Acts 4:13 ERV
The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But they also saw that they were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. They also realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
Like Peter and John, I do not have any special training nor do I have the self-confidence to go up to a stranger yet alone my pre-believing friends to tell them about Jesus. Although I have been attending church since I was a toddler, I am powerless on my own. The only one who can enable me is the Holy Spirit. He works through me.
In the preceding verses, the Jewish teachers, elders, leaders and members of the high priest's family questioned Peter and John after healing and delivering of a long-crippled man (Acts 3). "Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them..." (Acts 4:8a ERV)
This was possible because prior to this miracle, the power of God came to rest on those whom gathered together on the day of Pentecost, which just passed about over a week ago. In verses 3 to 4 of chapter 2, it is mentioned, "They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this."
This was a promise established by Jesus. In Matthew 10:16-20 (MEV), Jesus said, "Look, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought of how or what you will speak. For it will be given you at that time what you will speak. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks through you."
So it will be as if I am speaking confidently and without fear but it is the Spirit that enables me to do this.
I pray that I will continue to receive His Spirit in all circumstances, not just in times when I need to confront my friends about the truth but in living everyday. I can never get enough of You, Lord!
The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But they also saw that they were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. They also realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
Like Peter and John, I do not have any special training nor do I have the self-confidence to go up to a stranger yet alone my pre-believing friends to tell them about Jesus. Although I have been attending church since I was a toddler, I am powerless on my own. The only one who can enable me is the Holy Spirit. He works through me.
In the preceding verses, the Jewish teachers, elders, leaders and members of the high priest's family questioned Peter and John after healing and delivering of a long-crippled man (Acts 3). "Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them..." (Acts 4:8a ERV)
This was possible because prior to this miracle, the power of God came to rest on those whom gathered together on the day of Pentecost, which just passed about over a week ago. In verses 3 to 4 of chapter 2, it is mentioned, "They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this."
This was a promise established by Jesus. In Matthew 10:16-20 (MEV), Jesus said, "Look, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought of how or what you will speak. For it will be given you at that time what you will speak. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks through you."
So it will be as if I am speaking confidently and without fear but it is the Spirit that enables me to do this.
I pray that I will continue to receive His Spirit in all circumstances, not just in times when I need to confront my friends about the truth but in living everyday. I can never get enough of You, Lord!