Peter and James were arrested and the fruit from Peter’s two messages were about 5000 people. All of the credit was going to God in the name of Jesus yet those who opposed were offended and tried to stop the work of God. That’s like trying to stop a river. We must all come to the point where we say “whose directions do we listen to God or man? It may even be in a spouse, close friend or family member that we find opposition. Then when we choose to follow the Lord, seek His direction praying alone and with other believers is when God shakes things up and reveals His power over the circumstances. Choose to trust Him in all areas even with your possessions and you will find His presence and provision in every area.
In His name,
Dan
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There was quite a lot packed into this chapter! vs. 4, in spite of the fact that Peter and James were arrested, thousands of people accepted Christ. It proves how God turns bad things for good. Then in vss. 8-16, in a moment of great pressure as Peter is being attacked by the high priests, he is filled with the Holy Spirit and overwhelmed the rulers, so that they are dumb-founded. Proving that in difficult situations, God always speaks through us if we will let Him. I love that the high-priests were overly concerned with the people (vs17)... it gives light to the fact that their religion was just that: religion, and not something they took personally.
Am i correct in thinking that vs. 25-26 are references to Psalm 2:1-2? The wording is a little different, but caries a similar meaning. And then finally at the close of the chapter, we see a plain demonstration of how God answers the prayer of His people. They asked for boldness in speech to continue the work and the carrying out of the Gospel, and God instantly provided them with boldness through the Holy Spirit. Ask and we will receive... we have not because we ask not. And then at the end of the chapter we see yet another example of how the early church worked and operated together. Perfect image of the body of Christ working together as a whole body, and not as individuals.
Sorry it took so long to get back. That is correct. Vs. 25 & 26 are referring to the prophecy in these passages. I believe the Lord gave them the insight to know and understand all of these things. Then they sought Him for how they were to respond.
No problemo! :) And yes, I agree that God, through the Holy Spirit, filled these men with knowledge to speak... the power behind their words tells us this. It's a great thing to know that if we allow Him, God will speak through us in difficult situations.
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