“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”“
Acts 2:38-40

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SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

When reading Acts 2, one of the most striking things I notice is the change in Peter. Less than two months before, the man had confidently told Jesus “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33), only to deny even knowing Him. At the beginning of Acts 2, we see him quietly tucked away in a room with the rest of the believers.

And then came the Holy Spirit.

Once filled with the Spirit, Peter unapologetically proclaims the gospel of Jesus to the crowd gathered outside, even though some of them were mocking the disciples. To this group of Jews from all around the known world, Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah, undeterred by concerns that the crowd might respond negatively.

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

But the Holy Spirit was at work in the hearts of those in the crowd as well. When the people heard his words, they were “cut to the heart.”  3,000 of those gathered believed Peter’s message and were baptized.

There might be times when we feel timid or intimidated to proclaim Jesus as Lord. But the Holy Spirit that filled Peter with boldness is the same Holy Spirit that fills and empowers us today. With His help, we can boldly live for Christ and proclaim the good news.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Have you ever felt timid when presented with an opportunity to proclaim the gospel?
  • How does Peter’s transformation encourage you?
  • How does the Holy Spirit empower us to share the gospel and fill us with boldness?

 

Church Reading Plan: Ezekial 8; Psalm 46-47