Energized by Pentecost and the early response to their message of repentance and baptism, the apostle continue by healing and preaching, as Jesus did.
First Peter heals a crippled beggar "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth."
Peter follows with another sermon, invoking Jesus power, and also linking Jesus to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and also to the suffering servant in Isaiah. Peter repeats his Pentecost message, exhorting the people to repent - to turn, or change one's mind - and turn to God.
As the new Christians will frequently do, Peter and John have upset the authorities, in this case the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection of the dead. They are hauled before the Council, and asked by what authority they preach and teach.
"By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified," says Peter.
Not two months earlier Peter had been denying that he even knew Jesus, much less that he was a follower. Now he boldly proclaims that Jesus has given the power to heal, that he is the Messiah for whom the people of Israel have been waiting.
 |
| Peter and John before the Council |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave your thoughts about this reading in the comments. Because of spammers, comments required approval.