Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

After putting the disciples in jail, the rulers now want to know how they performed the miracle. It seems as if the Jewish rulers did not adhere to the concept of “innocent until proven guilty”. Furthermore, it is hard to find any real Jewish law they broke.

Jail did not deter them, it emboldened them. As we see the story of the healing of this lame man play out, we find that Peter was filled with the Spirit of God. The words he spoke were impacted by God’s Spirit. I think this is very notable, as it is one of the things we can count on — when we are serving God in an all-out manner, sacrificing our very livelihoods, freedom, etc. to spread the gospel, then God will show up in force to speak truth and point people to Jesus.

Peter and John just had to keep the right mindset — God’s kingdom priorities take first place!
The Jewish leaders noticed something very peculiar about Peter and John: they were not advanced in earthly knowledge, degrees or learning. They were common, working-class men. Yet they spoke truth that was irrefutable and showed a boldness that was impressive. This silenced the leaders at this time. When Peter wrote his books, quoted below, who knows if maybe he was referring to this interaction? “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (I Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭17‬)

What am I focused on in the moments of injustice? Is it my rights or the unfairness I experience, or am I willing to refocus on God’s work in the storms of life?

Peter called out the belief of the Jewish leaders, by quoting a verse from Psalm 118:22, a prophecy: “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone”. Jesus was rejected, but now, I am accepted. The only way to God the Father is through Jesus!

Lord, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross for me, your equipping of the disciples, and the words you inspired them to write down in our Bible. Help me to be bold for you and not flinch!