, not fearing the risks, but trusting in the healing power of Jesus' name.
Prayer
Saving God, guide us as we seek to follow Jesus boldly. We pray for open eyes to see the needs of those around us and gentle hearts as we seek to do your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.